'He was truly our chief': Newmarket and Aurora Fire Chief Ian Laing honoured at funeral

Central York Fire Service's first joint firehall will be named in Laing's honour

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 13, 2023
Lisa Queen

Hundreds of firefighters and other first responders, family, friends, residents, politicians and municipal staff packed the Ray Twinney Recreation Complex on Dec. 12 for the funeral of Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing, who died peacefully in his sleep on Nov. 30

The ceremony began with an honour march along Eagle Street to the complex, where Laing was remembered for his 48 years of dedicated firefighting service, his love of his wife Deborah, family and loved ones, his commitment to the Be A Hero Head Shave campaign supporting Southlake Regional Health Centre’s pediatric oncology clinic, his laugh and enjoyment of a good joke, his signature moustache, his need for speed on his Harley Davidson motorcycle and in his Corvette and many other qualities that made him a beloved member of the firefighting family and the community.

At the service, Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas revealed Central York’s 4-5 firehall, a state-of-the-art station built in northern Aurora as the department’s first joint firehall serving Aurora and Newmarket, of which Laing was so proud, will be named in the chief’s honour.

HERE'S WHAT SOME OF THE SPEAKERS AT THE FUNERAL HAD TO SAY ABOUT LAING

Officiant Terry Mouland: Heavenly Father, Lord, you know that this is a difficult day in our community. We’re missing a voice that assured us help would come whenever the alarm sounded. You sent Ian Laing into our lives to lead us, to inspire us and to help us feel safe. And suddenly, in the silence of the night, this voice disappeared. But Lord, you told us You would never leave us so we pray now for a comforting presence as we gather as a community of support to lift up his family, to remember Ian’s life and service for others.

Premier Doug Ford: I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Chief Laing but it’s clear from the stories I’ve heard, from the outpouring of tributes, he was loved and respected by so many people. For almost five decades, Chief Laing courageously dedicated himself to the fire service for the safety and well being of others. His love for firefighting was indisputable. It was his passion, it was his life. He had a reputation for being a great leader, a mentor and a coach for so many firefighters ... Many remember him for his kindness and empathy. I’m told he had a unique sense of humour, always quick with a one-liner to lighten the mood and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner: He was an example of how to live with purpose ... Chief Ian Laing was an original. He was a good man, a man of character, a man who respected in his profession deeply and was respected equally in return.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor: I can barely get my mind around that figure of 48 years of service as a firefighter and first responder. Forty-eight years dedicated day in and day out to the safety of others. Forty-eight years of working with other firefighters, whose personal safety depend on the entire team working together and looking out for each other. Forty-eight years of mentoring, guiding and serving. Forty-eight years of personal sacrifice and personal risk for the betterment of all. Forty-eight years of service ... He was truly our chief.

Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas: Chief Laing’s passing is undoubtedly an enormous loss for our entire community. We have lost a true leader, a courageous public servant, whose mission was to protect and save lives and train and inspire others to do the same.

Ontario Fire Marsh John Pegg, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs president Rob Grimwood and funeral celebrant, friend and former Newmarket CAO Bob Shelton also spoke of Laing’s dedicated service and warm character.