A native
of Barrie, Ontario, Ian makes his home in nearby Orillia with wife Mary-Jo and sons
Spencer and Duncan.About Us
A native
of Barrie, Ontario, Ian makes his home in nearby Orillia with wife Mary-Jo and sons
Spencer and Duncan.
From childhood, Ian developed a fondness for trains during family trips to witness CNR steam excursions and photograph railway stations. Following graduation from Queen’s University in 1984 with a degree in civil engineering, Ian worked as an engineer, mathematics tutor and public speaking consultant. Finding limited fulfillment in those occupations, Ian turned to his childhood passion in 1996 by writing his first of many magazine articles on historic railway operations. His first (and award-winning) book Steam at Allandale followed in 1998. Ian attributes the popularity of his writing to his ability to deliver technical information through the medium of storytelling.
Over the years, Ian has cultivated a parallel interest in railway modeling, with numerous published articles on that subject. He enjoys constructing miniature versions of favourite scenes and rolling stock depicted in his books. Ian also builds scale models of Second World War aircraft and armour with his two sons.
While Ian is the creative force behind the family's publishing business, Mary-Jo homeschools the boys, runs the household, fills book orders, teaches piano and directs a children's choir. Among other pursuits, the family enjoys searching for the elusive pileated woodpecker while hiking in the woods.
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