Ian Geoffrey Robin MacLaury, an artist and illustrator of great whimsy, and prolific philatelist, had his final closing in the morning of Monday, July 6, 2009, at the Westerly Hospital, surrounded by family, dear friends, and life companion, Kathleen Harkins. His struggle with cancer was conducted with great courage and stoicism, greater, perhaps, than loved ones may have wished.
Born on Jan. 6, 1952, in Charlottesville, Va., Ian grew up in Manhattan, attended some of the best preparatory schools on the east coast, and cemented his calling at the Art Student's League of New York. A member of MENSA, the Salamagundi Club of New York, Westerly Artist's Cooperative, and the Association of Marine Artists; he was also listed in the New York Social Register.
His vast body of work included the design and illustration of more than 500 postage stamps for 17 different countries, as well as hundreds of paintings, marked by exhaustive research and painstaking detail. Ian's art has appeared internationally, in galleries, books, magazines, and newspapers. His recent works centered around his eccentric humor and delight in puns. Gorillas, tropical fish, and Barbie dolls were highly recognizable at art shows from Maine to Florida, including the annual Mystic Outdoor Art Festival.
Ian was much loved and admired for his prodigious talent, uncommon intellect, and quirky humor. Blending easily in all crowds, whether wearing paint splattered shorts, seersucker or a tuxedo, he found the words to engage any individual into detailed, knowledgeable conversation.
He is survived by his mother, Daphne Riley, of Santa Fe, N.M.; his sister, Timothea Sampson, her husband, David, and children, Travis Comstedt, Ben and Jeremy Sampson; his sister, Celia Strebendt, and her family Chuck, Nicolas, Christoher and Robert Strebendt. Ian also leaves behind his life's love, Kathleen Harkins, and a myriad of friends encompassing artists, sailors, and admirers from all elements of society.
Ian was predeceased by his sister, Diana Johnson, and step-father, Edgar Riley.
Please join us for a service at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 10, at the Calvary Church, 27 Church St., Stonington, followed by a celebration of his extraordinary life, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the LaGrua Center, 32 Water St., Stonington.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with his family, please click the link below.