UFH: Ian Mackenzie

[Karthik]

What can I say about Ian? I've worked with Ian for the past seven years. We began as high school students in 1998 (I was in grade 13, Ian a lowly grade 10). As one of the team veterans, I was always tentative to let go, and trust younger students with important jobs. Ian changed my outlook on this. His mechanical genius (yes, i do mean genius) was to bright to ignore. It was obvious that Ian was going to become a star. Over the years, Ian was responsible for many of the most creative (four big balls in 2001) and efficient designs, not only in Canada, but in all of FIRST. In 2002 he was responsible for the 6 drive motor monstrosity that was blizzard 3. He came up with this revolutionary design as a college freshmen!

Ian is by far the most gifted designer that I have ever had the pleasure of working with. When I realized that both Ian and I had been hired by GM, to lead Team 1114, I jumped nearly 40 inches in the air. Once I knew Ian was on board, success was inevitable. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold.

While working with Team 1114, Ian and I lived together. During the initial design of SimSwerve, our 2004 drive system, Ian went a period of 38 hours without sleep. He stationed himself at his dual monitor terminal, and designed, and designed. I tried to stay up with him, but to no avail. Eventually I had to leave, because he repeatedly threatened my life. (All in good fun) Having the chance to run a team with Ian was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The four months which made up the 2004 Season will never be forgotten.

Ian's involvement in FIRST is not just restricted to Robot Design. He is an amazing recruiter, which can be seen by the successes achieved by himself in Mark Breadner in helping the Canadian Regional grow. We are currently working together to extend this success to the Waterloo Regional.

Despite Ian's overwhelming genius, he has one quality that's even stronger. Ian is the most dedicated person I know. Ian let's nothing come between himself and his priorities. This does not only apply to FIRST, but academics and his friends. Ian is the kind of person who will always go out of his way to help someone. I consider myself lucky to have him as a roommate, a colleague, a teammate and most of all a friend.

I could go on for hours with stories about Ian, but I'll leave it at this. Congratulations Ian, on a well deserved honour.

Your friend,
Karthik

[Holtzman]

Let me tell you about the first time i met Ian. I was one of two students from 1114 attending a seminar mobility systems. I walked in and remembered thinking to myself "What a dork". My opinion Ian soon changed though. It was our rookie year, and i hadn't really been exposed to FIRST at all. I didn't even know what gracious professionalism was. Ian changed all that. Of all the mentors I had, I think Ian taught me the most, not just about robot design(which was alot), but also what it means to be FIRST. I can't thank him enough for all he did for me and for 1114.

One thing I remember clearly from that first seminar I attended. He showed a video of Wildstangs 2002 robot, and its strafing system, and I remember him saying how very difficult it was to construct a strafing system. Then one year later and 6 weeks later, we shipped the first Canadian strafing robot. And I don't care what anybody says, 6 motors is cool and all, but not as cool as going sideways. Ironically enough, Ian designed the two coolest drive systems in FIRST Canadian history.
(188's hexadrive and 1114's simswerve)

[DCA Fan]

Congrats Ian, though I prefer the pic Karthnik posted to the UFH one above

[Greg Perkins]

Hey congrats Ian!!!

Heres to you from all of your friends, soon-to-be-friends, and admirerers from New Hampshire!!!!!


What an awesome accomplishment!!!

Whoopie!!!!

[Josh Hambright]

Congrats Ian, I dont know you personally but from your nomination says, you sure do deserve this.

[Derek Bessette]

Congrats Ian!!

It's nice to see that your amazing and commitment doesn't go unrecognized.

I also met Ian for the first time in 2002 during a seminar he was putting on for the 2003 season. I don't remember all the questions I had asked him that day, but I know he had an answer for all of them. The seminars that he put on that year (which are available on the GTR website) helped Simbotics have a successfully rookie season. We were so impressed that we decided to hire him for a co-op term here at GM in St. Catharines. I had the opportunity to work with Ian during the 2004 season as he and Karthik led our team to a record breaking year.

Ian is a great example for students and mentors to follow. His design skills speak for themselves, but what really puts Ian head and shoulders above so many (other than his height) is his effort in everything he does. Whether it be helping out other teams, working on a design, or just trying to be the best person he can.

Ian works very hard to represent FIRST and it's values.

Congratulations and good luck!!

I see a Woodie Flower's Award in your future. Especially if you find yourself a team and stick with them for a while!!! I nominate 1114!

[Ken Patton]

Mr. Ian Mackenzie....

Congratulations! You are one of the great examples of why FIRST is important to corporations in the U.S. and Canada. Where else can the companies come to events where there are thousands of motivated engineers-to-be, meet them, see their work, and get to know them? When a student (like you!) shows year after year a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, hard work, results, and graciousness, it is possible to say (as a bunch of others have done in this thread) that we *know* you are going to continue to be an incredible success.

Its been an honor to know you these past several years. Way to go!

Ken

[colt527]

Yes, I agree this is WELL deserved. The entire team 1114 were extremely gracious and nice. We had the privilege of playing with and against them at the SBPLI Long Island regionals. We had a great time being your partner for 1 match (even though we lost X_x). You guys were also one of the teams who go us through the entire competition. They helped us fix our robots arm after they accidentally flipped us off the ramp, and were always there for us if we got in a jam. You guys deserve all the recognition that you get!

Maybe see you guys in March at the next SBPLI regional.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Ian,
Congratulations! It is a pleasure to know that students like yourself are involved and helping make a better world. Keep up the good work.

[Mr. Lim]

Ian,

I've known you since 1998, and never once did I doubt that you were THE BEST!

Congratulations!

And don't get too comfortable, because I'm sure this is just the beginning of even more great things to come.

-Shawn

P.S. You're making Karthik and I feel old... hahaha

[rourke]

Well, I like to think I can spot talent. Looks like I might have been right about this guy. Congratulations Ian! When I look into my crystal ball, I can see a bright future for you. Definitely a future Woodie Flowers Award Winner. And with his engineering skill and intellectual capacity, I think he's also a future Woodie Flowers.

[Rich Wong]

Congratulations Ian!

Canada High Schools and FIRST is very lucky to have someone like you.

Best wishes.

[The Paco]

i am honored to have traded team shirts with such an amazing FIRSTer! Ian has done great work with 188 and 1114, your contribution to the FIRST community is truly invaluable. your impact has indeed been felt all over north america.

thanks again for being such a great guy!!

[Andrew Rosselet]

Congrats Ian!
I have seen you involved with robotics since before grade 9, but never knew you were this comitted.

[Justin 188]

Wow, I'm terribly late on this.

I can say with complete resolve that the entire body of FIRST in Canada would not be where it is without Ian. Along with Mark Breadner, Roly Anderson, and a number of others who have already been credited for their amazing efforts, Ian has been a forerunner for so many of us growing up with FIRST in Canada.

How he keeps up with both school and FIRST simultaneously to the degree that he does is beyond me

Congrats Ian!