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