Fr. Ian Mackintosh OMI, RIP
Ian Joseph Mackintosh was born on the 7th November 1939, in Geelong, Victoria, and was educated at St Joseph’s College Geelong.
He joined the Oblates in 1959 at Sorrento, and did his scholasticate studies at Cedara, South Africa, from 1959 to 1965; he obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Africa. He was ordained in Geelong, on the 8th December 1965.
Fr Ian’s first obedience was to teach at Mazenod College, Lesmurdie, arriving there in 1966, its first year. He became Rector in 1973, and subsequently was Rector, Mazenod College Mulgrave from 1978 to 1983. Then in 1984 it was back to Mazenod College, WA as Head of Religious Education for nearly 6 years, before a final school appointment teaching at Iona College until the end of 1992.
He then moved in to parish work, with 12 years at St John Vianney’s, Springvale North, firstly as assistant Parish Priest, then as Parish Priest. From 2005 to 2010 he was Parish priest at Sorrento, then spent 6 years as Parish Priest of Dernancourt before his final appointment in 2017 as Parish Priest of Sorrento.
True to his down to earth nature, Fr Mack spent his 3 month sabbatical in 2016 supplying in Geraldton diocese, as acting Parish Priest of Newman, Tom Price and Paraburdoo, driving many kilometres through the outback, ministering to miners, their families, and aboriginals, assisted by Josephite sisters. All in all an experience he enjoyed.
In January 2020 he retired to Camberwell community house. He died suddenly at Camberwell on the morning of February 19, 2021.
Affectionately known as “The Bear”, Ian was a passionate sportsman, loved Richmond AFL team (wore Richmond socks) and disliked umpires and referees. A great reader who loved history and politics, he was passionate about the Oblates and the Church, prepared his sermons in great detail, loyal and steadfast. He was a home body, who did not like sleeping away; gregarious, great company, and honest. He saw the best in people, was kind, and responded to needs.
We thank God for Fr Ian’s faithful service to the Australia Province and Church for over 55 years.