Ian Blackwood Donald | Eastern NC Now

    Ian B. Donald, 76, completed his final journey on July 3, 2026, and has now traveled the Highway to Heaven.

    A celebration of life will be held at Christ Vision Church on Friday July 10, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

    He is deeply missed by his soulmate and life partner, Brenda Linton; his "stepchildren", Lorinda Mason, Kimberly Bergman, and Rachel King; and his beloved step-grandchildren, Ashley Alison King, Mia Esquibel, Sarah Pierce, Emily Bartee, and Kaitlin Mason. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Mattingly, and a cousin, David Blackwood; as well as many dear friends. He is predeceased by his father Joseph Blackwood, his mother Mary Blackwood, and a cousin Johnny Blackwood. Ian will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

    Ian's career goal was to become a history teacher. But one day, he saw an advertisement in the newspaper for a semi-truck. He bought that truck, and his life direction changed forever. He often laughed and said that he "learned to drive it on the way down the mountain."

    That truck was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with the open road. Ian traveled the highways and back roads of America and Canada, seeing places and experiencing the beauty, ruggedness, and peace of this world in a way few people ever do. Trucking wasn't simply his job-it was in his blood.

    The years Ian and Brenda shared together were filled with adventure. Brenda spent many miles beside him in the truck, and together they traveled to places that most people only dream of seeing. Their greatest adventure was their road trip from Florida to Alaska; a journey they often reminisced about. They loved sharing memories of their travels and treasured every moment spent with their grandchildren.

    In recent years, their favorite pastime was enjoying the wildlife around their retirement home in Aurora, North Carolina. Ian especially loved watching the baby birds hatch in a nest on the front porch. He delighted in seeing the mother bird feed them and then watching the young birds spread their wings and learn to fly.

    Ian was a patent, gentle, and loving "stepdad" and grandfather who loved his family and loved the commotion when the family was around. He was true and loyal to his friends. Those who knew him know the goodness and generosity of his heart.

    And now, Ian has taken one final trip.

    We imagine him resting peacefully at Heaven's truck stop, his rig parked, a hot cup of coffee in hand, watching over those he loves and waiting until they are all together again.

    Though his earthly journey has ended, the miles he traveled, the stories he told, and the love he gave will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.

    Until we meet again, 10-4, good buddy. Keep the coffee hot and save us a seat.

    Paul Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving Ian's family.