Our beloved Ian passed away while we were visiting our family in Fairfax, Virginia, to attend and celebrate our eldest grandson’s graduation. He is survived by his wife Robyn, children Troy (Kathryn), Jay (Jocelyn), Shani (Jeff) and grandchildren Dylan, Brandan, Faun and Logan. He also leaves his sister Margaret (Glen) brother Bob (Lily), cousins Eleanor, John and Geoff (Janet), as well as several nieces and nephews and many friends.
Ian was the best of dads who loved his family with a passion, always kind, gentle and supportive of all of us. He had a fine career with the BC Provincial Government, hired straight out of BCIT. He loved to be at home, often working on cars, especially his Morgan+4 and his Mum’s Corvair. He was always busy; fixing anything broken, building, inventing, experimenting, gardening. Working in our front yard, he talked to all the people passing by and became well known in our Saanich Panhandle neighborhood. We were often told “Ian is the nicest man I ever met!”. He was a great communicator who checked in with friends and extended family every few days, with long telephone chats that kept us all connected.
We had wonderful family holidays, camping all over Vancouver Island. He taught our kids how to fish, catch crayfish and crabs and hike in the forest, and build blazing campfires. He told stories of his encounters with ghosts and UFOs.
After retiring, we traveled to England, Scotland and Wales, France, Spain and Portugal, and Mexico. At home, Ian enjoyed coffee breaks at Oak Bay Marina with great friends who were his classmates at Oak Bay High School.
In all our 52 years of marriage, and 50 years in our “starter” house, we have been content and happy together, with our children growing up, and bringing their children. A life well lived. Dearest Ian, we will hold you tight in our memories and our hearts.
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
Robert Burns
A Celebration of Ian’s Life, will be held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Sunday, October 16, 2022 at 2:00pm, with a reception to follow.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Heather Baxter
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Denise Neigel Ian was one of the most fearless, kind and caring individuals I ever had the pleasure of knowing. His vision and ideas were boundless. The memory of his leadership and innovation on the “Palm tree” escapade shall be with me forever. My deepest condolences to his family as he is gone too soon and too suddenly, with hopes that the beautiful memories you made with Ian will bring you all comfort in time.
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Sheila Olson I only knew Ian for a short time when we both worked for Heritage Conservation in the Draughting department. He was a kind & caring man, always with a smile on his face. Ran into him somewhere in town, years later & he was just the same. So sorry for your loss.
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Robyn Whitbread Thank you all so much for your heartfelt messages. Ian loved his family and friends and always wanted to be in touch. He really knew how to make a good life. Our children and I were so lucky to share it!
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Maureen Fanthorpe He was such a part of my memories is the 1962 trip to Europe.
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Rhianna Barr-Beaumont Such a kind man…love to you Robyn, Shani and family
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Debi Lewis I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Ian. Your fond words say it all … and he will be dearly missed. Sending hugs and love to your family and friends. xo
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Debra McCormick As soon as I met Ian, I knew I was privileged to know him. His warmth, kindness, curiosity and intelligence always led us down lovely paths as we chatted and visited – not often enough.
My deepest condolences go to each of his loving family. You were blessed with him
And I am sorry he had to leave you so soon.
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LowellAnn Fuglsang To Robyn and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. You have so many great memories of Ian that I am sure will stay with you all forever.
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Doris Lundy To Ian’s family.
So sad to hear of his passing. He was one of the best things about the Archaeology Branch – always helpful, kind and patient and he had a lovely sense of humour. I remember fondly our discussions of X-files, etc., and the larger world outside Government jobs. While you and his many friends will grieve at his passing we should all be grateful for having him in our lives.
Doris Lundy, Metchosin.
To Robyn, Shani and families
I was so sorry to hear of our loss. I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Ian well but I have heard what a special fellow he was from so many people. Dwell in your wonderful memories.