Our beloved Ian passed away peacefully on April 11, 2018 as the result of traumatic injuries sustained in the line of duty on September 22, 1987. Ian was a truly selfless and vibrant soul, husband, father, son, brother, friend, piper and Victoria police officer. His memory and legacy will be forever cherished by his loving and devoted wife of 45 years Hilary, dear son
Mark, eldest brother Pat, sister and brother-in-law Valerie and Bob Desmarais plus many other family members, countless friends and supporters. Ian will hold a special place in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. Ian was predeceased by his father Harry Jordan (Inspector RCMP Retired), mother Marion, brothers Don and Terry, father and mother-in-law Denis and Edna Lemon.
Ian was born in Arcola, Saskatchewan on March 5, 1952. The Jordan’s moved frequently in the early years. In 1955, the family relocated to Kamsack Saskatchewan. In 1956, they moved to Vancouver where Ian started school at Vancouver College. In 1960, they moved to Markham and then to Ottawa in 1963 where coincidently Hilary was living at the same time! In 1964, the family moved yet again to Regina, Saskatchewan where Ian attended Campion College. In 1965, the family settled in Victoria. At age 16 in the summer of 1968, Ian worked on an RCMP vessel which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Ian attended both Esquimalt and Victoria High School. Ian met Hilary at Vic High when she visited from Oak Bay High! They were inseparable from that day on! Following high school graduation Ian moved to Inuvik, NWT to work with his brother Pat. This did not deter Hilary who travelled to Inuvik to spend a month in the Arctic with him! Ian returned to Victoria in 1971 and moved with Hilary and her family to Camp Borden, Ontario where Hilary’s father LCdr. Denis Lemon RCN assumed duties as CO of CF Ammunition Depot Angus Ont. Hilary and Ian became engaged in Toronto in 1971 at the tender age of 19! Ian, Hilary and family returned to Victoria in 1972. Shortly after arriving back, Ian began working at Canadian Forces Ammunition Depot Rocky Point as a civilian employee.
Ian who loved playing the bagpipes joined the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipe and Drum Band in 1975 and enjoyed many ceremonial events and trips with the band until 1985. Ian decided to go back to school in 1978. He attended the University of Victoria as a mature student receiving his degree in Political Science in only two years. Ian continued his studies at the University of Victoria Law School, graduating in 1983. While in law school, Ian was chosen to join the Victoria Police Department’s student summer program which led him to join the Vic PD in 1984. He was one of four recruits selected from several hundred applicants. Ian enjoyed a rewarding yet short career until his tragic accident on September 22, 1987. Ian and Hilary’s son Mark Henry was born on June 2, 1986.
Mark was the light of Ian’s life. He was a doting hands-on dad who loved Mark with all his heart. He would be so incredibly proud of Mark for choosing to follow in his footsteps with a career in law. Mark obtained his degree in Political Science at the University of Victoria in 2011. He was accepted to the University of Alberta Law School in Edmonton in 2012 where he received his degree in 2015. Mark’s Bar Call Ceremony was held on September 9, 2016 proudly attended by family and friends from BC, Alberta and Ontario. Ian would be so happy to know that Mark is thriving in his career as a criminal defense lawyer in Edmonton. Mark is Ian’s greatest legacy.
Farewell dear Ian, we love you dearly and miss you more than words can say. We are so grateful for the past uncertain thirty years you shared with us. Ian, you made the ultimate sacrifice and we are so incredibly proud of you for always putting others before yourself. Your struggle is over, rest in peace – you have earned it! You were such a good and faithful servant. God Bless.
Ian’s family wish to thank all the doctors, nurses, caregivers and support staff who have lovingly cared for Ian during the past thirty years at Victoria General, Royal Jubilee, Gorge Road and especially and most notably Glengarry Hospital where Ian had resided since 2003. They were part of our family and ours theirs. Special thanks go to Ian’s physician Dr. Gary Nielsen who has helped care for Ian since the beginning. We are most grateful to the Victoria Police Department for their ongoing compassionate support.
Charitable Donations in Ian’s honour will be gratefully accepted to Cops for Cancer and/or Broken Promises Rescue Victoria. info@brokenpromisesrescue.com
Services:
A Police Honours Funeral will be held on Thursday April 19, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC. The Reverend Andrew Gates officiating.
Reception:
The Lion’s Den, Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street Victoria (following the service)
Arrangements entrusted to McCall Gardens.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
DEAR HILARY & MARK,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
REST IN PEACE IAN, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
WITH SINCERE SYMPATHY,
TOM & MARY DONALDSON
Dear Hilary and family,
I was the rep for Orlane Cosmetics at the time of Ian’s accident
I remember every time I was at the Bay or at Eaton’s talking with you or your sister Valerie, I was amazed how composed and strong you both were under such sad circumstances. I have thought of that time often and would like to send you and your family my deepest condolences.
Ann Dueck.
Dear Hilary and Mark,
I offer my deepest sympathy to you and your family. It has been a long journey for you all.
I first met Ian as a member of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Pipe Band. There was no doubt in my mind that he was one of a kind! I enjoyed his quick wit and sense of humour. He had the personality that drew people to him. In the latter years of my time with the CSR, I was also at UVic finishing my Political Science degree. Ian was a frequent contributor to our impromptu study group .His participation made the study of politics all the more palatable! He was engaging and valued the input of everyone regardless of their perspectives. In 1981 I graduated from UVIc and left the CSR due to my employment transfers. When I was in Victoria to see family and had the opportunity to visit the armoury on band nights, Ian was the one constant. He never changed. Intelligent, funny and engaging.
I will always remember him as a person with a genuine positive outlook on life and a person that took an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
Over the past 30 years Ian has never been forgotten. He is at peace now and looking out for us all. That is what Ian does.
Dear Pat,
Our condolences to you and your family. We always admired your dedication and kindness in your trips over to visit your Mom at Hart House and Ian at Glenngary. We hope you find some comfort knowing that your Mom was so proud of you as a son and brother.
Melanie and Bob
My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family Hilary.
I have fond memories of the Jordan family. Harry and my father
were in the RCMP together and that is how we all met. My brother Allan who passed away this January was a good friend of Ian’s and his brother Terry growing up. Ian will be missed but never forgotten.
Always in my thoughts
Judy
My sympathies and condolenses go out to Ian’s family. He is at peace.
Dear Hilary: My deepest condolences to you and your family. I have always held the highest respect and admiration for your courage and graciousness. Many years ago, we would connect with each other for the financial part of Ian’s hospital stay. Both Ian and yourself have always been present in my thoughts and prayers. Ian’s legacy in Mark, is a testament to the values both of you shared. I truly believe that Ian knows of your deep devotion and is so proud of Mark. With many blessings. Glenda.
Dear Hilary and family;
I know how treasured Ian was in your family, and Hilary, I was particularly impressed with the devotion and love you displayed over many, many years for your darling Ian. You had a most extraordinary experience caring for Ian while he lived with trauma in the world of brain injury. How amazing that you were able to carry on being such loving family members under the circumstances, being sure Ian had visitors every day. I wish you deepest condolences and peace in the days ahead, hoping you will be lifted up by the happiest of memories of the joy and love you shared before Ian’s accident and beyond. Much love, Daphne
Ian was one of my Pipers when I was Pipe Major of the Canadian Scottish Regiment. He was always full of fun and laughter and he combined it with a steadfast loyalty and dedication. He was always there to help others and especially those in need. He reminded me of the Pipers of the First World war who would go over the trenches and lead the men regardless of what happened to him. I was proud to know him and call him a friend. Elaine and I send our love and prayers to you Hilary and Mark.
Hillary, I am so sorry for the loss of Ian, a good friend, a stand up guy who changed the direction of my life.