Father Ian Charles Stuart passed away on April 9, 2026, in Victoria BC. He was born on May 27, 1952, in St. Boniface, Manitoba.
Father Ian was predeceased by his parents Dr. Frank G. Stuart and Beatrice E. Stuart and by his eldest brother Richard G. Stuart. Father Ian is survived by his brother Gordon F. Stuart (Nancy), by nieces Rebecca Stuart and Kathryn Macara (Paul); nephews Andrew (Tara), David (Catherine), Christopher (Rosellen), Alec (Ajaleigh) and numerous cousins.
Father Ian attended high school at Vancouver College, and he attended the University of Victoria where he earned a BA in German and a teaching diploma. He served as principal at St Thomas Aquinas high school in North Vancouver and later worked in the Vancouver Catholic School Board where he discerned his calling to the priesthood. In 1982 he began his Seminary studies at The Pontifical Beda College in Rome. He had the privilege to be the deacon to Pope John Paul II on one occasion. Father Ian was ordained to the priesthood in 1987 for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver.
He was the Pastor at St Francis of Assisi parish in east Vancouver and St Anthony parish in West Vancouver. He served as Assistant Pastor at Holy Rosary Cathedral and at St. Mary’s Church in Chilliwack.
Father Ian moved to Victoria in 2009 to care for his aging mother in her own home for 4 years until she passed away. During his time in Victoria, he worked as the hospital chaplain in the Victoria diocese. Father Ian is known for his kindness and pastoral approach to his ministry.
A Funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC on Friday, May 8th at 1:00 pm.
To live stream the funeral, click https://www.youtube.com/live/fRgrfkgkF5E.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace at https://devp.org/en/
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 2025 Napier Street, Vancouver, BC on Tuesday April 28 at 7:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Stuart” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
15 Responses
My heart is broken that the world has lost such a kind and gentle soul. Fr. Ian was my religion teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas in the mid 70s. He became principal in my final year of school 1977. He became a friend, an inspiration, and an adopted member of my family. Many hours spent sharing tea at my mom’s infamous tea table in North Vancouver. He was instrumental in helping my sister Pauline, our friend Martin create our dining club. Several ICPM meetings have left us with amazing memories of fun times together. He was a con-celebrate at my wedding in 1989. So blessed to have him in Chiliwack at that time. My last visit was just a few years ago in Victoria with Martin we held our final ICPM meeting. He will be missed here on earth, but I know he is watching over the hundred of us left here that loved him. Eternal peace my friend.
I was blessed to have known Fr.Ian in the the early 1990s. He was very kind and thoughtful.When I was a Travel Agent he came to see me to book a flight to London and to Rome. I remember driving to Chilliwack to deliver his tickets and we had lunch in the parish church! I also attended mass at.St. Francis of Assisi parish to visit and go for pizza on commercial drive with other parishioners!He will missed by many. Rest in the Lord’s arms Father Ian you will never be forgotten
We are grateful to God for having Fr. Ian as our pastor at St. Francis of Assisi (SFA) parish. He welcomed us with kindness and hospitality when we were new immigrants in Canada. Fr. Ian married us and conferred most of the sacraments for our children at SFA. We embraced parish life because of his great influence on us that’s why we even named our first-born child “Ian” (now 32 years old and happily married) after him. Our family have many beautiful memories with him at SFA parish.
Eternal rest grant unto your soul Fr. Ian…
Uniting our prayers with everyone else for a very good priest.
Andrew & Murita Chua
Father Robert Weaver
Priest for the Diocese of London
London, Ontario
I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Fr. Stuart in the 1990s, when he was pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in East Vancouver. I can still remember meeting him after a weekday Mass. He was a holy priest who took the time to listen to people and extend Jesus’ mercy and compassion to others. May Our Lord welcome him into his heavenly banquet. Rest in peace, Father.
Ian was a loving and devoted son to his mother. He dedicated his life in the service of others. He will be missed.
Love from your cousin Maureen Duggan
Father Stuart was our marriage priest at St. Francis of Assissi. We are so sad to hear of his passing. He was so gentle and kind, a true example of love, inner peace and strength, caring and faith in God. He also had a good sense of humor and made us feel at ease during our ceremony. We offer our condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace forever in heaven.
We got to know Fr. Ian during our time as, first, students, then newlyweds in Vancouver. He was a faithful priest and a wonderful friend to our extended family. We were sad to hear of his passing, but are certain he will rest in Peace.
Deacon Richard and Michelle Podgurski
Fr Ian will be remebered by many as very caring and all giving pastor and priest at St. Anthony’s West Vancouver. We were very privileged to get to know him and work with him.
I was saddened to hear that Fr. Ian had died, though I realize his last years were a trial. He had been my Vice Principal, teacher and friend. He gave much to St. Thomas Aquinas School, especially as Principal. I surprised him when I appeared at the Beda, for a visit and later at St. Charles where we shared a snack and sometimes walked/rolled on the sidewalk. These visits stopped after he apparently moved. I resolved to try to locate him only a week before I heard he had died, so the regrettable news came as a shock, although a somewhat expected one.
I’m sure his family will miss him, as he is no doubt missed by many.
You have my sincere condolences.
Fr Ian was a gentle soul always looking out for the good of others. It was a joy to work with him on many projects in the schools and the Office of Religious Education. May he Rest In Peace.