April 23, 1917 – May 30, 2013
Ian entered into His courts with praise in the early morning of May 30th, 2013. His transition to eternity was most peaceful and seamless, as we would expect of one who lived his entire earthly life as near the boundary as any mortal could. Teacher, mentor, musician, steadfast friend, adopted God parent and uncle to many, he was so good to us.
Requiem Mass, reception and Interment at 1:00pm. Friday, June 7th, 2013, at the Church he loved, St. Barnabas, 1525 Begbie Street. Condolences may be offered below.
12 Responses
We did not know of Ian’s passing until my wife was on the internet recently and thinking about him. I graduated from Shawnigan in 1953, and sang in the chapel choir during my five years at the School. Because of Ian I have never stopped singing and am still singing in my church choir, the Magnolia Chorale in Seattle, and the Seattle Symphony Chorale. We last saw Ian in Victoria in the late 90’s. We met at Christ Church Cathedral and had lunch together. We have a treasured photo taken in the restaurant. Except for my family, music is perhaps the most important part of my life, and Ian Galliford was the person most responsible.
Ian bridged many diverse communities. His musicianship and kindness were such a gift, His kindness to our two mothers as they were widowed meant more than words might convey, His willingness to play with our children on so many levels including music, and a peaceful spirituality.
Rest in Peace Ian
David and Nancy
Ian was organist and choir master at St. John the Divine in Victoria during the 1940s and I was one of his choir boys to practise with him every Saturday morning then sing the next day in church. Rev. George Biddle was the wonderful rector and Thelma Braybrooke was the lovely lady in charge of making the choirboys look respectable before service each Sunday. Ian was a magnificent young organist, a brilliant musician who was beloved by all who had the privilege and good fortune to encounter and to know him. May God bless this truly gracious and wonderful man.
Ian was a very accomplished musician and gentleman. We were privileged to have him substitute for our chapel organist during holidays and “busy times”. He will be greatly missed.
David McCall
President
McCall Bros. Funeral Directors Ltd
Sequoia Gardens Memorial Ltd
I had the exceptionally good fortune to know Mr. Galliford for my 9 years at Shawnigan Lake School (1955 to 1963). No matter how badly behaved we may have been, I did not once hear ‘Iggy’ utter a single word in anger. His grace and patience were endless. I believe all of us that attended S.L.S. feel blessed to have known him. May God bless his soul in a very special way.
Thank you Mr. Galliford for allowing me to read that poem to you. With fond memories…
Cory Kent
I only knew Ian for the few final days of this embodiment. I know he is going through a glorious Resurrection! How rich my life is for my moments with him.
Cory
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunwards I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds – and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hovering there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air,
Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of god.
High Flight by John Magee
Ian aka “Iggie” was one of the more reserved members of the Shawnigan Lake School staff in my time. Yet he was somebody who always held our respect because he commanded it — especially with his boxing background. Thank, Mr. Galliford, for being part of my early years.
Peter Roaf
Shawnigan Class of ’67
Ian Galliford was a master at Shawnigan Lake School when I was a student in 1959-1963. To me, he personified grace and dignity. Mr. Galliford was the choir master as well as a classroom teacher, and he taught young men to produce magnificent sounds that still resonate with me. “Iggy’s” personal tempo was different than most of the other masters, which showed me another way of seeing leadership and how one can inspire and teach. I am grateful for the influence of Ian Galliford in my life, and that made my seeing him a few months ago all the more meaningful. He was a wonderful man whom I am very proud to have known. “Palman qui meruit ferat.”
Alan Roaf
Former student
June 2, 2013,
Dear family of the late Ian Galliford,
I was sorry to learn of Ian’s death. On behalf of his colleagues in the RCCO, I express our deepest sympathy to you. His presence will also be missed among his many friends and colleagues. I know that Ian had been a faithful supporter of the College and actively involved in its activities for many years
Please accept this letter as our recognition that Ian’s death is a loss to the College as well.
May Psalm 23: 4 be of comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely yours,
Faye Grinberg
Registrar,
Royal Canadian College of Organists