Ian Carmichael Chard died unexpectedly of natural causes in his home on April 14, 2022 at the age of 75 years. He leaves behind his best friend and beloved wife of 40 years, Erin, his son Anthony (Shauna) and daughter Aleta (Loren), and adorable grand-daughters Micah and Della.
Ian grew up and spent most of his life in Victoria BC and surrounding area. He had many strong connections to old friends and deep roots in the city. Ian’s early years included many great memories on Hobbs Street with siblings Anne, Kath, Mary and Wilson. Limitless play and exploration in the Cadboro Bay ‘back 40’ with sibs and neighbourhood buddies, led to lifelong relationships and a love of cars, boats, cold beer, and Elvis. His years in the oil-patch brought further lifelong connections, happy memories and a love for red meat and good barbeque.
Ian was extremely family oriented, and his deeply responsible nature provided comfort and security to his loved ones. One of his happiest environments was his family’s cabin near Brentwood on the Saanich Peninsula. Many a hot summer afternoon was spent coaching water-skiers and driving the boat for all the children of the next generation, whose common refrain was “Thanks for the ski, E!” For both the skiers and non-skiers in the group, the refrain became a metaphor for “Thanks for the unwavering reliability and loyalty.”
He had a tough exterior, but to those who knew him well his loyalty and steady presence were a calm berth in a storm. Lucky were those who received his trademark Chard grin, which could light up the room.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
14 Responses
Dear Erin and family. I am so sorry for your loss of Ian. I too will miss his laugh and his happy personality but mostly I will always remember his kind heart. He was one of a kind.
John Lund
Ian was one of a kind. When the English language didn’t suit him he made up his own words that more aptly suited his view of the world around him. After living together as bachelors on the Saanich Peninsula we worked together for many years. He was an important part of the success of Commercial Crane. Taken from us too soon but leaving deep footprints, he will not be easily forgotten!
To Erin and family, while we haven’t seen you in a very long time (SJD days), I remember you well. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I had a wonderful conversation with Ian when Kathy passed away. Sending love …………
Doris Johns
To Erin & the family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the great times we had out at the cabin. Ian was always there to give us a pull behind the boat and a few lessons so we didn’t drink to much salt water. Those good memories are the reason I’m still out on the water as much as possible today. He always made time for us kids and I will never forget that.