Peacefully at home on March 19, 2021 in his 91st year, in Victoria, B.C. Ian will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife Margaret, his sister Jean Chilcott, his children John (Juanita Berkhout), Stewart (Kaiulani), Boyd, Brian (Robin Jenkinson), and Barbara (Chris Stepien), and their mother Bonita M. Pyper, his nieces Alison (David) and Jenifer (Rob), as well as his grandchildren Gordon (Erica), Margaret, Kate (Robin), Bryn and Buddy, step-grandchildren Maria and Eric, and great grand children Kaleo, Adelaide and Fable. He was predeceased by his father, John Robert Pyper, 1969, and his mother, 1975, Mary Emelene (nee Service) Pyper.
Ian was born and raised in Kamloops attending Kamloops High School, before going on to study law at the University of British Columbia. Ian was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1955. He joined the law firm of Tysoe, Harper, Gilmour Grey in 1954 in Vancouver and practiced there until the late 1960’s. During that time he served for two years as Executive Assistant to the Honourable E. Davie Fulton, P.C., Q.C., federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 1957, rejoining the firm in 1960 and becoming a Partner in 1962.
During his teenage years Ian developed a life long attachment to the Progressive Conservative Party and a keen interest in Canadian politics, and with the guidance of his father and others he first assisted, then managed numerous political election campaigns for E. Davie Fulton, the Honourable John Fraser, P.C., O.C., O.B.C., C.D., Q.C., and Douglas Jung, C.M., O.B.C., C.D., M.P, the first Chinese Canadian to be elected to a legislature in Canada, as well as many others before and after his years in Asia with his final campaign being in 2008 in Victoria.
During the 1960’s Ian began a decades long career in Asia, by venturing to Hong Kong undertaking immigration law, followed by business relationships in the forestry sector that culminated in the family moving to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1970. Ian led a successful Canadian forestry venture in Malaysia for three years before moving to Singapore where he established an international legal advisory and consultancy practise covering South East Asia for companies from Europe, North American and Australia in the shipping, engineering, logistics and aviation sectors. He enjoyed significant success in Indonesia and established long lasting friendships and business relationships throughout the region.
During this time period he was married to Margaret and together they lived in Singapore. Ian continued with his consultancy work but more time was spent travelling visiting family in Canada and the UK. While in the UK he studied and obtained his Diploma in International Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution from Oxford University and worked to introduce the concept in developing Asian countries. More time was spent in London allowing Margaret to care for her mother and on her passing the decision was made to return to Victoria in 2005 and less travel.
Ian enjoyed his time here and mastered new skills with stocks and shares, all things political from international issues to local civic concerns. He was an avid reader closely following business trends and his favourite baseball team – the N.Y. Yankees.
Ian enjoyed his life. He was a mentor, friend and above all a gentleman. The family wishes to thank Dr. Geoff Inman, Perla and Elisangela for their support and caring during his last days.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ian to the BC Lung Association https://bc.lung.ca/about-us/make-donation or Victoria Hospice https://victoriahospice.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-donate/donate/ would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Garden
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John W Rae
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Blake Robert I am so very sorry to learn of Ian’s passing. I am grateful to have crossed paths with him during my time living in Victoria in the mid 2000s. He was a truly fascinating and learned man, and always willing to share stories and pass along this experience and advice to younger generations. Although it’s been many, many years since we last saw each other, I often thought of him with fond memories. Deepest condolences to his family as they celebrate his long and very fulfilling life.
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Joan ( Robinson) McMillan It has taken some time to collect my thoughts and to express what Dear Ian meant to me. He was a mentor and extraordinary friend, we shared so many political endeavours, Ian always the perfect gentleman, wise beyond words..and great sense of humour. I shall ways remember him and cherish our friendship…He was truly one of a kind !! My thoughts are with you Margaret.
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Jack McClintock Ian was a wonderful man. I met him years ago to discuss politics and he eventually encouraged me to run as a candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada in Victoria. His manner was very supportive and he continued to guide me through a successful nomination process as my campaign manager. I often reflect on the depth of his knowledge, his wisdom, and the many insightful conversations that we had over several years of friendship. I am so very grateful to have crossed paths with such an honourable and ethical man. He had a profound influence on my life. You are missed, my friend. Jack
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Brad Chappell Dear Margaret & Family,
Our sincere condolences from our family up here at the Ranch. Ian stands in delivery as a truly respected, admired and personally treasured gentleman which on his passing I wish we had more of here on this side with us. On our many chats over the years, he loved to hear the fading “cowboy ranch analogies” of life and politics, he would in turn regale us with stories of the Southern & Eastern continents, the people and their ways. Always bright, glass half full, I always looked forward to speaking or meeting up with him.
May God show him that old worn in trail, back up beyond the range,…where the grass runs green and deep!God Speed Ian
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John Gustafson Dear Margaret & family.
I am sorry to hear of Ian’s passing and extend my sympathies. He endured a lot or hardships health wise for many of the years I knew him. His perseverance through it all was very inspirational. I always enjoyed our discussions whether on the phone or in person. They were rarely brief and always interesting on many levels. While he was a man with great insight into many things he would be open to hear the opinions and perspectives I would offer. I can still picture him as he would pose a question or a thought and then sit back with a grin and twinkle in his eye to listen to my response. One of the greatest benefits I had as a wealth management advisor was getting to know a variety of extremely interesting people and Ian was one of the most memorable. Sincerely yours, John Gustafson
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Tim Travers So very sorry to hear of Ian’s passing – he was a good friend of mine and I very much valued his friendship and warmth of character. The world is a poorer place without him. I was lucky enough to know him for about 15 years and always enjoyed his company and his ideas. God speed, Ian. With very best wishes and much felt condolences, Tim Travers and Heather Travers.
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K and C Lylock Dear Margaret and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We feel truly privileged to have had you and Ian as wonderfully supportive neighbours.
Some of our favourite memories include his milestone celebrations, especially his 80th and ensuring that his elaborate 90th display was set up on the right lawn!
Ian always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and when you saw it, you knew his “jury” was still deliberating the decision of the topic being discussed.
He will be fondly remembered as the Sage of Topp Avenue.
With much love, many thoughts and prayers.
Keith and Cathie
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Bruce Hallsor Q.C. I was very saddened to learn of Ian’s passing. I will miss his e-mail missives, which kept us all informed of his latest discoveries and ideas. Ian was a giant in law and politics, and I was proud to know him and grateful to have him share some small pieces of his lessons and memories with me from time to time. His was a life well lived.
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Hank and JR Leis Our condolences to Margaret and the Pyper family. We always looked forward to Ian’s visits and will miss his wisdom and kindness. He was a true friend who provided us with advice and compassion whenever needed. The sadness we feel for his departure is difficult to bear.
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Janice Parviainen Duncan Aunt Marg
You know how fond mom and I were of Ian and his “politicking!”
I always appreciated his investment and stocks tips. He was always willing to help in any way he could.
We loved him dearly and his “all cheese” lunches. Probably why he had that beautiful skin.
So much love to you Aunt Marg.
Janice Mae and Nora Mae and all our families.
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Eunice Fiss I met Ian in his “Golden Years” during a Conservative Campaign; we became fast friends and shared many, many laughs up to the end. I adored this erudite, family man and to endeavour to describe him as a true and fine gentleman leaves a great deal to be desired! Ian, Margaret, your many family members and vast friends shall indeed miss you beyond words……..I know I shall. Thank you for allowing me to share a small part of your wonderful life; I am indescribably grateful. Margaret, Ian spoke of you so often to me that I understand your grief. May your God Bless you and yours and you are my friend for life, however, long or short. Thank you for simply being my friend. Eunice Fiss
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Mayo McDonough We met Ian and Margaret Pyper through the Churchill Society and quickly loved them both. Ian was a true admirer of the Great Man and a strong supporter of the Society and the Foundation. He could produce a Churchill quote at just the right time to enliven a conversation. His understanding and knowledge of politics was extensive, but his insights into the politicians were both profound and hilarious. He was a good friend and such fun to be around.
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Ted Haraldson It was with deep sadness when I received the news that Ian had passed away. To have had the privilege of knowing Ian though only for a few years was beyond words. Ian was a true mentor to many and shared his knowledge freely to all our benefit many times over. With deepest condolences to Margaret and all the Family. I, for one, will miss his sound advise and good humor which he shared openly these past years. Always and Forever, Ted & Frances Haraldson
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Betty Hubbard Dear Margaret,
Although I knew that Ian had been unwell for some time, I was still not ready to hear that he had left us. Both Michael and I enjoyed many long conversations with Ian about Asia and local and Canadian politics. I am so sorry that he will no longer be with us.
With Love, Betty
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Marilynne Keil Quite the life of accomplishments !
Meeting and chatting with Ian became an enjoyable part of my Victoria visits.
My sincere condolences to All. There is no doubt that he will be missed.
Margaret, John, and Juanita, you are in my thoughts.
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Ms E.W.Busser Dear Margaret and Family.
I was shocked when you sent me the e-mail. I’ve known Ian since the years in Indonesia and Singapore and later in Holland when I met you for the first time. I am glad that we always stayed friends and the visits to Canada were always very pleasant. I will write you a personal card. At the moment I am often with my sister (91) as you know. Take care of yourself. Many regards and much love. Beps.
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Anita Charlesworth Having known Margaret since we trained together as nurses, it was good to meet and get to know Ian and see how happy they were together. We stayed with them and really enjoyed our time together and exploring this lovely island.
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Sue Knight He was a very special person. With love and deepest sympathy to Margaret and the Pyper family. Thank you for sharing this obituary with me.
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Mary Lou Josey Dearest Marg
A most gentle and stellar man has left us all. The gift of his longevity will always be remembered and loved. The void and loss to you will be a new journey – but Ian will be with you along this path. I am so much richer because of you both.
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Glenn Radford I was deeply saddened by Ian’s passing. Ian was both a friend and a mentor; he possessed a wealth of knowledge and, in his last political endeavour, provided a much needed guiding hand to a fledgling BC Conservative party. Working with him during this time was an enriching experience. I will always remember him as a kind and helpful friend, for whom I’d do anything.
Ian had many, many friends, and will be truly missed for many years to come. Considering this, I believe Ian will always be with us.My fondest wishes and condolences to his wonderful wife, Margaret.
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Ian MacDonald Sincere condolences to Ian’s entire family. He was a true gentleman, an esteemed colleague and a very fine friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Lorraine and I were saddened to learn of Ian’s death and send our deepest condolences to Margaret and Family. I have known Ian since 1985 when we were both in SE Asia and much enjoyed the many occasions when our paths crossed in Singapore and Jakarta. He was “old school” and I was fortunate o have known him.