It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved, husband, father, and grandfather. Ian was predeceased by his father, Derek Manners. Left behind to grieve are his wife of 43 years Deborah, his children Hayley (Kyle) and Chris (Navi), his grandchildren, Rhys, Gavin, Alys, and baby James, his mother Jean, his brothers Neil (Tracy) and Clive (Lucy), many nieces and nephews, as well as members of his research group (current and past) and the many colleagues and friends at UVic and around the world.
Ian was born in Croydon, UK. He completed his BSc and PhD in chemistry at the University of Bristol, UK. Following this, he was a postdoctoral fellow first at RWTH Aachen University (1986), Germany and then Pennsylvania State University, USA (1988). He took up his first faculty position in 1990 at the University of Toronto and then moved back to the UK in 2006 to take up a position at the University of Bristol. He returned to Canada in 2018 where he took up a faculty position at the University of Victoria. He has mentored many postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate students over the years. Ian made such an impact on their lives and this was demonstrated by the overwhelming support received from them over the course of his long and courageous battle with cancer. As well as his obvious passion for chemistry, Ian loved nature and spent weekends and holidays hiking the many beautiful trails on Vancouver Island. Ian had a great sense of humour; he always made us laugh and had such fun with his grandchildren. His concern for his family and research group was uppermost in his mind through his final days. We will miss you and love you always.
We would like to thank the nurses and doctors at BC Cancer (especially Dr. Selina Wong), his wonderful GP, Dr. Oosthuizen, and the amazing people at Home and Community Care and the Victoria Hospice Palliative Response Team for their kindness and compassion.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice.
For those who wish to watch a recording of the service, please click on the image below.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
80 Responses
Science has lost a fine mind and an even finer man.
My deepest condolences to Debbie and the family- our thoughts are with you at this difficult time,
Rasmita
I am deeply saddened. Ian was a brilliant person, extraordinarily talented and extremely modest given his stellar achievements in science. I offer my sincere condolences to Ian’s family.
This is a true loss to the world: all my thoughts are with Ian’s family and coworkers. Ian was one of the most brilliant and inventive chemists of his generation, and someone who I always looked up to. He did exceptionally innovative work throughout his career and had a hugely positive effect on the careers of so many colleagues, who I know loved him dearly. He also managed to combine great success with modesty, humour, and consideration for others. Early in my career I gave a research lecture in Bristol and went for a drink afterwards with Ian. He gave me some very kind, insightful, and encouraging advice, which really helped me at the time. I’m sure that there are 100’s of similar stories from the chemistry community. Ian leaves an amazing legacy in his family, his colleagues, and his beautiful, amazing chemistry. He will be missed enormously.
My sincere condolences for this enormous loss. Canada, and the world, has lost not only a giant of scientific research, but an incredibly kind, generous, and supportive mentor, colleague, and friend. I will never forget the encounters I had with him and the genuine excitement and support he always expressed for my work. I am sure countless others have had similarly positive interactions with him. Ian will be sorely missed.
Dear Deborah,
I am very sorry for your loss. I hope that Ian didn’t suffer and that somehow you will be able to find some measure of peace and comfort with your family during this difficult time.
My heartfelt sympathy and sincere condolences to you and your family.
Sincere condolences to Ian’s family. I have the best memories from him. He was a scientific giant, an inspirational professor for his students and coworkers, and simultaneously a great person with human sensitivity. Rest in peace.
No words can describe how sorry I am for the loss of Ian. Ian was an incredible mentor, supervisor, and a splendid person. My heart goes out to Deborah and the Manners family in this time of sorrow. Please receive my deepest sympathy and know I am thinking of you in this difficult time.
Dear Ian, it is with extreme sadness for me to say goodbye to you. You have been a great mentor to me throughout my Ph.D and postdoc periods. I will never forget every detail how you taught me science and how nice you cared about my personal life, which helped me build my own career after I left Bristol. I enjoyed every piece of moment with you. I wish you rest in peace, and you will always be remembered. – Jieshu
Dear Navi and Chris,
Please accept our deepest condolences at this very difficult time.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Gurt & Rindi Pawan and Family
This is such sad news. I knew Ian from his time at the University of Toronto. He was such a positive person, a joy to be around. I had hoped that his love of Tim Horton’s coffee would keep him from leaving the UofT and returning to Bristol, and perhaps it did as he came back to Canada to UVic. although it took a few years!
Condolences to his family.
Alex Young