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
What a great human being and brilliant scientist! Tremendous loss for Canada and the scientific community. I would always remember his friendly smile and his advice and encouragement over my career.
My sincere condolences on the loss of Ian. The period spent as a post-doctoral researcher under his supervision at Bristol holds great significance in my academic career. Ian was not only an outstanding scientist but also someone who effectively instilled in me a deep passion for chemistry. I recall him as an exceptional person, always accessible and tirelessly committed to ensuring that our time in his research group was as enriching as possible. He exemplified scientific and personal values rarely found in a single individual. Ian leaves behind an enduring legacy, and his memory will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this challenging time.
A very sad day for the scientific community and those who knew Ian.
I am very saddened with this news and am sending love and condolences to you Deborah and the Manners family.
The legacy left behind by Ian will live on for years and years through the family and the amazing scientific research he has achieved/accomplished.
Although the last time I saw saw both Ian and Deborah in Bristol was in early 2017, feels like just the other day…
You will truly be missed – a genius of this scientific era!
I remember Ian when from his first days setting up his lab at university of Toronto in the early 90ies. He made such enthusiastic impression on me that I decided to spend a research period in his lab, which was an unforgettable experience. I will always remember Ian as a cheerful and extremely motivated scientist. In context of Ian being a post-doc at the group of Prof. Peter Paetzold (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Paetzold) at the RWTH Aachen I also like to mention Peter’s recent death on 17. August 2023. They were both important chemists that shaped my life.
My heart goes out to Ian’s family and friends in these difficult times. Ian was one of the most inspiring and kind people I have ever met. He was truly inspirational and also incredibly supportive and generous. RIP
Dear Deborah,
Please accept our sincere condolences. When I first met Ian in Aachen in the late 1980s he immediately impressed me as a super nice, friendly and supportive human being and as an outstanding scientist. We became good friends and while he was my age, he also set an example to me. Ian will be sadly missed by many.
Holger Braunschweig
I’m truly sorry for your loss. The news hit me hard, and I’m devastated to learn that we’ve lost someone of immense stature in the scientific community, a truly exceptional person, and a cherished friend. His legacy will endure in our memories, and his impact will never fade away.
A huge loss to Canadian chemistry and much greater loss to his closest – peace be with you Deborah and family. Ian will be long-remembered in many hearts in many places.
Enormous loss – Ian was a towering scientific figure but at the same time a very down to earth guy who I had far too short a time with as colleague & friend. He was always very generous with his time, always provided sage advice, was invariably positive and upbeat and an absolute champion of his students. My deepest condolences to all his loved ones.
Dear Deborah,
Please accept my sincere condolences. Ian was a great man and made a lasting impact in his field and with the many professionals he has mentored over the years. I can certainly say that I would not be where I am today if not for Ian. He will live on in the annals of science and in the hearts and minds of the countless people he has taught, guided and inspired.
I hope that you and your family can reflect on happy memories of Ian and that those memories assuage some of your grief.