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
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80 Responses
Dear Debbie, Hayley & Chris, devastated to hear your loss. Fond memories of Ian’s dry sense of humour and his drive to get a First Class Honours to give his young family stabiiity, and start what became a stellar career. I echo what his students and mentees have said about his generosity and motivation skill, he certainly saved my degree by sharing and discussing his “Theoretical” notes during our undergrad 2nd year, generous to the last. Whilst we had lost touch since Toronto I will cherish the time we spent together at Churchill and your 1st house in Easton. Take care.
My deepest condolences go out to Ian’s family during this incredibly challenging time. The weight of this loss is still something I find difficult to bear. Throughout our three years of collaboration from 2019 to 2022, working side by side as a postdoc with Ian in Bristol and Victoria, my view of science underwent a profound transformation, and my passion for research was kindled. Ian was more than just an extraordinary scientist; he was an inspiring mentor and a true friend. The moments we shared in Bristol and Victoria are cherished memories etched in my heart. May his legacy continue to inspire us all.
I am so sad that Ian has passed. I got to meet him at chemistry conferences in the early to mid 1990s and got to know his work through reading his grant applications. He was clearly doing great things as a researcher and had the promise of a strong career ahead – which he achieved and sustained in spades. He was also a person who was caring and respectful of others – something that comes through strongly in Neil Burford’s wonderful In Memoriam on the U Vic website. There was also a personal connection. In talking at some conference social event we discovered that his father had regularly played table tennis with my uncle at the Esso research facility in the UK where they both worked. My condolences to his family; it is so unfair that he has been taken from you so soon.
I’m deeply saddened to hear about Ian’s passing. My deepest condolences for the loss of such a great scientist. May Ian rest in peace.
Deborah, Hayley, Chris and family,
We would like to send our deepest condolences to those closest to Ian for this tremendous loss.
Ian has obviously touched so many people’s lives around the world, and many are considered fortunate to have been in his research groups during his career. Ian demonstrated intelligence, patience, humility, and humour with every interaction. He was an amazing mentor, and will be missed.
In the same way that he signed every email, this is a sorrowful cheers to you, Ian.
Alex Bartole-Scott (Manners Group 2000-2005) and Robert Scott
Dear Deborah and family,
I met Ian when he started his faculty appointment at U of T. Over the years, I’ve seen many inspiring lectures by Ian and have appreciated the many engaging conversations we have had. His passing is such a loss for the global chemistry community and an even greater loss for his beloved family of whom he spoke to me so fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
My sympathy and condolences to Ian’s family and to his colleagues at UVic. It was an hour and a delight to have him as the Stairs Lecturer at Trent.
My sincerest condolences. Ian was a wonderful colleague, mentor and human being, and I was blessed to have met him since the start of my career at McGill. Ian is one of the scientists I admire the most, in his creativity and the way that he changed the field of polymer chemistry. He will really be missed. May he rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to Ian’s family. You will be greatly missed at UVic.
My deepest condolences. He was an amazing scientist and fantastic person.