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
Dear Debbie,
It is with great sadness that we write this and we send our deepest condolences to you and all your family. We have such very fond memories of spending time with you and Ian and our thoughts are with you all.
I deeply express my sadness to hear this news. Prof Manners is a really cool and enthusiastic scientist and teacher. I admire and worship him for long time especially on hie long wonderful research on polymer chemistry and self-assembly. May he rest in peace.
Dear Deborah and family,
I was very sad to hear of Ian’s passing – much too soon for this great man. Ian had an enormous impact on my career and life, and that of many, many others who passed through his lab and met him. Beyond his exceptional scientific contributions, Ian was generous with his time, cheerful and always supportive. The impact he had on the Canadian scientific community is immense.
Condolences to you all at this time.
Shark
My sincere condolences to all who knew Prof. Ian Manners. His impact on his community speaks for itself.
Ian was the kindest, brightest mind one could wish to meet and work with. We are fortunate to have known him, and so grateful that he returned to Canada to help push our communities a bit further. He will be sorely missed.
Dear Deborah,
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ian. It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Throughout his life, Ian was not only a great person but also an exceptional academician and scientist. His contributions to the field were immense, and his dedication to his work inspired many, including myself. I will always be grateful for the knowledge, guidance, and mentorship he provided during my time as his student. His impact on my academic and personal growth is immeasurable.
In this time of mourning, may you and your family find comfort and peace. Hold on to the cherished moments and accomplishments he achieved throughout his life, and may they serve as a reminder of his incredible legacy.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ian. He was an icon in the polymer community, not only in Canada, but also in the world. He will be remembered by us all. My condolences to his family; my thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.
Bo Hou (Cardiff University)
As proud Bristol Alumni, I am deeply saddened by Prof. Ian Manners’ passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of this extraordinary scientist, mentor, and Bristol legend. I still vividly recall Ian’s enlightening talks and lectures on the fascinating science of polymers. The last time I met Ian in the UK was at the Cavendish Laboratory, and that scene remains etched in my memory. Ian’s lasting contributions to polymer science, self-assembly, and flexible electronics will be remembered and continue to inspire us. May he rest in peace.
With tears in my eye I write to say farewell. We started together at the University of Toronto, and eventually moved thousands of kilometres away, you to the West, an I to the East, from Toronto. Yet in spirit and as friends we never parted. Your sharp intellect, your smile, your spirit stay with me forever. Debbie, children, family, we are with you.
It was a pleasure knowing you all but briefly with our time together at Bristol. My love to all your family and friends.