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
Thank you so very much for everything Ian and Deborah, my time in the group in Bristol and Victoria was the best period of my life.
Sending lots of love and my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ian.
Dear Deborah and Ian’s family,
May the Good Lord give you strength at this hour to mourn and yet reflect on the life with this wonderful person that you called son/husband/father/grandfather/family! There are no words we mortals have to adequately console a family in such a loss.
While one needs to grieve to cope, please focus on the life of this man who so many across the world knew to first be a wonderful human being and then a rare great scientist. I knew him for 40 years, interacted on and off, and he always came across as a friend talking to you, especially the last two times we spoke on Zoom.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Aroop Roy
My deepest sympathies to Ian’s family, colleagues, and Manners group members around the world. A true role model whose influence was (and will continue to be) substantial, not just scientifically but humanly. Blessings and peace to Deborah, his kids and grandchildren.
Dear Debbie, Chris, and Hayley, it is with such a heavy heart that I send my deepest condolences.
Ian left an indelible mark being a stellar researcher and mentor. His passion, joy and curiosity in chemistry led him to make great contributions to the field. His down-to-earth, cheerfulness and genuine caring for his students made my journey, and no doubt many others, in graduate school impactful far beyond the degree.
Love transcends death – may his memory be a blessing.
Thoughts and prayers, Karen
That summer in Bristol not only allows me to learn the lab technique of a first-class polymer lab, but also to meet and talk with Ian as such a wonderful mentor. His insightfulness in science and love & caring to surroundings will always be remembered. May him rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to all the Manners family.
Hang (Joey) Zhou
Dear Deborah, Hayley & Kyle, Chris & Navi, Rhys, Gavin, Alys, and little James,
We think of you especially today as you prepare to celebrate Ian’s extraordinary life. His spirit was beautiful and we are honored to have known Ian as a dear friend and a beloved colleague. His generous spirit, and yours, was a great blessing to us over the many years.
His example of being a loving and caring husband, being so proud of his children, and so warmly sharing the joy that his grandchildren brought, will forever stay with us.
As we join you in mourning his loss, know that Ian will live on in our memories for the kind and thoughtful person that he was, for his great science and his deep desire to see others grow and flourish.
Thank you for sharing Ian with us!
Our Love, Jacqueline and Charl
Dear Deborah,
Being supervised by one of the giant in Chemistry world is an experience of lifetime, even with just a year. Ian has always been a cheerful, creative and supportive mentor, who broadens my horizon and inspire my career development.
I am saddened to hear the loss of Ian, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Eric Yiu
Dear Deborah and family,
We are immersed in profound sorrow over the passing of Prof. Ian Manners. He was a brilliant scientist and an exceptional mentor to many of us. His contributions to the field of chemistry were significant and will never be forgotten. More than that, he was a kind and caring person who always went out of his way to help others.
Words cannot express how saddened we are by his loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We share in your grief and we want you to know that you are not alone during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May you find peace and comfort in the memories of the wonderful times you shared with Ian.
With deepest sympathy,
Jia and Kasumi
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ian. He personified the true essence of a scientist, and his unwavering dedication to science, coupled with his meticulous and optimistic spirit, illuminated the paths of numerous young minds. I am grateful for Ian’s guidance throughout my four years at Bristol. Every moment shared with him, along with his warm smiles and kindness towards others, will be fondly cherished in my memory forever.
Dear Deborah and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Ian’s passing. Ian took me into his group when I was a 1st year undergrad and mentored me onto my eventual career and life path. I will deeply miss his kindness and cheer. My sincere condolences to your entire family.
Best regards,
Juan.