It is with great sadness that we share the news of Ian’s unexpected passing on February 29th, 2020. He leaves his loving family: wife, Lise; sons, Adam and Isaac; father, Russell; sister, Stephanie; and brother, Graham. He was predeceased by his mother, Ruth.
Ian was born and raised in Cordova Bay. Growing up he enjoyed exploring the shores of Cordova Bay, fishing in Bamfield and boating around the Gulf Islands.
Ian completed his Computer Science degree at the University of Victoria, and after graduation, worked for Woods Gordon and then Payless Gas. In 1992, Ian began a career in government as a business analyst with the Ministry of Transportation, eventually joining the Ministry of Citizens’ Services. At the time of his death, Ian was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Enterprise Services in the OCIO (Office of the Chief Information Officer). Professionally and personally, Ian had a broad impact, both within government and across the broader public sector.
Ian had a gentle and unassuming nature. He was most comfortable at home in the house he built, surrounded by family. He experienced great satisfaction ensuring that every aspect of his home was ‘smart’ and efficient. The family was assured that there was no problem that couldn’t be solved by his tinkering and keen eye for solutions.
Ian felt at peace in nature and enjoyed many family and friend trips including canoeing the Bowron Lakes and kayaking the Broken Group. He liked his bikes – his road bike where he cycled 30km daily and his motorbike he rode to clear his mind.
One of Ian’s greatest qualities was his desire to help others and find solutions to their problems. He had the ability to listen and understand people, and after some research and thought, he always had an idea to share. He was able to be exactly what people needed when they needed it most.
The family was most important to Ian. He offered endless support to his sons and took great pride in telling others about their accomplishments. Ian loved his wife Lise, with whom he shared a loving 30-year marriage.
He was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, colleague and friend. He was the rock for many of us and we will experience this loss acutely.
We will be forever grateful for the outpouring of love and care that has been extended to our family. A private service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers to the family, please remember Ian in your own way. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
Lise, Adam and Isaac
My deepest condolences for this tragic loss to your family.
Ian was a wonderful man, a bright light and lot of fun to work with. I have so much gratitude for having known Ian and for his camaraderie as we moved the work along. He had a fantastic sense of humour and an unassuming way of giving and uplifting others. His desire to make things better for others was immense – he truly cared. I will always be grateful for his advice and friendship.
My thoughts are with you.
Niki Hughes
Our hearts go out to you Lise, Adam, Isaac and your family.
I worked with Ian at the Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure. He was always very good to me and was the kindest soul. Since both of our departures from that ministry, we have kept in touch and I appreciated his friendship and advice.
A good man – leaving a deep loss to be felt.
To Ian’s precious family and his community of friends, I offer my sincere condolences. Knowing Ian’s family more than I knew him personally, certainly shows me that he was an incredible guy full of love for the people he carried in his heart.
Please feel the love and support that is coming to you during this very difficult time. We are here for you.
My heart felt condolences for your immense loss. Ian was one of the bright lights in this world. He was always a pleasure to work with no matter how difficult the circumstances. Lise, my heart is broken for you and your boys. I hope you find some comfort and peace in the memories of an amazing husband, father and human being.
I was quite saddened to hear of Ian’s passing. I have many fond memories of Ian over the years that I will cherish. We connected together through our interest in cars and motorcycles. He was a great man, father, and husband. Lise, Isaac, and Adam I hope you are feeling the love and support from your friends and family during this time. Thinking of all of you, sending love your way.
I am still in shock. Ian was such a great leader but an even better person. We met in government and soon became friends. He was so well respected and so well liked. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
To Lise and family,
So very sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. Take care in this sad time, we are thinking of all of you.
Doreen and Dave Spoor
Heartfelt condolences in this time of great loss.
Shocked, saddened & dismayed by the news. We didn’t know each other well, but we talked a lot over the years at the soccer fields. He was a great guy, super Dad to the boys. A great loss.
Mike & Jamie Kennedy
Lise, Adam and Isaac: Our deepest condolences for your loss. Both my husband, Dave Steffy, and I worked with Ian since the 1990s. We fondly remember Ian’s expertise, enthusiasm, excellent client support, and sense of humour on our teams at the Highways ISB.
Collectively we all gained a bit of weight from our almost daily morning coffee/treats at Dutch Bakery with my team then later at Mocambos with Dave’s team.
Both Dave and I are grateful for our years of working with Ian and for our recent conversations we had with Ian at retirement and long service gatherings. We had some laughs sharing stories with each other of our exciting – never a dull moment – times at Highways.
Our thoughts are with you.
Gail Golin and Dave Steffy