Ian Freeman

It is with great sadness we share the loss of our much-loved husband, father, and grandfather Ian MacKay Freeman, who passed away peacefully at home April 5, 2021, after a long year of challenging health issues. He is survived by his wife Louise (55 years), daughter Krista (Jamie), son Scott (Kari), and grandson Tai. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Washington State, and Scotland, who affectionately called him ‘Unc’.

Ian was the youngest child of three, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Scottish mother (Mary) and English father (Lewis). He is predeceased by his sister Jean (Frank) and brother Ken (Mary). His early years were spent in Richmound, Saskatchewan, where his dad had homesteaded. Ian still retained a portion of the land, which continues to be farmed today after 100 years in the family. In 1946 the family moved to Victoria, BC (his beloved Vancouver Island), where he attended high school at Vic West.

Ian held various jobs growing up until becoming a sales representative for Bapco Paint in Victoria; then transferred to Saskatchewan, travelling many prairie miles through frigid winters and summer heat, making friends all along the way. He moved to the San Francisco Bay area in the early 60’s and worked briefly with Sherwin-Williams paint company before joining American Pamcor, Inc. (AMP, now Tyco Electronics). He married Louise in 1966, and they returned to Canada in 1970, settling in Coquitlam, BC. Following 27 years at AMP, Ian semi-retired in 1992, taking part-time employment with Andec Agencies before fully retiring in 2002. He said, “after working for over 50 years, I’ve worked long enough”.

Ian loved spending time with family and friends. His enjoyment came from curling, shooting pool, playing cribbage & poker with friends and neighbors, beachcombing at Quadra Island, stoking the campfire, road trips and travel adventures. He was an avid reader until his eyesight diminished, and then he enjoyed trips to the casino where he could still count his ‘winnings’ on the slot machines. He also loved the game of golf. He was a member at Chilliwack and Surrey Golf Clubs, as well as the BC Tel retiree golf group, and always looked forward to his weekly match with the guys. He relished trading barbs, and attempted to gain strokes through various means but always looked forward to settling up at the 19th hole, regardless of scores. He also golfed throughout his travels, including rounds at St. Andrews, Pebble Beach, and Glen Abbey. He shared the game with his son, daughter, and grandson, and his tradition of using “happy face” logo’d balls will carry on.

Ian was most proud of his family and enjoyed sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen. In recent years, "Poppa" loved attending events to cheer on his grandson Tai, who he was immensely proud of, whether it was at hockey, baseball, soccer or lacrosse.

He was a fun-loving, jovial person, who always greeted you with a smile, and would have a story to share… one that you may have heard once, or maybe five times before. He enjoyed “just hanging out” and “chatting”, loved a good story or joke, and raising a glass or a wee dram (“tiddly”) for toasts. He was a genuine soul who formed close and lasting friendships, and will be missed dearly.

The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to our family GP, Dr. J. Silver, for his ongoing dedicated care, and the medical teams at Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge hospitals. Our deepest gratitude goes to the wonderful Fraser Health home care nurses and palliative team for their kindness, care and support over the past nine months, and to each and every home care support worker who looked after Ian during that time, with kindness and words of encouragement. We also wish to thank everyone who offered prayers, assistance, and support over the past year.

May you rest in peace, Dad. We love you, we miss you, and, as you would say to us – “Luv U, Bye”.

Following Ian’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Ian’s charity of choice, Variety – the Children’s charity. (www.variety.bc.ca)

Messages of condolence or stories of Ian can be shared here on this tribute wall

“Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us, everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, and very dear.”
~Author unknown