Ian Hennigar

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our hero, Ian Hennigar, on Friday April 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family after an inspiring and courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Brenda, and their sons Reece, Andrew and Steven, and his beloved father Carl, (predeceased by his mother Jean), sons Jack and Riley, sister Carol (Tino), brother Terry, and brothers-in-law Dave (Zoe) and Les.

Growing up in Kitchener, Ontario, Ian excelled in many sports including his beloved sport of speed skating before an injury ended his competitive days. Ian graduated with an Honours degree in Business and Sport Administration from Laurentian University. More important to Ian were the treasured lifelong friendships of his "Spad Lads" Doug, Andre, Phil and Mike.

Following university, Ian focused his passion, knowledge and skills on his coaching career in speed skating, achieving successes along the way coaching and mentoring numerous skaters to Olympic and World victories. It was during this time that Ian also took on the role of Executive Director at the Ontario Sport Alliance in Speed Skating for the next 22 years, where he continued to grow and develop sport and active living with his usual integrity, creativeness and commitment. Recently, at the 2015 World Cup Speed Skating Championships, Ian was recognized and honoured for his outstanding success, contribution and positive impact on so many athletes, coaches and administrators. He was the first ever recipient of Speed Skating Canada's President's Commendation Award for outstanding contribution to the sport of Speed Skating for over 40 years.

After relocating to the Saanich Peninsula in 2004, Ian continued his success in his roles as Executive Director of Curl BC, and the Mary Winspear Centre, before finally being recruited to lead Panorama Recreation. For Ian this latter role was the best of all worldsa position in which he excelled in developing, mentoring and coaching in business, sports and recreation, advocating and promoting access to healthy active living for everyone in the community, via municipal and corporate partnerships and programs, while at the end of the day still being able to step onto the ice to coach speed skating at both the grass roots and national level. Throughout Ian's professional career, his ability to communicate and inspire those around him was endless. His genuine interest, caring nature and positive can-do enthusiasm was felt by all who had the opportunity to meet him. Ian cherished everyday with his wife and family, whether enjoying canoe trips as a teenager in Ontario, running, riding, hiking or cheering for the Seahawks. Ian ensured every day was a great one, filled with unconditional love, laughter and enthusiasm. "Don't measure my life by time, but rather by the quality. It has been abundantly and amazingly rich with precious love, laughter, successes and endless friendships." The family would like to thank Drs. Judy Jones, Ian Weir, Saiger, Anderson, Vergedis and Meadows and the Hospice staff. Our heartfelt thanks to Mike &Debbie Taylor, Martin &Jules Bodenham and Murray & Sonja Byers for your endless support.

A memorial service will be held May 5th at 1pm at the Mary Winspear Center in Sidney BC. In lieu of flowers donations to the BC Cancer Foundation, Attn: Dr. Chi BC Cancer Agency 600 West 10th Ave Vancouver BC V5Z 4E6 would be appreciated.