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James Ian Ransberry Obituary
Ian grew up in Collingwood, where he became lifelong friends with the Bodiam and Stringer families. Ian graduated from the photography program at Ryerson University in 1969, where he met friends Bruno Rakiewicz and the late Wayne Davey. He started his career with Fritz Schuller Photography in Collingwood, which also resulted in a long friendship.
He then moved to work at Fields Photography in St. Catharines, later taking the business over as Ransberry Photography. Ian focused on portraits and weddings and was a highly regarded, successful photographer, whom together with his wife Janice and business partner, built a longstanding business. Always striving for perfection in himself and inspiring anyone that worked with him, Ian was a man of great talent and integrity with many clients becoming friends. Ian reached the highest level as a photographer with his Master of Photographic Arts and Honorary Life Membership with Prof. Photographers of Canada. He was also the past President of the Prof. Photographers of Ontario. Ian shared his photography talents teaching night school and through Niagara School of Imaging.
Photography wasn't just a career for Ian, he loved photographing nature and wildlife (particularly in Algonquin Park), as well as capturing every family and friend gathering or special moment.
Ian beat pancreatic cancer in 2008 and through this journey found the positive in making many friends through Wellspring. Those friendships would extend beyond meetings to regular breakfasts and lending a hand whenever anyone needed help.
Later in life, Ian drove school bus, taking kids to and from school and farm workers to the grocery store to get supplies. As became a habit with Ian, he became fast friends with his co-workers (who supported him at work and home), the people riding his bus and the kids he drove.
Ian was a proud husband, dad (to his daughter and also beloved dog, Oliver and cat, Jasmine) and newly grandfather. His family meant so much to him and he enjoyed every big meal (he was such a lover of food), birthday, holiday, and vacation to the fullest.
Ian was an active volunteer with Kiwanis and Rankin Cancer Run, also participating as a cancer survivor.
Ian was blessed to have many close lifelong friends. They will miss receiving Ian's emails, his tremendous sense of humour, and delicious canned goods (many of the vegetables grown from his own garden).
Ian will be greatly missed, but remembered by so many and live on through all the wonderful memories made over his lifetime. Donations in Ian's memory can be made to Wellspring Niagara or Rankin Cancer Run.
A celebration of life for Ian will be held Friday, March 17 from 1-4pm in the Common Room at the Kiwanis Apartment located at 321 Geneva Street, St. Catharines. Park in adjacent mall lot.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Ian Ransberry
34 Entries
Brent
July 11, 2023
Wow. I had no idea. Ian was the best Uncle a boy could have! He was a big guy with his voice, his laugh and his incredible hugs. Thanks for the amazing train set! Love you forever.
Fritz & Terry Schuller, Alicia and Heidi
March 22, 2023
When Ian was in high school at CCI, his Dad Mel dropped into Schuller Fotography to see if there might be an opportunity for his son who had a keen interest in the craft. What began as an after-school volunteer stint morphed into an employee-turned-mentee before Ian became an award-winning photographer himself. Along the way he, then Janice and later Victoria were all a regular part of our family life. Ian's is a life worth celebrating and we appreciated being able to be a part of the formalities last week. With love and sadness.
Judy and Wes Cline
March 16, 2023
Wes and I want to send our wishes for peace to you both at your time of loss. Hoping your memories of that clever, talented man with the gift of making and keeping friends will be a comfort as you carry on. Ian's was a life well loved and well lived.
Nancy
March 15, 2023
My deepest sympathies. While attending the Niagara School of Imaging, Ian inspired me to pursue my dreams.
Joanne (Cameron) Kannegiesser.
March 15, 2023
Janice and Victoria;
On behalf of Shirley Cameron (Bruce Cameron) and family our deepest condolences. Ian was a close friend of mom and dads. Victoria my parents house was adorned with the many pictures of you growing up. In fact, our favourite picture of mom and dad is one your dad took, just a year before dads death. Ian stayed in touch with us, always sharing his incredible sense of humour. He will be missed.
May his memory provide you all comfort. Him and Bruce are now catching up and no doubt Ian has my dad laughing.
Haig Semerjian
March 15, 2023
Dear Janice and Family
For once I am at a loss for words. Ian was a good friend with a penchant for telling his opinion with a subtle twist He was a great photographer and together with Janice ran a business that was the envy of some of the other photographers myself included He will be missed, I will miss seeing his interaction with his grandson and how much he adored his daughter Victoria (could not have a talk with him not mentioning Victoria). Catherine and I will truly miss him
Haig
Heidi Schuster
March 15, 2023
My deepest condolences to Janice, Victoria and family.
My earliest memory of Ian was when I was three years old, enjoying his photography studio, as shown in the attached photo he took. He was definitely a very talented photographer. I had so much fun that day in the studio.
I´m so terribly sorry for your loss.
Kevin & Melinda Bodiam
March 14, 2023
Dear Janice & Victoria, Justin & Henry:
We are so sorry for your loss.
Ian meant so much to our family. We have many fond memories of that mischievous humor of his. We will fondly cherish his many photos that grace our home, he was a real artist.
We are praying that you experience tremendous peace and comfort as you remember the blessing that Ian was to all who knew him.
Love to you all!
Gail Birnie
March 14, 2023
Dear Janice and Victoria. My deepest Condolences for you and your family. The years have gone by so quickly but we have all the memories! Ian was one of a kind and will always be remembered!
So sorry I can´t be with you at this time because I´m away but know that I´m thinking of you.
Gail Birnie
Blake Bodiam
March 14, 2023
So terribly sorry for your loss. There is no replacing your husband or father but I hope you feel some comfort knowing he is resting peacefully and left a stream of laughter and joy all throughout his life. My most sincere condolences.
Vikki Holder
March 14, 2023
Ian was the first teacher I had as a new photography student. He was kind, patient, funny, and so passionate about the craft. I learned so much, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from him.
Mia Kennedy
March 14, 2023
Dear Janice and Victoria,
I am so very sorry to hear of Ian´s passing. My memories of you and your family are endless. From getting my pictures taken at the studio from the time I was born to having Ian do my real estate headshots 16 yrs ago. (Which I still use btw) I spent almost every weekend at the house babysitting Victoria for many years during my teenage years. I will never forget how you all made me feel like an important part of your family. Thinking of you both at this difficult time.
Mia (Gabriele) Kennedy
Greg Malo
March 14, 2023
So sorry for your loss , Ian was a GREAT photographer, teacher and most of all friend
Briar & Ken Rendell
March 14, 2023
My condolences to your family... Ian was a very good friend of my parents and our family. He gave me my first 'official' job, working as a clerk at Field's Photography with him and Janice. Many years later he took pictures of my family and my girls were treated to a ride in his convertible. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.... our deepest sympathy .. Love Kenny, Briar and Girls
Brian and Jo Anne Shannon
March 14, 2023
Our deepest condolences to Janice, Victoria and family for Ian´s passing. He and Janice were family friends for many years and Ian expertly photographed many milestones in our lives. We will miss his wicked sense of humour which hid a deeply sentimental, loyal soul.
He was truly one of a kind and will be missed!
Lorene Bodiam
March 14, 2023
Janice
Our sincere and heart felt sympathy in the passing of Ian. He was one special guy and we will miss him terribly. It was always nice to have you and Ian to our home for many special occasions, and it was always a relief to know you were close by when Blake was going to Ridley. We will remember fondly the trip we took with you and Ian which Don and Helen provided us all, on the Rocky Mountaineer to see the Great Canadian Rockies!! An unforgettable memory.
Ian will remain in our hearts forever!
In grief,
Brian and Lorene
Lorene Bodiam
March 14, 2023
Victoria,
We are so saddened by the passing of your father Ian. We cherish the wedding pictures he did for us some 42 years ago and we always enjoyed spending many Thanksgiving and Easter dinners together in our home.
We especially loved his dry and sarcastic sense of humour. He will be missed terribly but always remembered fondly and with lots of love.
Our deepest sympathy,
Brian and Lorene Bodiam
Al Pizzi
March 14, 2023
My condolences to Janise, Victoria and loved ones. Wonderful man, always with a smile and a good word. I will miss him.
Al Pizzi
Margaret Vail
March 14, 2023
Dearest Janice, Victoria, Justin and Henry,
I am so very sad to hear of Ian´s passing. I know how much his family meant to him and I imagine Henry has been a joy. I recall our times together fondly. My sincere condolences
Susan Fortino
March 14, 2023
Dear Janice and Victoria, Please accept our most heartfelt condolences for the passing of Ian. We always enjoyed time spent with you and Ian. Ian was an amazing photographer and we were great admirers of his work. We are currently out of the country so we are unable to attend the celebration of life for Ian. We send you our love. Alex and Susan Fortino
Earle Keatley
March 14, 2023
Janice & Victoria my condolences on your loss. Ian & I have been friends since the late seventies. We shared many adventures through our love of photography. Over the last few years most of our communication was on the phone. Through all his health problems he never lost that great sense of humour. A special shout out to Elizabeth Telega for all the help she gave to Ian over the last few years & especially the last 2 months. Miss you already!
Earle Keatley
March 14, 2023
My condolences Janice & Victoria. Ian & I have a long history starting in the late seventies and have shared many adventures. I will miss our phone calls. Through all his health problems he never lost that great sense of humour. A shout out to Elizabeth Telega for being there for Ian, helping him get through the last few years. When I think of Ian a smile always comes with the thought. Miss you buddy!
Rhoda Reardon
March 14, 2023
Ian was my cousin and friend. His dad and my mom were siblings and during our teen years, his family relocated to the Sudbury area where my family lived. Ian and I started our friendship then and I spent many happy hours in their home as I adored his mom, my Aunt Doris and his sister Jayne (his mom was the one who guided me into my career path in occupational therapy, even arranging for me to visit rehab departments in the local hospital). We went to different high schools but I remember Ian calling me for dating advice and I often accompanied him on photoshoots where I was sometimes his reluctant subject - he had a way of making everyone feel beautiful. I will miss him deeply.
Gayle Everingham
March 14, 2023
Sending my deepest condolencesloves and hugs to Janice, Victoria, little Henry.
I met Ian through photography and like his wit and humor when we 1st met.
He was always willing to help others, and give you a hard time, just because .
We continued our friendship after retirement and talked often through Facebook.
Never once did he say he was sick.
I'm totally shocked and will miss our talks.
Love you Ian.
Dorothy Prickett
March 14, 2023
My condolences to Ian's family. My husband Ron and he were scouting buddies and we enjoyed many wonderful dinner parties together at he and Janice's home and at ours One night in summer after a lovely BBQ at their home Ron and he decided to go into the back yard with a glass of red wine to enjoy it by the backyard fireplace. It started to rain so they just put up a golf umbrella over themselves and carried on. Janice and I, safe inside and watching through the window, were laughing like crazy at these two silly friends. Ron died in 2015 so maybe they will be enjoying some time together in heaven. God Bless them both.
Michael McLuhan
March 14, 2023
Oh Ian, You will be sorely missed.This is the Dude who sponsored me in PPO and PPOC in 1987. You were one of a kind, generous, helpful to a fault. Truly heartfelt condolences to Victoria and Janice. May you both find peace. In my life he was a giant of a man, a friend, a colleague and gem of a human! You are not forgotten! I am sorry I won't be able to travel down for the memorial. Know that I am there in my thoughts. Rest easy brother.....
Tricia Mumby
March 14, 2023
Janice, Victoria & Family, We are so saddened to hear of Ian's passing. He has been in our thoughts often over the years. He was such a compassionate, loving & generous man. He blessed my family in his own special ways numerous times. He was so gifted with a great sense of humor. He loved life and all it embraced. His love for you both was beyond anything his heart could hold. He lived, he loved and left a legacy that will continue in the hearts of others. The seeds of his giving heart will continue to pay it forward in the years to come. We are holding you all in prayer for comfort & strength in the days ahead. So sorry for your loss of such an amazing husband, dad, grand dad & friend. Love, Hugs & Prayers, Terie & Patricia Mumby & Family
Judy and Dante Perrone
March 13, 2023
Dear Janice and Victoria
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Ian.
He was a kind man.
Our family has many memories that he captured through his photography. We will cherish them all the more.
Our condolences
Judy and Dante Perrone
Beth & Bob McLaren
March 13, 2023
Our deepest condolences to Janice, Victoria and family. We have known the Ransberry's it seems forever and Ian won a prize for a portrait he took of Trisha looking out the window when she was just one years old. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Argue
March 13, 2023
I was Ian´s first assistant/apprentice when he ran it as Fields Photography. I later went onto to news and commercial work but not forgetting my friend even as I travelled the world including war zones I owed my training to Ian I will miss our weekly talks. Good bye my friend.
Sharon Coutts
March 13, 2023
Condolences to Janice his wife and daughter Victoria. His photography business was across from the office of Smith Family Dentistry for many years. He will be missed by our office.
Sharon
Lee Paterson
March 13, 2023
I knew Ian for over 40 years through our love of photography.I shared many laughs with him whenever we got together which was not often enough.I will miss his sarcastic humour and quick wit He was a good man and we as photographers have lost a great one.
Don Foley
March 13, 2023
I have known Ian for several years from working in professional photography and belonging to the Professional Photographers of Ontario.
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