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SAKINOFSKY
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IAN SAKINOFSKY
SAKINOFSKY
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IAN SAKINOFSKY

IAN SAKINOFSKY

IAN SAKINOFSKY obituary

IAN SAKINOFSKY Obituary

Ian Sakinofsky passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his home on Monday, December 22, 2025. Ian was born and raised in Cape Town. A second-generation SACS and University of Cape Town Alumni, Ian received his masters in Industrial Psychology and taught at both UCT and the Graduate School of Business in Cape Town. Arriving in Canada in 1989, he joined Ryerson University (now TMU) as faculty in September 1991. Ian was a tireless and passionate champion of faculty, workers' rights and effective collective bargaining for his entire career. He became involved in the faculty association in 1994 when he joined the Negotiating Committee and later the Executive. He remained involved through the rest of his life and his work with the Association impacted the entire university sector. A passionate fan of cricket, rugby, and soccer, Ian could always be found with a ball at his feet. Ian had a zest for life; his daily run and swim were sacred. He rode his bicycle every day in all seasons and weather, around all of Toronto, and from class to class at Ryerson. Ian was a very caring, loving, and loyal friend and partner. His optimistic and cheerful energy was contagious. He loved travelling and was always ready for new adventures, even bravely learning to snowboard in his sixties to spend more time with his partner Sophie. Ian was also an active member of the Cottingham neighborhood community and its tennis club, sitting on the board of the local daycare and being heavily involved in the organizing and operations of the Cottingham fun fair every year. After moving to Shaw St. in 2006, he again became an active member in the neighborhood community, hosting dinners and parties in his home, and watching soccer at the Christie Pits Pub. He will be dearly missed by his partner, Sophie; his son, Lucas; daughter-in-law, Stephanie; his adored granddaughter, Maeve; Ian and Sophie's families; colleagues and many friends at home and abroad. Ian's family will be sitting Shiva on December 30th, 31st, and January 1st. A celebration of life will also follow this summer. In lieu of flowers, Ian would have preferred donations to Cycle Toronto

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Dec. 30, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for IAN SAKINOFSKY

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22 Entries

Nancy Mitchell

February 15, 2026

I used to lifeguard at the local pool that Ian was a regular at. He was a lovely person - always kind. My condolences.

Cynthia Ashperger

February 10, 2026

Ian truly was a champion of workers´ rights. I remember his visits to the School of Performance, where he helped the faculty speak with a cohesive and unified voice during negotiations with the administration. He was a straightforward, kind, and compassionate colleague. His common-sense approach and his humour will be deeply missed.

Alexandra Petkovska

February 1, 2026

My deepest condolences to Professor Sakinofsky´s family and loved ones. I was fortunate to be his student during the fall semester, and he truly made a lasting impact on me. He was an excellent professor with a great sense of humour and such a positive, uplifting presence in every class. In the three years I´ve spent at TMU so far, he was genuinely my favourite professor. He had such a kind heart and truly cared about his students, and that never went unnoticed. He will be deeply missed.

Mariami Aslanikashvili

January 15, 2026

I was lucky to be part of Professor Sakinofsky's Union-Management Relations course at TMU in the Fall 2025 semester, and he was truly one of the most kind, caring, and supportive professors I have ever had. He genuinely cared about his students and made learning meaningful by bringing topics to life through interactive classroom activities and real-world examples. His positive energy filled the classroom, and I always looked forward to being there.

My sincere condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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Mike Manjuris

January 13, 2026

Ian and I started at Ryerson on the very same day back in 1991. On that day we chatted for 2 hours about sports (mostly swimming, cycling, & hockey), family and our upcoming careers in academia. Over the next 35 years I saw Ian every week, as his office was only three doors down from mine. He always greeted me with a smile, a story and an astonishing mind. He had a very large positive impact on my life, helping me and all those around him to be a better person.
His presence is sorely missed.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Rest peacefully my friend.
Mike Manjuris

David John Gargaro

January 11, 2026

Professor Sakinofsky was one of the kindest and caring professors I ever had. No matter the topic, Prof Sakinofsky had a deep understanding and a great breadth of knowledge. His positive and cheerful attitude made attending his classes worthwhile, and he will be deeply missed. I would like to extend my condolences to his family, co-workers, and whoever had the pleasure of having him as a professor.

Aminah Ahmad

January 9, 2026

Had a class this fall 2025 at TMU with Prof. Sakinofsky and he was so passionate about his teaching and seemed like such a genuine human being. Didn't know we would be his last class batch, so sad to hear about his passing. Sending love to his family and friends.

Eric Fig

January 8, 2026

Ian and I have been good friends since "Sub A". We lived very close to each other in Cape Town. After he moved to Toronto, we spoke every two months for many, many years. My condolences to Anne, Phyllis and families. Eric and Shelley Fig

Sarah

January 6, 2026

He was genuinely the nicest professor I´ve ever had, I´m not even just saying that because he´s gone. I took a course with him in the fall of 2025. This was my 3rd maybe 4th time taking the course . He was the only one who taught me properly and I passed! He was a kind, smart, and great person and will be greatly missed by all the students he´s made an impact on.

Philip Walsh

January 6, 2026

Ian was a principled man who I admired, even in disagreement. He made valuable contributions to TRSM, and the university as a whole. We taught together and had offices in the same hallway, our chats always left me smiling. He will be missed, my condolences to his family.

Michael Longfield (Cycle Toronto)

January 5, 2026

My condolences to Ian's friends and family. Shaw Street and others across the city are healthier and more vibrant because of his advocacy.

Deborah de Lange

January 5, 2026

My condolences to the family. Ian worked hard to defend faculty via the TFA through hard times for Ontario universities.

Marsha Barber

January 3, 2026

Ian was such a decent, smart, principled man. Very sad news. Sincere condolences to Sophie and Ian's family and friends.

Michael Barkusky

January 2, 2026

The world is a poorer place without Ian as an active player in it. His love for life, and his empathy for others, especially anyone with any sound claim to be an underdog, was profound. We will miss him greatly.

Sheryl & Michael Sacher

January 2, 2026

Our condolences to the Families Wishing you long healthy life
Regards Michael and Sheryl Sacher
Melbourne Australia

Sabrina Baker

January 1, 2026

Ian had an indomitable spirit and will be sorely missed by all who met him. I first met Ian when we were at University of Cape Town in Psychology class and encountered him again when he was married to my cousin and immigrated to Toronto. We had many spirited conversations and fun times together.
Ian lived life well and authentically and will always be remembered by his loved ones .

Philip Shea

January 1, 2026

Ian's prowness in the pool will not be forgotten. It was a joy to swim with Ian and Sophie in Monarch Park and to share a coffee afterwards.

Howard Chait

January 1, 2026

Fond memories of Ian from school days at SACS, playing rugby together in the "D" team but having lots of fun. Playing cricket together in his parents driveway, going to cheder together 3 times a week after school! Lots of fun as kids - lost touch after school but shared fun times.BDE

Tony Schapera

December 31, 2025

Ian was one of very best friends at SACS school. I dearly remember visiting him at his parent's home in Claremont /Newlands. Although we lost touch in later years, my memory of him has always been one of great fondness. Shocked to learn of his passing

Atty Mashatan

December 30, 2025

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ian´s passing. He will be remembered for his dedication and service to our academic community. I extend my sincere condolences to Ian´s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working closely with him.

Gloria Fernandes

December 30, 2025

So sad to hear of your passing Ian. Thanks for always sharing your thoughts and knowledge on collective bargaining. Rest in peace.

Alexander Ruvuza

December 30, 2025

Ian will be greatly missed. He always took a moment to say hi in the hallway of TRSM whenever our paths crossed. Rest in peace dear colleague.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results

Memorial Events
for IAN SAKINOFSKY

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