Ian H. Stewart

November 10, 1932 - June 13, 2017

It is with a profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ian H. Stewart.

Ian was a man of impressive accomplishments both in business and in the community of Victoria where he made his home for over 50 years. However, his greatest loves were: his family; his beloved sailboat Katie Ford; the University of Victoria, the church, and the occasional scotch.

Ian was generous, wise, humorous, caring and outgoing. He was also tough-minded, principled, driven, and uncompromising. He possessed all the traits of someone strengthened through adversity. As many who knew Ian were aware, he and his siblings Pat and Ron lost their parents in a tragic plane accident in China, and were sent to Canada as orphans to start a new life.

Loss and hardship may have marked Ian's early years, but they shaped the person he became: a man who worked relentlessly hard in life, cherished his family above all else, helped and guided countless others, and would roar with laughter at the dinner table until his face was as red as a lobster (a favourite dish, coincidentally).

Ian was a graduate of Vancouver College, and later UBC law. In 1960 he moved to Victoria, BC to practice law, and later build a successful car dealership. Over the years, Ian dedicated innumerable hours to the service of others, and devoted his time and talents to a host of organizations in Greater Victoria.

Ian was also a consummate sailor. The times he valued most were those spent on Katie Ford with his family cruising the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. He was a great companion to all who sailed, provided you never anchored too close.

He achieved much in life, but nothing made him prouder than his family. Ian was blessed with a 51-year marriage to his wife, Gillian; two wonderful daughters, Alix (Simon) and Susie (Mark), who were the center of his world, and his four grandchildren, the lights of his life: Max and Sophie Cameron, and Will and Sam Dunn. Ian is survived by his sister Pat Fraser, and brother Ron (Diane) Stewart.

A service will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, 3778 West 28th Avenue in Vancouver at 2pm on June 22. Additionally, a Celebration of Life will be held at the University Club of Victoria at 2pm on July 31. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. The family wishes to thank Dr. Nicola James as well as the kind staff of St. John Hospice for their thoughtful and professional care.