Ian Tasker

Ian Tasker died at home on February 26, 2022. Ian was such a Light in this world for so many across the spectrum of humanity, and of course most particularly for daughters Sarah, Miriam, and Naomi.

Ian had a charm and depth of spirit that touched so many lives. He was born and raised in Lincoln, England with his parents, Thomas and Margaret, older brother John, and younger sister Jill. Ian first attended University of London, and then was at University of Sheffield where he earned his Ph.D. in physical chemistry-and learned to cook his magnificent curries! In his young adult years he traveled through Europe before moving to the United States in 1979, where he first did postdoctoral work at The University of Delaware, then moved to Edmonton, Alberta Canada where he completed more post doctoral work. In 1984 he moved to the Chicago area, where he worked at Argonne National labs, and began attending Downers Grove Friends Meeting (Quakers) where he soon became an active member, and where he met Helen. The two married in 1989 at the Quaker meeting. In Chicagoland they enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan and serving the meeting in various capacities. Ian particularly loved sailing and being on the water.

Ian shared his deep understanding of Friends' theology by teaching First Day School and Adult Religious Education courses. His faith that the Light of God manifests in each human being was evident in his interactions with people in all walks of life. His good humor, generosity of spirit, brilliant intellect, and love were manifested in countless ways.

Ian and Helen moved to Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1991, where he worked in a lab, and where they wind-surfed with friends. He became a member of the Green Country Friends Meeting, where he was clerk. Their first child, Sarah was born in Bartlesville, but later that year, they moved to Frederick, Maryland, as Ian took a job with a company that worked on Environmental Waste Management. Ian and Helen became and remained active at the Frederick Friends Meeting, but have lived in Hagerstown since 1994, where daughters Miriam and Naomi were born.
Ian continued to work as a Senior Scientist and project manager for various companies, until his retirement in 2011, after which he continued to consult with various organizations. For many years he enjoyed his volunteer work at the Soup Kitchen/Frederick Community Action Center, and also very much loved the work of the organization, Able and Willing, a non-profit group that supports educational endeavors, particularly in the Congo. He served faithfully on the Peace and Social Concerns committee of the Quaker meeting, and particularly the Religion and Politics group.

His greatest joy was spending time with his daughters, taking road trips with them, watching movies, or staying up and talking with them until the early morning hours. Indeed, he loved many conversations with young and old alike. He loved cooking for his family and friends, and loved to share his curries at countless pot-lucks. During COVID times he perfected his sourdough skills and shared his techniques with others. He was always learning and teaching, but also loved playing games, especially bridge. Ian loved the water-he spent many years swimming with his daughters at Greenbrier State Park, and finding ways to be on the water: lakes, rivers and oceans. His heart attacks in 1998 and 2010, and his recent health issues never dimmed his desire to learn.

He was a Friend, father, husband, traveler, storyteller, chef, and international man of mystery. But most importantly he was himself and he was able to leave this physical world on his own terms.

A service will be announced at a later date.