Francis Ian 'Ian' Stuart

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ian Stuart, aged 66. Ian died on September 2, 2017, at Victoria Hospice, lovingly surrounded by his family. Ian will live on in the hearts of his wife of 42 years, Jennifer Needham; their children: Kevin, Johanna (Kyle), Alyson and Elisabeth; and grandchildren, Keira and Isla. Ian leaves behind three brothers: Peter (Barbara), Michael (Broda) and David (Kathy), as well as many close relatives and friends, both in Canada and the UK.
Ian was born and raised in Montreal. Son of the late Frank and Peggy Stuart, he was the youngest of four rambunctious boys. Childhood summers were spent at Metis Beach, where he enjoyed playing tennis and golf. True to his roots, Ian was a loyal Montreal Expos and Canadiens fan and a keen connoiseur of frites. He loved the challenge of mastering a difficult cryptic crossword or sudoku. He was a brilliant card player and the evening routine was never complete without a rowdy game of Hearts with his children. Quick with a laugh or joke, he was the life of a party and the first on the dance floor - especially to ABBA or Shania Twain.
Ian thrived in a variety of engineering, business and academic roles he took on over the course of his career. After he obtained a degree in Applied Mathematics and Engineering (Queens) and an MBA (Richard Ivey School of Business), he worked for Computing Devices of Canada, Atomic Energy of Canada and Esso Resources/Imperial Oil. He later obtained a PhD and further specialized in the areas of process improvement, quality management and supply chain management. He taught and held administrative positions at BGSU, UVic, Monash, UBath, STFX and UBCO. He was passionate about serving his community and volunteered for various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce.
Ian faced most of life's challenges with stamina and optimism. He used this same mindset when he was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2013. Using his research and analytical skills, he faced each hurdle with determination, tenacity, grit and informed judgment. He never lost his hope or sense of humour and was an inspiration to everyone he met on his cancer journey.
Ian was loyal, generous and highly principled, with fairness and due process at top of mind. The legacy he leaves is one of quiet wisdom, savvy business knowledge and quick-witted humour, always shared with a twinkle in his eye. We have lost an irreplaceable husband, a very proud father, a doting grandfather and a friend and mentor to many. He will be deeply missed, always loved and forever held dear in the hearts of those he leaves behind. Ian's family would like to publically express their gratitude to the ‘village' of people who contributed to guiding Ian through his struggle with cancer. These include: Dr. P Savage, Dr. J. Vergidis, Dr. A. Alexander, Dr. J. Graff, Dr. R. Madan, Dr. D. McGregor, Darshan Bains and the many doctors, nurses, health care aids, and support staff at OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, NIH Research Institute, R.J.H. and V.G.H. Special thanks to Dr. D. Doyle for her consistent and compassionate care throughout Ian's journey, and to Dr. Saiger and the dedicated team at Victoria Hospice, whose comprehensive and loving care made Ian feel "as if he was a guest."
As per Ian's wishes, there will be neither a funeral service nor flowers to mark his passing. A private Celebration of Life will be held for immediate family at a later date. If desired, please donate in Ian's name to Victoria Hospice or BC Cancer Foundation.

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