I worked with Ian between 1983-86 on the embryonic Advanced Light Rapid Transit system in Vancouver, subsequently christened SkyTrain.  Three of us with the same Christian name developed the concept of an Integrated Alarm Notification System to provide remote monitoring and control of the station fire and security systems.  

The system became known as IANS in the acronymic culture of the day, and as far as I'm aware it and its successors have remained with that name to this day.

Proud to share that legacy with a fine Professional Engineer who went on to a most 'illuminating' career.  So sorry to hear of his departure.

Ian Price, P.Eng.  

My condolences to Jan and family, and Ian's many friends who will miss him.

I worked with Ian at TIR and over the years consulted with  him on a few of my more challenging lighting projects.  After my wife Pearl and I moved to Victoria, BC eight years ago,  we would run into Ian on his visits to our city sitting in the window of Chocolat & Co enjoying a break.  Over the years, every time I passed that window I would be looking for Ian's beaming smile.  When I  was lucky enough to see him, there was always a warm greeting and a short chat to catch up, before we went about our day.  In the future, I expect I will continue to look for his smiling face each time I pass that same cafe and remember the guy who was uniquely Ian.  

Ian was such an incredible human! With the highest of integrity and character.  I could write so much about his character and his kindness, but I believe we all saw it in so many special ways that were meant just for us, individually.  He will always be in our hearts. 

I endeavour to live in this world with the knowings I have learned from you, Ian, as my silent guide. Tell Lulu and Rico for me that I love and miss them! I miss you so much my dear friend!! Thank you for all you have done for us all and for this world. Shirl

An honor to have been in the industry at the same time as you. The last time we spoke you had turned your eye to illumination in space. You will be missed.

Ian was a true engineer and scientist with an intellect that commanded respect. I will deeply miss his presence and thought leadership in our industry. 

It is with immense sadness that we acknowledge Ian’s passing. We want to express our deepest sympathies to Jan, Ian’s siblings, and family, 

Ian helped us even before we arrived in Canada and for that we are most grateful.

Ian was a very good friend and mentor. He will undoubtedly  be missed, as he left a deep mark on our souls.

Thank you, old chap.,


As a young lighting academic recently emigrated to Canada, I had the opportunity to have a job interview with Ian back in mid 90’s at Ledalite. We had a couple of hours of relaxed and very intellectual conversation on radiosity and ray-tracing. I did not get the job, but we remained good industry colleagues over time exchanging ideas and commenting on world’s (not just lighting) state at various seminars and conferences across North America. Ian was a resident genius with the ability to easy connect with people and inspire them not only with his vast knowledge but through nice demeanor, candor and humour.
The world’s light is a bit less bright now and we’ll miss you, Ian!


We are all lucky to have had such a brilliant and giving lighting friend and colleague. We will have his columns and papers and articles to remind us of his brain and insights, but we will miss his caring, fun-loving, nerdy soul. 
Jan, nothing we say here can soften the pain of losing Ian. We can only hope the pain morphs into joyous memories soon.

Naomi Miller

I am very sad and moved by Ian's passing.
During my PhD research at TU Berlin, I tried to get my hands on every single one of his publications as I regard him as a ver knowledgeable lighting scientist. It was a huge honour for me to finally meet him in personwhen I served on the Boardof the IESBC Vancouver Chapter so I could tell him personally that I quoted many of his publications in my PhD-thesis. 
I will keep fond memories of my good friend Ian forever. Rest in peace, my friend!

 

Ian was my brother-in-law.  He was the sweetest, most humble person I have ever met.  I still laugh at the time me, my sister, Jan (Ian's wife), and Ian were just hanging out at his house in 1969.  We were still in high school and he mentioned that he wanted to go into computers and I asked the most phenomonally stupid question, "Why would you do that?" 🤔 Rest In Peace, Ian, we love you 💔


As a lighting designer who was struggling to make sense of his work, I reached out to Ian for support. Not only did he send articles to read but he also followed up with a video call. I was impressed with his dedication and love for lighting and that he wanted to make sure I understood what it was he was trying to convey. I remember that warm smile with his headphones, genuinely interested in helping me out. 

Rest in peace. 

Luke Bonner 

To Jan and Ian's Friends around the world:

Words cannot express the loss of a such wonderful person that always pushed boundaries, was technically humble and honest and was a consummate friend and mentor to his colleagues.  My fondest memories of Ian were the afternoons in his office where we'd talk and push technical boundaries in lively dialogue.  I've not met a more prolific inventive mind in my career.  

Below is what I wrote about Ian on his LinkedIn page and perhaps gives some insight into his impact on one company and me personally:

"Ian Ashdown joined TIR Systems Ltd. in the early 2000 timeframe and quickly defined himself as a prolific inventor and technical mentor to the engineering and research departments. Under his technical guidance, some of the most influential Solid State Lighting products, technologies and patents written came into being. Ian helped build the value of TIR Systems, and to his credit, many of his patents and technology became part of the future Philips IP portfolio through the acquisition of TIR in 2007. During his last two years with Philips, Ian pursued a groundbreaking area of research within Philips that pushed the very boundaries of lighting. 
In summary, Ian is one of the most intuitive and well read lighting scientists I know in this industry and his contributions to all facets of lighting knowledge clearly continue with his keen interest in lighting software, controls, optics and nearly all other aspects of the illumination value chain.

Ian was devoted to his wife Jan and was a true friend to all.  I will miss his mischievous sense of humor, his keen mind and above all, his kindness and honesty.  It was an honour to have had my life touched by him.  Ian will live long in my memories and in all of the contributions he has made to this world.

I worked with Ian at TIR Systems back in the day when I was still a student. He was both brilliant and kind. I am sorry for your loss. 

The science of photometry shines less brightly without you, rest in peace Ian. Thx for your support, guidance and friendship over 30 years from LRC, IES, SIGGRAPH and lots of ray tracing. So sorry for your loss Jan.

Ian was wonderfully smart, insightful, and generous. I remember first contacting him  in the 90s with one of those odd compuserve emails asking if he was the one who had written an article that interested me. His response was a cheerful "Tis I!" and an informative email. My deepest condolences Jan -- what a loss. 

Holly

I met Ian at a Vancouver workshop on BRDF measurement in 1991, and was instantly struck by his intelligence and humor.  We shared many of the same interests, and some of the same personality traits as well.  We saw each other every chance we got, and I like to think there are still photons wandering the universe that had the good fortune to run into him.

Ian was a remarkable scientist, engineer, friend and husband. He was a motivating force in my life and in many others. My condolences to his beloved wife, Jan, and to his family and friends. May his memory be a blessing. Leora

I'm sorry to hear of Ian's passing. I last corresponded with him in November, asking him about - what else? - lighting. He was, as always, interested and helpful. What also struck me was how he was learning about new areas of lighting, such as disinfection using light, and applying his knowledge. That's the perfect place to be, a mix of newcomer and master. He was a good guy in all ways.

OBITUARY

Ian Edward Ashdown

27 March, 1950 – 14 June, 2023

Hollyburn Funeral Home

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