Ian Alexander Follis

He was born on February 2, 1938 in Vancouver, BC and was the first born child of Milton and Agnes Follis. As a youth Ian joined the Sea Cadets which led to his attending the Canadian Navy’s Officer Training College in Esquimalt and he also joined the military marching band as a drummer, trumpeter, and drum major. Following his discharge he worked on various steamships traveling throughout the Gulf Islands and Alaska.

By 1956 he again changed careers to what became a lifetime of banking. He started with the Canadian Bank of Commerce, working at various branches around B.C. At the same time he was the drummer for many different bands, playing mostly contemporary dance music as well as rock and roll. In 1960 he met Naida Harrington, and a year later they were married at St. Mathias Anglican Church in Vancouver. Ian then went to work for IAC/Niagara briefly before joining the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. He was transferred to various communities around BC with CIBC, and continued to play drums with local bands, now mostly big band and jazz music, although he tolerated Naida’s country music. After a move to Toronto with CIBC, Ian eventually moved back to B.C. and joined the Bank of British Columbia.

In 2001 Ian retired from HSBC; however, he continued to work hard, both as a tour guide and as a drummer with various bands including Sentimental Journey, Route 66, and The Milleraires. He was also an active member of the Vancouver Naval Veterans Association, and volunteered for many nonprofit organizations throughout his life. From early childhood Ian had always enjoyed road trips throughout North America, and cars were a great passion. During Ian’s retirement he and wife Naida continued traveling and became avid cruisers. Their favourite cruise was to Africa, and they also enjoyed South America, Mexico, Great Britain and Alaska. They took 27 cruises in the last 20 years, spending a total of 413 days at sea.

Ian is survived by his wife of 61 years, Naida, his daughters Barbara, Patricia and Allison, grandchildren Alex, Samantha, Taylor and Sean, great grandchildren Lucas, Bentley, Avery, Trinity and Charlotte, sisters Penny and Ginny (Paul), brother Cody (Eva) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed for his generosity, dedication and helpfulness.

The memorial service is to be held at First Memorial Funeral Services Burkeview Chapel, 1340 Dominion Ave., Port Coquitlam, B.C. on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11:00 am with a reception to follow from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the animal charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialportcoquitlam.com for the Follis family.