Ian McDiarmid Ross

We are heartbroken to announce that Ian Ross passed away on May 30, 2022. He will be deeply missed by daughter Jacki; beloved grandsons Dylan (Maria) and Julian; sister Pat (Tony); partner Val; the Mameli family and many, many friends. He was pre-deceased by his wife, Stella.

Ian was born in Kirkaldy, Scotland on January 15, 1943, to Bill and Betty and he was raised with his sister Pat in Methil. He excelled both academically and in athletics. He studied engineering at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and shortly after graduation married Stella Millar. They moved to Regina, Saskatchewan and welcomed Jacki.

The family moved often as Ian explored different engineering jobs, living in Swift Current, Chilliwack, Victoria, home to Edinburgh, and then back to Regina and Saskatoon. Ian collected many friends on these travels that he held very dear and spoke about often.

In 1978 Ian decided that Saskatchewan winters were not for him, and the family moved to Burnaby, BC. He spent more than 25 years with the department of Fisheries and Oceans. Many salmon returning through fish hatcheries on the BC coast have Ian to thank.

Ian put his family first always. Every weekend he took Jacki and Stella on picnics, hikes, and to the beach. He inspired a joy of nature in Jacki, and they shared many long walks and talks together. He was her mentor and role model. Ian was a caring husband and tirelessly supported Stella through her battle with MS. He was a fun grandpa – even if the diapers were sometimes on backwards. He was a keen travel guide to Pat and Tony on their visits to BC. And he shared both a witty sense of humour and the impenetrable clues of the weekly cryptic crossword with Val.

Ian recently told Jacki that he wanted to spend more time with family and friends. Please honour Ian by cherishing all the people in your life and remembering that we are all worthy of love.

“If there’s another world, he lives in bliss; If there is none, he made the best of this.”

~ Robbie Burns

There is no service at this time. Please consider a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association in his memory.