BROWN, Ian Forsyth
Ian Forsyth Brown passed away on March 28th, 2016 after a long and healthy life of 92 years. He is survived by Dorothy Iris Brown, his wife of 68 years, now living at Lodge on 4th in Ladysmith. Ian and Dorothy grew up in Victoria during the 20’s & 30’s. Ian attended Vic High, where he was a good basketball player, playing with friends, George Gower and Morrie Hundelbee.
Ian served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two and was stationed in Calgary as an airplane mechanic. After the war, Ian worked at the Hudson’s Bay Company on Douglas St in Victoria. He built his first house in Victoria’s Ross Bay. In 1956, he moved his family to Chilliwack, where he was the manager of a local Hardware Store. Ian continued to work in the Hardware business throughout his career in places like Port Alberni (just after the tidal wave hit the town in 1963) and later Ackland’s Hardware. He worked as a Ter. Mgr. in Qualicum Beach, Reg. Mgr. in Victoria, GM in Toronto, and Reg. Mgr. in Calgary. He finished his career on Salt Spring Island. In 1971, Ian was the GM of Mouat’s Trading Company on Salt Spring Island, where he joined the Board of Directors as a minority shareholder, along with the Toynbee and Mouat family members. He retired in the mid 1980’s. Ian was an active member in the Lions Club, serving as president for the Chilliwack and Salt Spring Island chapters.
In the family Ian was known as, “The Great One” niece Sharon fondly remembers. Ian is also survived by his son, Tom Brown (father to Vanessa, Tristen and Clarissa) and his daughter, Janice McDiarmid (married to Stuart McDiarmid and mother to Sam and Benjamin). Ian is survived by five grandchildren: Vanessa, Tristen, Clarissa, Sam, and Benjamin, and two great-grandchildren: Huxley 22 months (son of Clarissa Brown and Matt Stuckenberg) and Rebecca 14 months (daughter of Vanessa Brown and Joseph Boucher. Tristen & Lisa Brown are expecting Ian’s third great-grandchild in August. Ian is also survived by his sister Thelma and her children: Doug, Barb, Marilyn and Brian. Ian will be missed by cousins Rohan Brown and Craig Brown along with their families in Australia. He will also be missed by cousins: Jill, Heather, Steve, Sharon, Kevin, Scott, Terry and Richard, as well as close friend, Mark Harrison. Ian was a man with a sense of humour. He was an amazing Carpenter, Basketball Player, Golfer, Pool Shark, Painter, Cartoonist, Cribbage Wizard and Ping Pong Player. Most importantly, he was an all-around loving father and friend. We were enriched by his love of life.
A Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on May 16th, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a donation page gofundme.com/x2x36grg in support of Ian’s great-grandson Huxley, who is affected by cerebral palsy. Condolences may be offered at tomb742523@gmail.com
Telford’s of Ladysmith 250-245-5553