Ian J. Reid of North Saanich, BC passed away on December 21, 2023 at age 87.
Ian was born to John and Yvette Reid (Gratton) on November 6, 1936, in Toronto. He graduated from Royal Military College in May 1957 and spent the next 3 years training at the Royal Naval Engineering College in the UK. Ian returned to Canada and completed certificates of competency in both marine and aeronautical engineering, and later his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. His Naval service included postings to HMCS Bonaventure as flight deck engineer and HMCS Preserver as engineering officer, Squadron technical officer. Ian also oversaw ship refits including a posting as Officer in charge at the Naval Engineering Test Establishment in Montreal. After serving 31 years in the Navy, Ian worked another 8 years as Coast Guard Chief of Fleet Policy and Planning before retiring to Victoria in 1991. His Naval engineering skills were put to good use in his retirement, as he always owned a well-maintained boat which was well travelled with frequent day trips and several longer journeys every year.
Ian is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Eleanor, his five children, Andrew (Angela), David (Wanda), Barry, Cathy (John), and Brian (Maria), his 8 grandchildren, Michelle, Ian, Harrison, Hudson, Natalia, Claire, Jack and Betty, and his sister Yvette (Gilles). He was predeceased by his granddaughter Meghan. He will be dearly missed.
A private gathering for family and friends will be planned for a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association.
Dear Eleanor and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We pray that you will be comforted and sustained by your memories and by love from everyone around you. What a strong and caring family you are. I have happy memories of Ian’s friendliness, humour, inventiveness (the camping storage box that turned into a table and possibly other things) and keen, questioning intelligence. Among his many accomplishments with Eleanor, he gave all of us our dear friend Andrew. Comfort and love to all family and friends, David and Josie
Mes plus sincères condoléances. La mère de notre cousin Ian, tante Yvette était 20 ans plus âgée que notre mère Rollande Gratton. Notre père a terminé ses 10 dernières années de carrière militaire à Montréal, Les parents de Ian, tante Yvette et oncle John qui habitaient aussi à Montréal étaient comme des grands-parents pour nous. Tante Yvette, comme une bonne grande soeur, venait nous garder, les sept enfants et nous apportait du sucre d’orge. On avait toujours hâte de voir tante Yvette et oncle John, ils étaient vraiment gentils tout comme leurs enfants Ian et Yvette On voyait Ian aux party de famille, on entendait souvent parler de lui, ses parents étaient très fiers de lui. Plus tard nous sommes déménagé à Ottawa et ma soeur Renée et moi avons eu la chance de garder nos petits cousins et Catherine-Louise à Ottawa. Ian et la petite Yvette ont toujours été bons avec ma mère, Ian même rendu à l’autre boût du canada, prenait de ses nouvelles et venait la visiter . La dernière fois que j’ai vu Ian, c’était à la résidence pour personnes âgées de ma mère. Ian a été un modèle pour la famille. Repose en paix Ian.