Ian Johnson

Our world has less spark today with the passing of Ian Johnson. Ian passed peacefully at  Victoria Hospice, Victoria B.C. on June 12, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Ian was 85.  He had every intention of living to 100, but sadly it was not to be.

He was born May 22, 1938, in Eastbourne, England, to Alan and Helene Johnson. At age 10, due to circumstances related to WW2, he travelled alone to Canada. Ian saw this journey as a  huge, exciting adventure. He never lost that adventurous spirit and was always willing to try  new things.

Ian joined his biological aunt and uncle Olive and Leslie Johnson, cousins Margaret and Alistair  who were to become his new adoptive family in South Surrey B.C. Ian and Margaret were very  close growing up, and enjoyed an idyllic life at Crescent Beach. Ian always felt he grew up in  the best of times. Many of his friends from those days were lifelong friends right until his  passing.

Ian graduated from UBC in 1962 with a BCom and began his early career with Royal Trust as a  trust officer and later as a Bank Manager. His career took him to Ottawa, Sarnia and later  Mississauga, Ontario. In all, he lived 47 years in Ontario. In 1981 he switched to Montreal Trust  and began working on his Certified Financial Planner accreditation. After becoming a CFP, he  joined the ECC Group of Financial Advisors in Toronto in 1989. As Ian often would assert,  ‘when you have a job you love, it is not work’. That is how he felt about his time at ECC, and according to his boss, Ian looked after his older women clients better than any  other advisor. His fellow staff became his work family.

Ian was a people person with a warm engaging smile and a great sense of humour. He loved  life, and one of his favourite sayings was “you are not here for a long time, so make sure you  have a good time!” Scotch was his drink of choice and he felt scotch made every experience better.

Golf was his passion as well as running. He continued to run until he was 80. One of  the highlights of his life was carrying the torch for the 1988 Winter Olympics, and being chosen  to fly to Calgary and take part in the opening ceremonies. He followed the Toronto Blue Jays  through all of their ups and downs, but, unlike his wife, was NOT a fair-weather fan. Ian loved  spending time outdoors hiking, biking or simply taking long walks with his “sweetie”. He also  enjoyed sitting quietly enjoying the beauty of nature.

He loved travelling and especially road trips. He looked forward to his golfing holidays with  “just the guys”. Aside from golf, his favourite holiday was a beach vacation, preferably Hawaii,  Hilton Head, and of course Pass-a-Grille Beach, Florida. He and Liz would spend 3 weeks every  May, dating back to 1985, making lifetime memories with family and dear friends.

Ian is survived by his wife and best friend, Liz, his son Stephen (Rhonda, deceased 2016), his  daughter Leanne Gray (Stuart), and grandsons Tenzin and Bodhi. He leaves stepdaughter,  Robynn Munnings (Tad) and 5 grandchildren, Jakson (Seanna), Jonah, Ella, Maley and Bea. Ian  is also survived by his loving sister Margaret MacInness (Bev, deceased 2023), sister in law  Kathy Johnson and many nieces and nephews. Ian was predeceased by his stepdaughter  Karyn Johnson (1996), and sister-in-law Sandy Galloway (2009).                                   

Ian also leaves behind many dear friends especially Allie Ferri (Pete)and her 6 children, Talia,  Claire, Jacinta, Maeve, Ben and AJ, and cherished friend of more than 50 years, Iris Hoytema. They were all “family by choice”.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Contributions to Victoria Hospice or charity of choice are  welcomed appreciatively. A Celebration of Life is to take place at a later date. We would like to thank all the staff at Victoria Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.  They truly bring heaven to earth.

We love you Ian, and you will be greatly missed by all who knew you.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com