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Ian Irwin
March 30, 1931 - September 1, 2016
Tribute
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of a much loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ian is survived by his beautiful, loving wife, and best friend of 58 years Shirley, and his three cherished daughters, Elizabeth (Bill Saunders), Joan (Stephane deRaucourt) and Carol (Ron Panchuk); his five grandchildren, Jennifer, Prentice, Emmanuelle, Shannon, Frederique and step-grandchildren Justine and Jeremy.
Ian was born in Calgary, Alberta to George and Elizabeth (nee Mason) Strong. He was predeceased by his sister, Katharine Margaret Balfour in 1990. After 65 years in Calgary, Ian and Shirley moved to the peaceful tranquility of, as Ian fondly called it, “Arthritis Ridge” on Vancouver Island in 1996.
Ian attended Rideau Park Elementary and Junior High School; Calgary Collegiate Institute (now Dr. Carl Safran Centre; University of Calgary (1952) and later obtained a Chartered Accountant designation from Queen’s University (1960).
Ian began his most interesting career as an Articling Clerk with Christianson, Simonton in Calgary (1953-60) followed by positions as Secretary Treasurer with Okalta Oils Ltd., Lobitos Oilfields (1960-64), Partner of Mack Stitt and Irwin (1964-66), Controller of Murphy Oil Company (1966-70), co-owner of Stagewest Dinner Theater (1980’s), and Chief Financial Officer with Fenerty and Company (1970-81). From 1981- 2016, Ian was self-employed as a trusted professional Chartered Accountant and financial adviser for many friends, colleagues and clients. In particular Ian had a long business association with his good friend- Lawrie Duff.
Ian was a dedicated volunteer and a true Calgarian; which is best demonstrated by his many years of long service to The Calgary Stampede of which he was an Honorary Life Director. Ian was also a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Glencoe Club, the Danish Canadian Club, The 400 Club (honorary Treasurer) and the Native Calgarian Society. He was often seen holding court at the weekly meetings of the East End Petroleum Club with his good friends at the St Louis Hotel.
Ian, while a man of few words, will be remembered with a smile by all of his friends, family and colleagues for his twinkling blue eyes, quick dry wit, welcoming manner, sense of fairness, helpfulness, dedication, and attention to detail. His family will remember sharing: long summer days in Osoyoos on family holidays, Canada Day floats on the Bow River, fishing, badminton at the Glencoe and birdwatching in nature which he loved. More often than not there was a Molson product close-by.
At Ian’s request there will be no funeral service and in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Margaret Lindsay
Relation: Ian was a friend
Ian will long be remembered for his generosity, kindness and his sharp and quick wit. He was a lovely man and will be missed by so many…..
From: Rod & Christine Mc Bride
Relation: Friend & CE&S Colleague
His friendship,professional advice and mentor ship will be greatly missed. Condolences to Shirley and family.
From: Lynn Landry
Relation: a friend
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will miss his teasing at our coffee meetings. Big hug Shirley
From: Wynne Chisholm
Relation: Calgary Stampede
Ian was one of my favorite courtesy car drivers back in the 70″s – his dry wit always had us laughing. In later years, it was a pleasure to serve as an Honorary Life Director with him.
From: Eleanor Bailey
Relation: Through the Calgary Stampede
Bill and I were sorry to hear about Ian’s passing. I will always remember the many happy times when we served together on the Board of Directors of the Stampede. Shirley, we send our sympathy to you and your family.
From: Don and Joan Wilson
Relation: Long time friend
Dear Shirley Loan And I where saddened to hear of Ian,s passing,he was a great guy and a great Calgarian, he will be missed by many. His Stampede involvement was just one of his many successes and will be highly regarded my all .Our love and thoughts are with you and your family. Don and Joan Wilson Calgary
From: Bill Gray
Relation: President of Calgary Stampede
On behalf of all of the volunteers and employees of the Calgary Stampede, we pass on our condolences to Shirley and the rest of Ian’s family. He provided great service to and was a longstanding supporter of our organization.
From: Robert Wilson
Relation: Friend
I so sorry to hear about Ian and Grace and I send our condolences to Shirley and family. Ian was a good friend from Calgary and I remember the many good times we had with them at functions in Calgary. He will be missed.
Grace and Bob Wilson
From: Tom B. Cerkvenac
Relation: Through his daugher Carol.
My deepest sympathy to the family, and especially to Carol, at this sad time.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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Thank You Notice
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