It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ian Slater on June 6 2023 in Victoria.  Ian is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Darien Peereboom, (Christopher), grandsons Finnick Peereboom, Nash Peereboom, sister Helen Murray, nieces Tracey Murray, Fiona Somerville (Alan),Sheila Slater, Allison Turpin (David) and nephews Scott Slater (Louise), Fraser Murray (Cathy), Robert Graham ( Kirsten), Iain Graham, and brother and sister-in- law Malcolm Graham (Margaret Jean) as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Ian was born in Aberdeen Scotland one of six children to John and Ruth Slater. He is pre-deceased by his siblings, Alexander, Naomi, Gladys and George.

Ian was very competent as a student. After his 11 plus exams he attended Robert Gordon’s Academy on scholarships which continued throughout his University years.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science which he took concurrently.  As many of the lectures were scheduled at the same time he was only able to attend half the classes.  As a result there were many hours spent in the student pub.

Following his Graduation from the University of Aberdeen, he entered the British Army as part of the requirement of the day to fulfil two years of National Service. He did this as a member of SHAPE , Strategic Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (precursor to NATO).  During this time he lived in Paris which he felt was a much more enjoyable assignment compared to other options.  He loved living in Paris and there are lots of interesting stories about that time in his life.

Ian felt there weren’t many opportunities for meaningful work in Scotland in the 1950’s and, as his brother George had previously emigrated to Vancouver, Ian did as well.  He worked in Market Research until he got a job with the city of Vancouver.  Following that he was employed with the Provincial Government, first with the Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs and then with the Ministry of Finance as a Policy Analyst. He retired in 1997.

 Because he had played Rugby at school, he found a niche at the Vancouver Rowing Club, made many close friends and had a very active social life.  He toured with rugby teams to places in the US like Louisiana, Texas, California and also to Japan. There were lots of stories to be told and definitely ”no sleeping on tour.”  Ian has maintained many friendships particularly those with whom he met through the Vancouver Rowing Club of which he is a life member.  He treasures those friendships.

When Ian met Barbara she became part of that social life and they were married in 1983.  There were many wonderful memories of the time they lived in Vancouver and in 1987 they moved to Victoria where they welcomed their daughter, Darien.  Ian loved being a father and it was a particularly joyful time for him.

Ian and Barbara enjoyed travelling and had many beautiful memories of their honeymoon in Paris and their trips to Portugal and Spain. After Darien became interested in Highland dancing, it was off to Scotland numerous times for competitions and to visit family.

Ian loved sports both as an athlete as well as a spectator.  Recently he has had a passion for watching soccer and of course his long time love of horse racing.  As a young man he loved the outdoors, rugby and particularly skiing.  A number of times he put skins on his skis and hiked up Garibaldi.  He always encouraged Darien in her athletic activities and when Darien married Christopher he found a son in law with whom he could bond over sports.  Ian also loved a good story and  had many to tell resulting in the recall of wonderful memories.

Ian was a loving husband, proud father and grandfather who loved his family more than anything.  Becoming a grandfather was one of the most important things that happened in his life.  Finnick and Nash brought such joy to “Papa” and it was a delight to see the smile on his face when Finnick would call his name.`