Ian "Papa" Murray

Ian was born in Ottawa, Ontario in 1947. He grew up in Montreal with his mother Jean Poirier, his father Gordon Poirier and two siblings. Older brother Robert(Bob) and younger sister Judy. His time was usually spent causing chaos on the lake shore, playing football and hockey.

At the age of 18 Ian joined the Navy and was posted to Shearwater, Nova Scotia. It was there that he met his wife Sharon and they were married in 1968. They went on to have two children, Shelley and Robert (Bob). During his time in Shearwater he was part of the crew for the HMCS Iroquois and the HMCS Bonaventure. In 1983 he was posted to Comox, BC as a flight Engineer for Search and Rescue 442 Squadron on the Labrador helicopters. SAR would become his passion and a great source of pride for him. A tight knit team of people that quickly became a second family to Ian. The remainder of his military career saw him head to Gander, NFLD. He described his time there as the most challenging

yet funniest three years of his life in the Military. Then to Victoria, BC as a cadet liaison, and a final posting back to Comox, BC as part of 407 squadron in 1995. After 30 years of service it was time to retire from the forces, but shortly after his retirement opportunity came knocking in the way of a position with CHC helicopters as a safety trainer which would have him travelling the world. A dream job for Ian.

He stayed with CHC until his wife Sharon became ill and he needed to be home to care for her until she passed away in 2009.

The loves of Ian's life were first and foremost his family, a man very dedicated to his family. Sar, both the people and the work, always held a big place in his heart. He loved to help anyone that needed anything. It was not uncommon for him to offer complete strangers a ride or maybe a few bucks for a meal. He absolutely adored Brown dog *AKA Piper* and his cat Bella, both of which he shared breakfast with

every morning. Ian loved teaching, especially kids. His time with the cadets was very rewarding for him and he also spent many years coaching minor hockey in the Comox Valley.

Ian was well known for his artistic ability, his cartoons bringing many smiles and laughter to those who saw them. He was also always the life of the party and had a knack for telling jokes, mimicking accents and singing cheeky songs. His biggest frustration was when he would get the packages he ordered off Facebook and they looked nothing like what he ordered...oh the names he called them!!!

Ian passed away, peacefully in his sleep, in the comfort of his home on July 15, 2021. Truly a prince of a man, Ian was kind, funny, talented and generous to a fault. He will be lovingly remembered always and very dearly missed.

He is survived by his daughter Shelley, son Robert (Bob), Grandchildren Garrett, Jenna and Tessa, Brother Robert(Verna) Murray of Dartmouth, Sister Judy Mcphee of Montreal, Niece’s Crissy Delaney, Kathy Romo, and Susan Hopkins as well as many other cherished nieces, nephews, cousins

and extended family member with special mention of daughter in Law Michele Blair.

Ian is predeceased by his wife of 41 years Sharon in 2009, his mother Jean Poirier in 2011 and his father Gordon Poirier in 1972.

There will be no service as per Ian's wishes. He will be laid to rest at Courtenay Civic Cemetery alongside his beloved Sharon.

Rest easy Papa, you are free

all our love

Until we meet again,....