Ian Franklin Ross
1 February 1953 – 25 July 2014
Ian Franklin Ross, 61, passed away peacefully at his home in Qualicum Beach, BC, on 25 July 2014, attended by his wife Melody Martin and his mother Elspeth Ross.
Born in London, England, Ian soon moved with his parents Elspeth and Robin Ross to Ottawa where his father worked for the British diplomatic service. By age six, he was living in Toronto where his father became Registrar at the University of Toronto (U of T). His formal education began at the Institute of Child Study, a lab school for the U of T’s Faculty of Education and Psychology. Starting in Grade Seven he attended UTS, a university preparatory school where, in his senior year, he was School Captain. He completed undergraduate studies at Trinity College (U of T), and his Master’s in Business Administration at York University. He also studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and maintained a long record of scholarly activity with the institution.
Early in his career, Ian worked briefly as a Planning Economist at the U of T. From there he took on the challenge of restructuring U of T’s Royal Conservatory of Music. In 1988, he moved to Vancouver Island to accept an administrative position at what was then Malaspina College. He was Dean of Instruction and later, Dean of the Social Sciences and Business Faculties when the college became a university college. Shortly after the institution became Vancouver Island University, Ian turned to teaching full-time in the Faculty of Management.
Also an ardent sports enthusiast, Ian was a proud member of the University of Toronto football team during his undergraduate years. Shoulder dislocations and surgeries interrupted his football career, but never dampened his passion for the sport. Unwavering in his devotion to the University of Florida Gators, his surroundings were filled with memorabilia and references to the team.
Known for his steadfastness and leadership, Ian’s sharp intellect and refined sense of humour allowed him to interact meaningfully with all types of people and situations. He was an avid and eclectic reader, a gourmet cook, and a superb conversationalist. In addition to his love and commitment to family and close friends, his beloved dogs, Shugah and Gator, filled his days with happiness and mischief.
A reception in honour of Ian’s life will be held 2-4 pm on Saturday,
2 August, at Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Club, 469 Memorial Ave.,
Qualicum Beach.