Obituary of Ian Laidlaw

LAIDLAW, Ian

MARCH 5, 1949 - JUNE 19, 2019

Ian passed away reluctantly, but peacefully, surrounded by family after a hard-fought and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He will be missed dearly by his best friend and wife Dianne; four children, Ryan, Alison, Rob and Mike and spouses; four grandchildren, Blake, Cole, Lucas and Sebastian; his sister Rosemary, along with his many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters in-law. His infant son Bradley (1983), his father Max (2000), his mother Gladys (2000) and his dog Admiral will be waiting with open arms to re-unite and welcome him. 

Ian worked for many years for the Government of Saskatchewan including time at SPMC, before becoming a consultant with ISM, Crown Life, and Paradigm Consulting. He was passionate about mentoring others and took their success very personally.  

Ian had a zest for life, and a love for the outdoors and his cars. He enjoyed the mountains, the beach, tending to the backyard and working in the garage cleaning his own cars (as well as kids’ cars) with great detail, passion and pride. He loved food, and also enjoyed going for a coffee or sharing a bottle of wine with his family and friends. 

Ian was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family absorbed much of his time and attention. He was a life-long teacher and mentor not just at work, but also at home. Thank you so much Dad and Papa for all the lessons you have taught us, and for being such an amazing and positive role model. We will forever miss our conversations, sharing laughs and hugs, your delicious barbecues and playing ping-pong and card games with you. You have made us all stronger, better balanced and gracious people and we are forever grateful.  

Thank you to our friends, family, and colleagues who kept in touch during Ian's cancer journey. We are so proud of how hard he fought, defying all odds to extend our time together. We hope that he can now rest peacefully.  

The family will hold a small private gathering to celebrate his life. To all others, you will be there in spirit, and we ask that you honour Ian by getting together to share stories, a coffee or a drink in his name. In lieu of flowers, please follow Ian’s lead and pay it forward by performing an act of kindness for a friend, stranger or charity. An interment will be held at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com

“I've asked the Lord to ease the hurt and comfort you somehow. It’s hard at the beginning, but I know you'll make it through. I hope it helps to know that I'll be waiting here for you.”