It’s with a heavy heart that mom May Steel, brother Tom Steel (Beth – Sarah and Matthew) and sister Karen Paterson (Graham – Sean and David) share the loss of our beloved son, brother and uncle Ian who passed away on Nov 2, 2020. He fought against a cancer diagnosis with courage and pragmatism, knowing that his time was precious.
He was hopeful as he began chemotherapy and when undergoing extensive surgery. However, his condition unexpectedly deteriorated and investigation found extensive disease throughout his body. He was admitted to the hospital on a Friday but it was apparent by then that his battle was nearly over, and Ian passed in comfort and peace on the Monday, with his family surrounding him.
We know Ian would want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at The Walker Cancer Center in St. Catharines. Throughout this ordeal we have been blessed by those who treated Ian with exceptional kindness, gave Ian superior treatment and reached out to him in encouragement. Those supporting Ian include his friends, family, also those back home in Scotland, and his amazing neighbours in Attercliffe Station.
Ian loved hearing from his colleagues from The Canadian Armed Forces, as his time of service to our country included some of his most fulfilling years. He recently told us that he had no regrets in life. He saw so many places around the world and in retirement enjoyed the Horticultural Society in Dunnville and also making and sharing his “very good” wine. We toasted Ian following his passing with a glass of his cabernet sauvignon.
We already miss our son, big brother and uncle more than we can ever say. Ian was tenacious in maintaining relationships with family and friends. Ian was the glue that held his friends and our extended family – split between continents – together. He helped all of us all to be able to share in celebration, lend support times of struggle and commiserate in times of mourning. His contributions to friends and family were considerable, and to honour his memory we will need to work to maintain the bonds that he made and sustained.
Farewell Ian, rest in peace!