I had the pleasure of getting to know Ian back in the mid 80's when we spent 2 years in the same class at Dartmouth Community College - Akerley Campus. We had a great group for those two years, lots of laughs and comradery as we learned the art of Auto Body repair and refinishing. I remember Ian as a quiet, reserved man with a quick wit. His obituary says it well, he was funny without trying! So sad to hear of his passing. It sure sounds like he went on to be a great husband and father! My sincere condolences to Ian's family.

I can picture Ian at Nanny Touesnards with a cup of tea in front of him. Laurie would would say come on Ian we have to go, he would just smile and keep talking. He was never short for words!

Dear Carole and family: I was so very sorry to hear of your sad loss. May the memories you hold dear give you some measure of comfort at this time, and may Ian rest in peace. Sincerely, Sheilah Burke

Ian and I would go fishing in Penhorn lake all the time, we would take a few pops and some snacks and be there for hours, we always caught fish (this was back 42 years ago...)

He was gentle soul then and obviously this never changed.

Rest in peace my FRIEND.

Dave

On behalf of myself and my parents, Peter and Sylvia, we would like to pass along our deepest condolences to Ian’s family.

Ian was the type of person that was always happy to see you and was truly interested in how you were doing. I’ll always remember his quiet sense of humour!

Our deepest sympathies to his wife and their beautiful children.

Janice, Peter & Sylvia Pottie

I left Nova Scotia around 1993. That was the last time I saw Ian. After reconnecting with Ian online several years back, we were making plans to meet and catch-up next time I was in town. We would have met last October but my trip was cancelled last minute due to Covid. I was looking forward to seeing Ian again this May. Sometimes fate can be very cruel…

When I read Ian’s obituary, I chuckled because up to the very end, Ian was still the same person I knew while growing up in Dartmouth. I remember the fishing trips, I remember his hunting tales, I remember going to his house and meeting his lovely family.

Rest in peace, dear friend. Although we have not seen each other for thirty years, your memories are as fresh and vivid to me as if we had never parted.

With deepest sympathy and condolences to all. We are sharing in your sadness. Know that you're in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Love, Isla (godchild), David, Marjorie, Yvonne and Alex McNamara.

Laurie, my sincerest condolences to you and the entire family. I am confident that Ian’s love, kindness and understanding will live on through all of you.

So sorry to hear of your loss. Sending condolences to Ian’s family, including his Mom, Carole (former coworker) and his brother Blane.

So sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. I got to know Ian while working at the Strait Richmond, he was a pleasure to work with and was very soft spoken, with a great love of his family and pets. He obviously enjoyed his home and family very much. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.

Sending my sincere condolences to Ian’s wife and children and the Touesnard family. I got to know Ian from working with him at the Strait Richmond. He was always so kind and humble and spoke lovely about his family, clearing his land in River Bourgeois and fishing at St Peter’s Canal. He will be greatly missed. RIP Ian. Jean Landry

My sincere condolences to Ian’s wife, children and all his family and friends. I met Ian when I worked at Strait Richmond hospital and then I was happy to see him In the painting class I took at Potlotek school. He was always so soft spoken and so very friendly. So sorry for your loss.

I can remember many days spent with Ian out fishing on the local lakes in Dartmouth.what great times we had growing up together.

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with Ian's whole family at this sad and difficult time. A good life ending too soon.

We will miss our conversations with him at the family Christmas parties in Dartmouth at the Sampson home. Let his memory be a blessing to you all

Our condolences to Ian’s family and friends. Thinking of you all in the difficult days ahead.

Terry & Margie Boudreau

Dearest Family & Friends

So shocked and saddened to hear of Ian's passing. He was so very pleasant and kind when we'd come in for our shift in the morning at Strait Richmond Hospital.

Thinking of you all during this most difficult time. Sincere and heartfelt condolences.

Ian wasn’t just my first cousin. He was my first friend. Born two months apart, we played together, went to school together, spent almost every day together from the time we were born until we were in high school. We loved each other like brother and sister. He was funny and warm, loved pets and children, and was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. When you see Nanny and Papa, have a big bowl of homemade soup on me. No turnip or carrots, just lots of love.

So sorry to hear about Ian's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Estelle (Digout) Campbell

Heartfelt condolences to Ian’s wife and children, Carol and Blane. My summer memories of Ian coming to Cape Breton will always be cherished and remembered so fondly. His gentle but strong spirit was special. I remember asking him when I was a kid what he was going to be when he grew up and he said, ‘ A fisherman’ with a little smile and total confidence.

When he grew to be a man, he was the same sweet person that he was when he was 10.

My favourite thing about Ian was his sense of humour. Although you had to strain to hear it sometimes, his dry wit was on point!

I’ll miss him.

Laurie, Tessa, Reece, Kiana, Devon, Carole, Blane, Maggie and Duncan, take comfort in the memories of Ian, he loved you all, we will miss him. Uncle Ervin and Aunt Janice xoxo

Will miss your calm demeanor, great sense of humour and kindness to others. Love to your family.

Jeff Nearing

We are saddened beyond belief at Ian’s tragic loss. We will forever miss him. We send all our love to his family…..who were his pride and joy. Rest in Peace. Auntie Bev and Uncle Billy

My thoughts and prayers are with you ALL at this most very difficult time. Take care and God Bless! (Kathleen Boudreau, St. Peter's)

My heart goes out to the family. Ian was one of the kindest and gentlest people I’ve known. We had lots of fun times back in Cape Breton. I’ll miss his warm laugh and big smile.

This is so sad to hear, I knew Ian from when he visited his grandparents in Sydney. Dolbin Street was always a great place to be when the brothers came to visit. My sincerest condolence to his wife, children and family.

Very sorry for your loss. I knew Ian when we were in our 20’s. Lots of fun times.

Going to miss you bud. Fly high my friend.