Ian Smythe: RIP

SMYTH, Ian Ross
Ian Ross Smyth died peacefully at home on Saturna Island, British Columbia on Saturday, 23 June 2012 at the age of 81. Born 27 February 1931 in Cornwall, Ontario to Clara (Wereley) and Victor Smyth, Ian is survived by his wife, Susie Washington-Smyth, daughters Cynthia and Hilary Smyth, and stepchildren Omar and Sierra Washington. He will also be missed and remembered by his grandchildren Madeleine and Alexander Johnston, his sons-in-law Martin Manson and Andy Johnston, and stepdaughter-in-law, Euriphile Joseph. Ian is also survived by his former wife, Margot Smyth. Predeceased by his brother Wesley Smyth and his sister Chloe Prokos, Ian is also survived by his remaining sister, Frances Errington, nieces Susie Muth, Lesley and Jeannie (Smyth), Margaret Errington, and nephews Joe Errington and Stewart Smyth. Finally and not least, Ian leaves a well-filled, well-used and much-loved kitchen, library, music collection and oceanside home, all of which he shared generously with his family and dear friends. All will remember him for his quick wit, love of a stiff drink and a boyish twinkle in his eyes. Leaving Ontario as a young man, Mr Smyth spent many adventurous years, mostly in the Canadian West, where he worked among other things at soil engineering on the Trans-Canada highway, as a cowboy in New Mexico, a radio DJ and director at the CBC...somehow along the way finding time to play fullback for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for a season. In his late twenties, he left this phase of life behind to attend the University of British Columbia. After graduating from the UBC with an Honours degree in Economics and Political Science, Mr Smyth began a career with the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce where he served in Australia, Rhodesia and England as a Trade Commissioner and subsequently Commercial Counsellor. After 12 years with IT&C, he pursued two further careers: the first culminating in his role as Assistant Secretary of Personnel Policy at the Treasury Board in Ottawa, where he also taught at the Carleton University School of Public Policy and Administration. After leaving the public sector Mr Smyth finished his career as President of the Canadian Petroleum Association in Calgary AB, retiring in 1992. The family would like to thank Irene te Hennepe and Pam Janszen for their care during Ian's last weeks at home. At Ian's request, there will be no services of any kind. Donations in Ian's memory may be made to the Saturna Island Fire Protection Society or to the Saturna Island Recreation and Cultural Centre Society.