Ian (Rookie) Charles Walker
July 10, 1952 - February 3, 2023
Tribute
Surrounded by Love Ian passed away at home on February 3rd with family and friends
Ian will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 37 years Glenda ( Miscisco)
Brother In Law and Best friend Bob Donaldson
Loving Niece and family Tara, Claudio , Luca and Adriano Canosa
Cousins Andrew (Jelena) Mitchell England ..Peter (Robin) Mitchell Australia
Predeceased by his Parents Rodger and Nora, Aunts Vera (Crook) ,Edna (Mitchell) England
Father and Mother In Law ..Chuck and Jean (Miscisco); Sister In Law Charlene Nephew Troy (Donaldson)
Ian was born in England in 1952 and moved to Vancouver where he attended McGee Secondary School
IW played Wing for the Meraloma Rugby Club and was selected to play for both the Vancouver and BC Rep Under 19 sides against the Japan Under 19 National Team in 1971, notably he scored two try’s with the Vancouver side and the winning try with the BC Team. Ian went on to play for the Vancouver and BC reps through the 70’s and a highlight was the tour with the Meralomas to England and Wales in 1973 ..as Rick Sim says it was a great decade
IW loved to run and ran the Vancouver International Marathon May 2, 1982
Ian worked for Tarkett Flooring as a Sales Rep until his Stroke 2002 and Retirement in 2017
Never since his Stroke in 2002 or Cancer Diagnosis in July 2022 which eventually affected his mobility did Ian ever complain. He always remained positive and when ever asked how he was he would always answer “Fantastic” with a laugh and a smile
Special thanks to all our Family and Friends who supported us through a difficult time and the past 21 years
Bob (Brother In Law) was always there to take care of Ian when he had difficulties. Ian’s wish was to go to Las Vegas The Barrett Jackson Car Show and Bob made it happen
The weekly visits from Cousin Dan (always got a laugh from Ian), Terry (Pat) Loyal Friends Mark (Eagle) & Rick (Claire)
Daily Happy Hour calls from his special girlfriend Judy
Long time friends Allan, Gino , Wayne (Crash) who called checking in on IW
Ian enjoyed travelling with Bob , Char and Friends to Hawaii, Mexico , Palm Springs; Cruises to, Europe and South America; Visits to see Aunt Anne and Family in Kansas City; Our Kamloops Family where IW had great times fishing with Kim and having a few beer with Russ, Larry and their friends. We were so lucky to have been able to enjoy these special times before all of Ian’s health issues
Our family would like to thank everyone at LGH for Ian’s care
Dr. Sasha Smiljanic /Oncologist LGH
Dr. Adam Chruscicki /Internal Medicine LGH ER
Palliative Care Doctors, Nurses, Support staff at Lions Gate Hospital 7West
.Dr. Mitchell Liu/ BC Cancer Radiation
Dr. K..Phan/GP (Norburn Medical)
All the Doctors who treated Ian over the last 21 years
City of North Vancouver Paramedics and Fire Department
Heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Honey Nurse Practitioner ,The Nurses , OT, Home Support Workers from the LGH Palliative Care Team who provided such compassionate and dignified care for the 4 months Ian was at home
In Lieu of Flowers please consider a donation to the Palliative and Supportive Care Program at Lions Gate Hospital North Vancouver, BC Cancer or a Charity of your choice
I know you are in Heaven Smiling down as Rick, Gino and Wayne’s Wanderin Star
Private Burial and Celebration of Ian’s life will be held at a later date
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Gary and Linda Cohen
Relation: Meraloma Club Teammate
Ian was my mentor on the rugby pitch with the Meraloma Club, and my inspiration for his recovery from his stroke. Ian always had a contagious laugh and lit up any conversation. Rick, Wayne, and Gino are fortunate to call Ian their very good friend. Bonnie, Ryan, Robyn and Family, we know you will have fond memories of Ian to provide you comfort and bring a smile to your faces.
From: Peter Robert Mitchell
Relation: Cousin
I have fond memories of my cousin, Ian and his parents before they moved to Canada. Sadly, since then we had only one opportunity in 1987 to meet again. All our love and condolences from the family in Australia. Love Peter and Robin
From: Blair Walter Manning
Relation: I met Ian in 1970 and played rugby, tour the local areas and the world.
I met Ian 1970 at Meraloma Club and played many years and traveled with rugby. A most talented athlete and a friend who would help all he knew. Took up road running and ran about a 2:59 in his first Vancouver marathon. His athletic accomplishments and rugby career stand out as one of Meralomas finest athletes. Rest in Peace Rookie…
From: Gary & Linda Mosterd
Relation: friend
Dear Glenda….we are so very sorry to know of Ian’s passing. He had many challenges in the last 20 years but with you by his side supporting him it helped him fight those battles. Cherish all those wonderful memories..R.I.P. Ian
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Palliative and Supportive Care Program at Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, BC Cancer or a charity of your choice.
Thank You Notice
Our family would like to thank everyone at LGH for Ian’s care
Dr. Sasha Smiljanic /Oncologist LGH
Dr. Adam Chruscicki /Internal Medicine LGH ER
Palliative Care Doctors, Nurses, Support staff at Lions Gate Hospital 7West
Dr. Mitchell Liu/ BC Cancer Radiation
Dr. K..Phan/GP (Norburn Medical)
All the Doctors who treated Ian over the last 20 years
City of North Vancouver Paramedics and Fire Department
Heartfelt thanks to Jennifer Honey Nurse Practitioner ,The Nurses , OT, and the Home Support Workers from the LGH Palliative Care Team who provided such compassionate and dignified care for the 4 months Ian was at home.
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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Send Condolence - For Ian Walker
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