IAN ROBERT MARKS

With profound sadness we share the passing of Ian Robert Marks on August 25th, 2025. Ian was born in London, England on June 28th, 1948. Ian is predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Sharon (née Thorburn) and parents, Robert and Phyllis (néeFothergill). Ian leaves sister Jacqueline and daughters Dale (Tony), Heather (Jason) and Denise (Trevor). He also leaves grandchildren Aidan, Sydney, Chloe, Avery (Zachary) and Hannah who will all miss him dearly. Ian shared a special bond with cousins David Fothergill and Kim and Brad Billson, and appreciated their enduring support. After moving to Canada, Sharon’s family took Ian in as one of their own and helped him feel at home.

After meeting Sharon in 1969, Ian relocated to Canada to marry and start a new chapter of his life. After working in several manufacturing jobs in southern Ontario, Ian was able to land a job he was trained for and seeking to find. As an Engineering Apprentice, Ian took a position in Tool Design in Winnipeg at Bristol Aerospace. This is where Ian worked for the majority of his career.

The aerospace industry was an interest and a passion for Ian. Not only could Ian identify any object in flight that he saw in the sky, but he could also tell you the model and complete specs from memory. A highpoint of his career was working on the Apache Helicopter and he held NATO security clearance required for this work.

Alongside his daytime role at Bristol, Ian did some interesting contract projects in design, and could often be found in the evenings on his drafting board with music playing in the background. Some of Ian's contributions included work on the doors of the Toronto subway and the technology on the kneeling transit bus.

A devout Toronto Maples Leafs fan, Ian could often be heard in the basement during Hockey Night in Canada. True to his loyal way of being, Ian never abandoned his team over the years to come no matter what the final score. Ian appreciated good food and craft beer, and never turned down a meal shared with friends and family. Later, Sharon and Ian took up a love of Baseball and held season tickets to the Winnipeg Goldeyes where they would attend games rain or shine. Ian also enjoyed recreational mountain biking at Birds Hill Park, and the brunch afterwards even more! Over their life together, Sharon and Ian explored every corner of the Province and many small town festivals. They particularly loved Victoria and Waterton National Park.

As a father Ian reinforced and modelled strong work ethic, reliability and honesty. He valued family dinner as a protected time for everyone to sit and share stories. No matter what anyone had to say, Ian was happy to listen and carefully question rather than give an opinion or judgement.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Kim and Dr. Leong, and the staff of the N1N Ward at Concorida Hospital. Following a private family interment, a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on September 5th, 2025 at 603 Wellington Crescent. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, a charity supported by Sharon and Ian for many years.

Ian’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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