STIRLING, Ian Bruce

August 13, 1950 - July 21, 2022

Ian had a quick mind and a quick wit. He was well known for his sense of humour and love of a good pun and always had a story to tell. He had a natural ear for music and played the harmonica. His taste in music was diverse, but he was especially a fan of early jazz.

An avid camera collector, he loved photography and spent much of his life in the camera and photofinishing industry before transitioning into screen and digital printing. He preferred to be behind the camera, and his photographs offer a glimpse of the world through his eyes.

Ian could look at a machine and immediately know how it worked. Whether it was working on cars, tuning the family piano, or managing a large printing facility, he could fix or build almost anything. He had an adventurous spirit and was a lifelong motorcyclist. As a young man, he raced stock cars, and his love of aviation led him to get his private pilot's license.

He never sought the spotlight, but he was always quietly there to help a friend fix their car or build a swing set for their children. He showed his love through his actions, and his quiet, kind heart will be very missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and community.

Ian is survived by his four children: Bridget, Sean, Andrew and Colleen (Rich) Gatzky, and his sister, Mary Donaldson. He was preceded by his parents, Douglas and Janet Stirling, and his brother-in-law, Stuart Donaldson.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 pm on October 15, 2022, at the Reynolds Alberta Museum 6426 - 40 Avenue, Wetaskiwin, AB, T9A 2G1. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to charities supporting homeless people, a cause dear to Ian's heart.