Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Ian Swan
1963 - 2020
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Dianne Swan posted a condolence
Friday, April 23, 2021
We were brother and sister soul mates. We loved our friends mutually and shared so many stories and fond memories of them. There was always laughter to follow those stories.
My dear brother was so talented in so many ways. He was a shining light to me and to the family, always being positive, trying to bring the good out in me and be my closest confidant. We were very similar, each trying to encourage the other. His wonderful partner Paul was welcomed and embraced into the family and made Ian his special one.
Ian was always giving me books to read, not just recommending some titles but insisting I read on making myself a better person, and do I have a collection of books.
The tears I have represent all the wonderful times we had, but I miss him terribly. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him.
He will forever be in my heart, my families hearts and Paul's heart.
Love you.
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VICTORIA SANOFF pledged to donate to Ian Swan Commemorative Bursary at the Ontario College of Art and Design
Thursday, April 15, 2021
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Angela posted a condolence
Monday, January 4, 2021
A few words about Ian...
I’ll never forget 2004 and the first time that I met Ian at our Bloor Street Banana Republic store. He had that huge, irresistible grin that only Ian had and he let us know that he accepted the role of Senior Visual Manager for Canada. And so, it began, a 13 year journey that saw Ian weave his way into our lives while excelling at his role within our company. His responsibilities extended beyond Canada as he soon took on the Midwest, New York, even Dubai and eventually became the North American Director of Visual Merchandising. He was fast, smart and he loved taking risks, pushing the envelope and being innovative. His work ethic was admirable. He started his day super early, he was never late (in fact if you weren’t 10 minutes early, you were late) and he never missed a deadline. He expected the same from all of us. He set incredibly high standards, yet there was always this level of patience as he continuously took us under his wing to teach, to train and to challenge all of us to be better at our jobs every day.
What made Ian special is that he was not just a colleague and he was not just loved by those of us at Banana Republic who worked directly with him, but also our extended family, friends and children. He had a great sense of humour, and a protective nature so he often happily took on the role of brother, uncle, friend, mentor and confidant. He cared deeply about people and their well-being and he genuinely wanted to help, to guide, and to support those around him. He lit up every room that he walked into and his hugs were genuine, meaningful and comforting. He was an inspiration both professionally and personally and ultimately was one of the most influential people that most of us had a chance to work with. What he said mattered and his many moments of advice stay with us….”Be human first”, “slow it down”, “make it simple, but significant”, “love you, don’t change” and finally “put that phone away, you aren’t that important!”
As we all know, Ian had a larger-than-life personality and presence wherever he went, and that big personality manifested in a genuine passion for all that he did both at work and in his life. He inspired so many around him to think big and to pursue their dreams.
Ian’s legacy is that he has left an impression on each of us. He taught us things that have made an impact on who we are today and how we choose to live our lives.
We will all continue to carry a piece of him with us because he is and always will be unforgettable.
Angela
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Marion Swan pledged to donate to Ian Swan Commemorative Bursary at the Ontario College of Art and Design
Friday, December 18, 2020
With love
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Jalynne Lossia posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
My path was short with Ian, as we worked together for only a brief time. However, his talent and teachings stuck with me for many years. Ian’s energy lit up the room and his command and presence in his role, was remarkable. I wish his family and friends peace during this difficult time. May Ian’s legacy carryon forever with all of the memories we have of a wonderful man.
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Katharine posted a condolence
Saturday, December 12, 2020
Thank you for the lovely service today celebrating Ian's life. Ian was quite simply magic. He was one of my favourite people of all time. He was like a bright light, and he lit up any room he walked into. His advice, counsel, kindness and capacity to love was what made him a mentor to me. His talent as an artist was inspiring and his love for his partner Paul touched my heart. I will miss Ian and will hear his laughter in my memories for the rest of my life. I will never forget his support when I was challenged both professionally and personally, he always had time for me and was a phenomenal listener. His humor, wit and sarcasm was razor sharp and our love of Musical Theatre, Barbra, Fashion was something that always brought us joy. You made a difference in my world... I'll never forget meeting you for the first time and you were wearing Cowboy boots, moving tables and product with Gusto across the Toronto Eaton Centre sales floor, cut to 13 years later and the Cowboy boots were replaced with some Fabulous Gucci Loafers, but the work ethic, and drive never changed. Paulie, I was gutted when I heard the news, and I can't quite wrap my head around the fact that I won't see Ian again leaving the Gym on Bloor, or at the next Barbra concert. My heart and love go out to you and Ian's family during this most difficult time. I will always treasure the years that I got to learn from him, and to love him. May we see him in our dreams, and keep him in our hearts forever. With love and affection, Katharine.
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Evelyn Veldhoven posted a condolence
Thursday, December 10, 2020
To Paul and family,
Ian made me laugh everyday at work! He had such great energy and I appreciated his levity. Ian always had classic work one liners that I have adopted to this day. My all time fav is: "I can't be a bridesmaid at every wedding".
One of my favourite memories is us in Chicago for work and going to a gay bar that was playing a Will & Grace marathon!!
Love, Evelyn & Mark Veldhoven
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Angela, Derek, Zoe and Jaxon pledged to donate to Ian Swan Commemorative Bursary at the Ontario College of Art and Design
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
You meant so much to us and will be deeply missed. We will always remember our Christmas's together.
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Karen Hegmann posted a condolence
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Sorry to hear about the passing of Ian. Although I didn't know him personally, I remember him from my time at Merivale High School. He was a super nice guy and I always remembered his red hair. Whenever I passed him in the hallway, he would smile and was always laughing about something.
Condolences to the family. at this time.
Karen Hegmann
Toronto
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Janet Masson posted a condolence
Sunday, December 6, 2020
I have no words to describe how much I will miss you. We have been friends for over 25 years, and now life will never be the same without you. We shared so much...always with uncontrollable laughter and a little sarcasm…ok a lot!
I will smile when I think of you and you will be forever in my heart.
Love you always,
Janet
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Debborah Evraire uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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I am heart broken...it never occurred to me that I would lose you. We were 18 years old when we met and we have been blessed by a friendship that will last many lives in addition to the 40 years while on earth. You were a creative force and I was the business student. We cried and laughed together throughout this journey we call life. Like in life as in death, you took my breath away. I will love you forever my dearest. The twinkle in your eye, your quick wit, your energy and your loyal love and friendship will always remain with me. Give your Mom a great big hug from me when you see her........
All My Love - Debborah
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Jim Belshaw uploaded photo(s)
Saturday, December 5, 2020
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Ian was a shining light of love and affection. Love Jim and Frank
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The family of Ian Swan uploaded a photo
Friday, December 4, 2020
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