Obituary for Ian Stephen Roche
Surrounded by family, Ian Roche passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 7th, 2023. He was born to parents Lily Queenie Roche and Gerald Henry Roche on Sunday, February 28th, 1943, in Coventry, England. Beloved husband of Norma, father of Matthew, Michael, and Emma, father-in-law of Jeff, brother of Carol and Jane and grandfather of Ian, Gunner, Addison, and Chloe.
Ian completed his Toolmaker apprenticeship at Coventry Polytechnic. Upon earning his journeyman certificate, he worked briefly in Coventry before leaving for Canada in 1966 aboard the Empress of Canada. At this time, he worked in the Tool & Die trade with companies such as Massey Fergusson and Otis Elevator. Starting in 1984, Ian taught Tool & Die, manual machining, and CNC at Humber College, where Ian guided many students onto rewarding careers, who continue to speak fondly of him. He progressed to Program Coordinator of the skilled trades wing at Humber, remaining there until his retirement, and was the recipient of a Distinguished Faculty Award at Humber College in 2004. Ian and a longtime friend started a drafting firm designing parts for Ford, Chrysler, and even a cone maker for Summers Ice Cream. In June of 2010, Ian became a Freeman of Coventry for his serving as an apprentice on February 28th, 1959.
Ian met Norma while in Toronto. Beginning a new chapter of his life, Ian and Norma were married on Saturday, December 21st, 1968, at St. Mary's in Stoke Newington, England. Together they returned to Canada to start a family. Ian dedicated his life to his family. As new Canadians, they enjoyed many family adventures discovering their home, camping, fishing, and traveling by train across Canada. Many will remember Ian cheering on his children at regattas with the Mississauga and Burloak Canoe Clubs. With this same love and enthusiasm, he supported and guided his three children through school, careers, new homes, and their families. Many friends will remember Ian for his help in their homes, building fences, and laying patios, always ensuring everything was plumb. He enjoyed a good fish and chips, the odd boxed trifecta, a game of bingo, or a scratch card. Ian gained much pleasure and comfort from the dogs in his life; he loved spending time in the garden sitting by the fire, watching the birds, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Ian loved the garden. If you would like flowers to remember Ian, we ask that you enjoy them in your home or garden and think of your favourite memories of Ian. If you do, the family would love you to share a picture of them with Norma. Remembrance Day was an important day for Ian; he always attended the service at the Cenotaph in Port Credit. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Port Credit Legion. If you are out of the country, please support your local legion or similar veteran organization.
A Celebration of Ian and Norma Roche
We invite you to drop by on
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
anytime between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to share memories and celebrate the lives of Ian and Norma in their garden at
740 Clarkson Road South.
At that time, we will gather to share memories and stories and remember a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, and friend. The family encourages anyone to share stories about Ian in the guestbook. Ian's family will find comfort in your memories.
Ian completed his Toolmaker apprenticeship at Coventry Polytechnic. Upon earning his journeyman certificate, he worked briefly in Coventry before leaving for Canada in 1966 aboard the Empress of Canada. At this time, he worked in the Tool & Die trade with companies such as Massey Fergusson and Otis Elevator. Starting in 1984, Ian taught Tool & Die, manual machining, and CNC at Humber College, where Ian guided many students onto rewarding careers, who continue to speak fondly of him. He progressed to Program Coordinator of the skilled trades wing at Humber, remaining there until his retirement, and was the recipient of a Distinguished Faculty Award at Humber College in 2004. Ian and a longtime friend started a drafting firm designing parts for Ford, Chrysler, and even a cone maker for Summers Ice Cream. In June of 2010, Ian became a Freeman of Coventry for his serving as an apprentice on February 28th, 1959.
Ian met Norma while in Toronto. Beginning a new chapter of his life, Ian and Norma were married on Saturday, December 21st, 1968, at St. Mary's in Stoke Newington, England. Together they returned to Canada to start a family. Ian dedicated his life to his family. As new Canadians, they enjoyed many family adventures discovering their home, camping, fishing, and traveling by train across Canada. Many will remember Ian cheering on his children at regattas with the Mississauga and Burloak Canoe Clubs. With this same love and enthusiasm, he supported and guided his three children through school, careers, new homes, and their families. Many friends will remember Ian for his help in their homes, building fences, and laying patios, always ensuring everything was plumb. He enjoyed a good fish and chips, the odd boxed trifecta, a game of bingo, or a scratch card. Ian gained much pleasure and comfort from the dogs in his life; he loved spending time in the garden sitting by the fire, watching the birds, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Ian loved the garden. If you would like flowers to remember Ian, we ask that you enjoy them in your home or garden and think of your favourite memories of Ian. If you do, the family would love you to share a picture of them with Norma. Remembrance Day was an important day for Ian; he always attended the service at the Cenotaph in Port Credit. The family wishes memorial contributions be made to the Port Credit Legion. If you are out of the country, please support your local legion or similar veteran organization.
A Celebration of Ian and Norma Roche
We invite you to drop by on
Saturday, September 9th, 2023
anytime between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to share memories and celebrate the lives of Ian and Norma in their garden at
740 Clarkson Road South.
At that time, we will gather to share memories and stories and remember a wonderful husband, father, brother, son, and friend. The family encourages anyone to share stories about Ian in the guestbook. Ian's family will find comfort in your memories.