Ian Ross William James Pugh, 71, of Dryden, ON, passed away on January 4, 2024 peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Ian is predeceased by his parents Sheila (nee Mason) and Jim Pugh, and his parents-in-law Gladys and Dick Ollerhead. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Betty Ollerhead, and sisters Terry (Jim) Chisholm, Lynne (Harry) Deykers, and Christine Wiley. He also leaves to mourn many relatives of the extended Pugh and Ollerhead families.
Ian was born on October 20, 1952 in Birmingham, England and immigrated to Toronto with his family in 1957. He left home as a teenager to find his calling and spent years travelling and working in mines in six provinces, three territories, and Indonesia. He was drawn to the adventurous and challenging nature of work underground, and was known for his tireless work ethic, strength, and positive attitude and humour.
He met the love of his life, Betty, on October 30, 1976 at a Halloween party in Manibridge, Manitoba. It was love at first sight, and they went on to marry in 1979, and live, work, and travel together during their ‘young and wild’ years. Ian and Betty moved to Dryden in 1994 and built their forever home next door to Betty’s brother Terry, sister-in-law Dale, and nieces Katherine, Elizabeth, Sarah, and Rebecca.
Ian showed his love through acts of service for his family, friends, and community. He could often be found in the kitchen making sure that any visitors to the house had a fresh cup of tea and a treat to snack on, in town selling tickets for fundraising efforts, or in his workshop working on projects to share with a loved one.
For the last 16 years, Ian was an active member of the Vermilion Bay Lions Club. His commitment to the club and its endeavours never wavered, even through the last few years which were challenging for the community and for his personal health.
Ian loved nothing more than to get a laugh, and those who knew him knew they could always look forward to new jokes every visit, entertaining stories from his childhood and younger years, and his clever wordplay and sharp witticisms in everyday conversation. He will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and community.
Ian and family extend their sincere thanks to the staff, nurses, and doctors at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for their exceptional care and kindness in recent years, and Dr. Francois Doiron for his care and understanding.
Be kind.
“I told you I was sick.”
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 7th at 1pm at the Vermilion Bay Lions Hall.
Condolences(14)-
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Shirley and Dale Boyd says
January 5, 2024 at 8:29 pmSuch a sad time for everyone; Ian was such a wonderful person and a cherished addition to our family. We were lucky to have had him in our lives for as long as we did.
Thinking of you Betty and sending you our love.
Love
Shirley and Dale
Barb Lindquist says
January 5, 2024 at 9:31 pmSincere sympathy to Betty and family. Ian was such a great, kind person!
Morris and Alecia Callahan says
January 5, 2024 at 10:18 pmSincere condolences to Betty and all family members
Lynne Deykers says
January 5, 2024 at 10:54 pmgoodbye my sweet funny loving brother the world will be a sadder place without you rest in peace Ian Love forever Lynne and Harry
Joanne Ollerhead says
January 6, 2024 at 1:02 amLoved and missed by all.
Margo Hickland says
January 6, 2024 at 10:50 pmTerry, I am so sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. I will always remember him as the little boy I knew so many years ago. I’m sending deep condolences to the entire family.
Freda Cheslock says
January 8, 2024 at 2:38 amMy sincere condolences Betty & family. Ian was a great fella with an awesome sense of humour. I’m so sorry for your loss
Terry says
January 9, 2024 at 1:22 amBetty you were Ian’s reason for living and his happiness, he still walks beside you.
Ian you may be younger but you’re still my big brother and the only thing I can say is that I love and miss you and you left some pretty big shoes or is that shoe..?? for someone to fill..until we meet up again RIP bro
Jasna says
January 9, 2024 at 2:12 amThe best uncle in the world. Love you and sending my aunty Betty a big hug.
Shelley Swanson says
January 10, 2024 at 12:18 amCondolences to Betty and family.
Connie Calvert says
January 12, 2024 at 3:20 pmSo sorry for your loss Betty. Tough to lose your partner. I didn’t know him well but he was always contributing at Lion’s events and you stood by his side as he worked through his health issues. Life will go on as will his memory. May you find peace of mind knowing he no longer has to struggle. One day at a time…
Verbena Brenton-Goguen & Don Goguen says
January 12, 2024 at 5:35 pmBetty, so very sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. Ian was indeed a lovely person and left a wonderful impression with everyone he met. I hope your memories bring you comfort and put a smile on your face in the days to come. Sending love. Verbena & Don Goguen
Stewart MacSwain says
January 12, 2024 at 7:10 pmBetty
So sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. You take care of yourself.
Stewart
Stewart MacSwain says
January 12, 2024 at 7:12 pmBetty
So sorry to hear of Ian’s passing.
Stewart
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Vermilion Bay Lions Club (76 Spruce Street, PO Box 314, Vermilion Bay, ON P0V 2V0).
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