Obituary
Ian Walter Sundquist passed away peacefully with his loving wife Colleen at his side on Sunday, August 21, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.
Ian was born in Claresholm, AB, to Walter and Sylvia Sundquist. He, along with his sister Iona were raised east of Stavely at the Sundquist homestead. Ian went to school in Stavely, where he graduated, went on to study drafting at SAIT, and became employed by Texaco for 2 years while he saved up to travel. He got to spend 21 months exploring Australia, Asia and Europe. In 1978 Ian married Colleen Taggart, and immediately they took over farming duties at the family homestead. Ian was always proudest to be a Farmer! Dacia was born on August 29, 1980, and 363 days later, on August 27, 1981, Darby arrived. Megan completed the Sundquist “Boys” crew on July 29, 1987.
Ian was so very proud of the community that raised him and was most well known for being a strong fixture and ambassador for his beloved Town of Stavely. It’s fair to say that Ian has been involved with just about any board, organization, or committee in Stavely. Ian loved a good meeting and was a local expert on Parliamentary Procedure. He became a Brother of the Stavely Elks the moment he turned of age and has since been involved in the organization locally, provincially, and nationally. His girls always joked that he bled purple! Serving his community brought Ian tremendous joy. Ian also served as a Councilor for the MD of Willow Creek for 27 years and was a strong advocate for communities working together.
As a school bus driver for over three decades, he safely delivered two generations of his family. Annually he played his part of Santa well enough to make his own daughters cry in the early years. In 1998 he was honoured to be named Stavely’s Citizen of the Year.
A talented and natural performer on stage, Ian was a master of movement and character. He sang, danced, and acted for many years and loved comedic roles most of all. He was most famous for his ability to ad lib and make an audience laugh.
Ian was the humble, local historian who was often consulted if anyone wanted to know past local or family history. He loved his old machinery! He could fix anything and make the tool or part if he didn’t have what he needed. Ian proudly organized and directed the Threshing Bee at Stavely’s celebrations every 5 years along with the Husted and Sundquist “Boys”.
Ian loved and was extremely proud of his family. Their strong work ethic and kindness for everyone can be attributed to both he and Colleen. He instilled in them a sense of love and duty for community, friends, family, and each other. Ian’s legacy will live on through his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. His family is at peace knowing he can now enjoy farming; singing, dancing, playing the piano, ukulele or accordion; enjoying a good scotch while showing off his antique equipment skills, and chatting with all who will listen while he watches over his family, friends, and community. Skol Ian/Dad/Poppa!
Ian is survived by his wife Colleen; daughters Dacia (Chris), Darby, and Megan (Craig); and grandchildren Kaidence, Abbie, Brady, Finlay, Dakota, Jace, Colby, Jax and Jett; his sister Iona (David); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives stretching around the world. He was predeceased by his parents and too many of “the good ones” to mention.
A Celebration of Ian’s life will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at 2 pm in the Stavely Arena to bring the community together in his honour.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stavely and District Ag Society, Box 115 Stavely, AB, T0L1Z0; the Stavely Elks, Box 414, Stavely, AB T0L1Z0 or the Claresholm and District Health Foundation, Box 2638 Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ian Walter Sundquist April 2 1950 August 21 2022 (age 72)..
Death notice for the town of: Claresholm, Province: Alberta
My sympathies go out to Colleen and the family and to allI Ian’s friends. There was nobody like him, and there was nobody who didn’t like him. He was one of the nicest people I ever met. It was a privilege to know him. He was amazing in the plays he was in;he owned the stage when he was on it,but he so graciously shared it. He was such fun,a really lovely man.
Our deepest sympathy to Colleen and all the family. He will be missed.