Obituary of Ian Squires

(Fair Boy)

With heavy hearts, the family announces that Ian passed away peacefully while surrounded by his loving family and many nurses and staff at Groves Park Lodge, Renfrew on Sunday evening, April 14, 2024. He was 77. Beloved son of the late Bruce and Muriel “Jo” (nee Williamson) Squires. Cherished brother of Jane Tingley (Dale) and proud Uncle Ian of Mary Jane Walker (Shane), Andrew Tingley, James Tingley (Sarah) and Matthew Tingley. Great-Uncle Ian of Simon and Desmond Ian Walker.

Ian spent his early years attending Rockcliffe Public School up to grade three, but would spend most of the summers in Yarmouth, NS visiting his grandparents. It was there that his uncle John introduced him to the country fairs.

Later on he attended a special school in Montreal, and it was there he developed his passion for the Montreal Canadiens, much to the chagrin of his father who was a die-hard Leafs fan. He spent much of his teen years working on various farms, where he developed his strong work ethic, his love of animals, and his love for anything farming.

Ian was a natural fit for L’Arche Frontenac where he became a founding member in 1975. Under the guidance and patience of the Halferty family, Ian helped transform an abandoned and neglected property into a thriving and self-sufficient farm and community.

When Ian moved to Arnprior in 1988 he traded in his pitchfork for a snow shovel and lawn rake and started his own business. A few years later he decided he wanted to write a book, and when Ian put his mind to doing something, he didn’t take “no” for an answer. He wrote the first of six books in 1995, and with his charm and power of persuasion, Ian sold enough to cover the cost of printing, and as he said, the rest was “gravy”.

As with most people, our strengths can be our weaknesses, and unfortunately Ian’s drive and determination often got in the way of sound reasoning. When Ian made up his mind about something, it took the wisdom of Solomon and the patience of Job to change it!!

Ian had so many good qualities. He was generous, polite, kind, and he loved his family and friends dearly. He also had a very tender heart, and in his second book “I Care For Those with Difficulties”(1997) you get a glimpse of the empathy he had for anyone going through hard times.

Ian will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He enriched our lives so much.

A special thanks to all the L’Arche community who loved Ian, guided him through the hard times, and gave him the support and space he needed.

And lastly, but not least, a very heartfelt thanks to all the amazing staff at Groves Park Lodge where Ian was affectionately known as “Fair Boy” and “Mr Hollywood”. You kept him safe during the difficult years of covid, and you allowed him to dream about managing the new coffee shop. May the Lord bless you as you continue to care for the elderly with such compassion and dignity.

Final arrangements for Ian have been entrusted to the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd.,

50 John Street North, Arnprior where visitation will take place on Saturday afternoon, April 20th from 2 to 3:45 p.m.

with a service to honour and celebrate Ian’s life in the Pilon Family Chapel at 4 o’clock.

Reception to follow.

The service will be webcast live for those unable to attend.

In Ian’s memory, kindly consider a donation to L’Arche Arnprior, 103-16 Edward Street South, Arnprior K7S 5H4.