It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ian Davey. Ian was the beloved husband of Jill, loving father to Caelen and Kendra, cherished son of his late parents Senator Keith Davey and Isobel Hart Davey and step-mom Dorothy, step-father to Darien, Ryan and Zachary (Julia). Brother to Doug (Liz) and Catherine, step-brother to Greg Petrie (Bridget) and Bill Petrie (Kathleen), and brother-in-law to Don (Nancy) and David. Ian was uncle to Keith (Kristen), Jeffrey (Rene), Laurenne, Maddie, Daniel (Agnes) and Bryanna. Ian was also happy to meet his grand-nephew, Kalihan.

A talented and award-winning television producer and writer, Ian was nominated for several Gemini awards, winning for Best Sports Program in 1998 for “Forever Rivals” which detailed the long history between the Montreal Canadians and Toronto Maple Leafs. Perhaps his biggest contribution as a sports documentarian was his successful search for the game footage of the 1972 Canada-Russia summit series, much of which had been feared lost. “September 1972” won the The New York Festivals World Medal for International TV Programming, also in 1998.

Ian held a passion for Canada and felt a strong calling to public service. Turning his considerable talents for communication and storytelling to the field of politics, and following in his father’s footsteps, Ian advised several leading Liberal politicians. He empowered many new young volunteers to the party, some of whom continue to serve in government to this day.

A dominant force for decades in his fantasy baseball league, Ian was a huge fan of the Blue Jays, donning his Bo Bichette jersey at the hospital in his final days. Long a frustrated follower and season ticket holder with his brother, whom he affectionately called ‘Goon’, of the Maple Leafs, Ian was also a fan of thoroughbred racing and a first-rate handicapper. He enjoyed a good glass of red wine, a sip of fine bourbon and a feisty game of euchre.

As successful as Ian was, he would prefer to be remembered for the values he held: friends are for life; the team is always more important than the individual; human ingenuity will overcome most challenges; and hire smart young people and ‘just get out of the way’. Above all, Ian believed in kindness and fair play.

Ian enriched our lives immeasurably and we will miss him always and remember him with great love and affection forever.
Resilient and ever-hopeful in the face of his illness, Ian was mindful to enjoy every last minute, taking pains to get to know, on a first-name basis, the nursing team in the palliative care unit at the Hennick Bridgepoint hospital. We are grateful for their excellent care in Ian’s final weeks. We also want to express our thanks to the team at Princess Margaret’s Pencer Brain Tumour Clinic for their incredible support throughout Ian’s illness. Special thanks to Martha, Michael, Maureen and Tenzin for their personal touch and tremendous caring.

Ian’s celebration of Life will be held at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre at 375 Mount Pleasant Road on Monday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. and will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. In lieu of flowers, consider a thoughtful gesture for a friend overdue for a phone call, a family member in need of a visit, or even a stranger who crosses your path.