Remembering Ian McCorrister

Our hearts are beyond broken. Our beautiful, kind, creative, quirky, brilliant son and brother, Ian, passed away as a result of a tragic accident during a university semester in Trondheim, Norway.

Ian found and grew community wherever he went in his own understated way. At school he was part of a close group of friends who played together in the concert and jazz bands. He participated in cross-country, track, and the ultimate team. Ian played recreational soccer for 12 years and provided positive energy, integrity, and steady commitment to his team at every game. Through numerous drama and improv classes at the Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP), he discovered the magic of creating stories with others, and had the opportunity to perform in a co-production of The Hockey Sweater with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Rooting himself in the MTYP community, he became a volunteer teaching assistant, and then a paid teaching assistant and teacher, sharing his love of fun and creative ideas with his classes. At 1st Crestview Scouts, he was an integral part of the troupe, attending the Canadian Jamboree in Nova Scotia, providing service in the community, and mentorship to other young people.
Ian also became involved with the work of the United Church, participating in the creation of a reconciliation mural that can be found on the side of Harrow United Church, and volunteering with the Thunderbirdz, providing food and conversation for those in our city who are un- and under-housed.

From an early age Ian was exceptionally bright and excelled at academics. He completed the full International Baccalaureate program at Sturgeon Heights Collegiate, and in his first year at the University of Winnipeg he maintained a 4.45 grade point average. He had a specific interest in history, finding connections from the past that could inform the present. This past summer he travelled to Churchill to gain a better understanding of his Metis heritage, and was currently seeking his Metis citizenship.

With a unique style, he loved what he loved with abandon. As a small child he was obsessed with dinosaurs, LEGO, and Star Wars. As he grew, he loved all things Doctor Who, cheering on Valour FC, running in races, memorizing every country and flag of the world (for fun), writing plays for the McCorrister clan to perform, and travelling to learn about different parts of the world.

Ian was always surrounded by a family who loved him. He will be so very missed by his parents, Kevin and Kirsten, and his brother, Finlay. Together we shared 19 remarkable years of adventures near and far, laughter, games, and daily dinners and conversation. He will be cherished by his Gramma (Marilyn McCorrister) with whom he shared a love of travel and learning about other cultures; his Gramp (Rick McCorrister and his spouse Catherine Barnsley) with whom he shared a joy of theatre and deep conversations; his Nana (Donna Earl) who was foundational in teaching him to care and love for others; and his Grandad (Paul Earl and his wife Pat) who passed on a love of learning and academia.

Ian will also be missed by his Auntie Andrea and Uncle Ernie, Uncle Andrew, Uncle Stuart and Aunty Sheryl, Uncle Robert and Aunt Suki, cousins Holden and Micah McCorrister, Holly Reichert, and Alice and Xavier Muzyk. Though their time together was short, his girlfriend, Ivy Gwendo, will always hold him in her heart. We could not have imagined a better person with whom Ian could share his passions and love. Finally, Ian will be remembered by his school friends, his MTYP colleagues, his 1st Crestview scouting family, and his friends from United Church camps and retreats.

A service of celebration was held on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 pm at Westworth United Church. A tree interment will follow in the summer.

If you want to honour Ian, we appreciate donations of any amount to the Ian McCorrister Memorial Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation (www.wpgfdn.org/IanMcCorrister). This will support a bursary fund at MTYP and other causes that were important to Ian that will bring joy and support to others.

We are gratefully declining cards and flowers. You are welcome to share your stories on Ian's memory wall.

“We’re all stories in the end. Just make it a good one.” Doctor Who

Ian lived a good story. We can all continue to create new chapters by being kind, creative, and a force for justice and goodness in our world.