In Celebration of

Ian Thomas Adamson

July 12, 1967 -  April 26, 2024


With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Ian Adamson, who passed away on Friday, April 26th, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Ian was born on July 12th, 1967, in Brampton, ON, at Peel Memorial Hospital. He was the third child of Anna and Ken Adamson, younger brother to Neil and Ann, and older brother to Mark.

As a child, Ian attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School and then Cardinal Leger Catholic Secondary School. Growing up, Ian was described as outgoing, brave, and exceedingly sociable. He participated in numerous extracurricular activities, including skiing, hockey, soccer, serving as an altar boy and MC for school functions, and taking part in plays.

Ian pursued his education at Trent University in Peterborough. During his studies, he travelled to Taiwan to teach English as a second language. When he returned, he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in 1996 and completed his teacher’s training at Canisius College in New York in 1999. Ian embarked on his teaching career, starting in elementary school before transitioning to secondary education, where he taught English, Religion, and History at Father Michael Goetz Secondary School for nearly 20 years.

Teaching was Ian’s true calling and passion. He has immersed himself in the school community, participating in student council, chess, the breakfast club, and soccer. His teaching philosophy was guided by the question: “How can I serve my student?” While Ian's gruff demeanor may have been the first thing people noticed, it was his immense heart and thoughtfulness that truly defined him. He had a unique way of pushing his students to excel while always being their biggest supporter. Ian's stubborn and direct attitude mirrored his commitment to honesty and integrity. He never sugar-coated things, but still spoke with love.

Ian will be fondly remembered by his students for his personal interest in their lives, his thoughtful birthday gifts, his attentive ear to their problems, his encouragement to get involved in school activities, and his thought provoking life lessons.

Outside of his professional life, Ian was a beloved family member who actively participated in family events, birthdays, dinners, and holiday gatherings. He is remembered affectionately by his nieces and nephews for sneaking them shots of B52 down in the laundry room of the family home and continually fueling the familial rivalry between Everton and Liverpool supporters. His lively energy filled every room he entered, bringing joy and laughter wherever he went.

Ian will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious laughter, and his ability to find humor even in the toughest situations. He was a true friend and confidant to many, and his impact on our lives will endure forever.

Ian is survived by his father, Ken, and Ken’s wife, Glenna; his brother, Neil, and Neil’s wife, Annie; his sister, Ann, and brother, Mark. He also leaves behind his six nephews and nieces: Liam, Owen, Shae, Ayla, Neal, and Jasmine. Ian has been reunited with his mother, Anna, and brother-in-law, Greg, who have gone before him.

Family and friends are invited for visitation at Turner & Porter - Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario, Mississauga on Monday, May 6, 2024 from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m.

Funeral Mass to be held at Cristo Rei Parish, 3495 Confederation Pkwy., Mississauga on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trillium Health Partners in Ian's name and honour. The link for the donation can be found on the donation tab on the top of this page. All donations in Ian’s name will be directed to Credit Valley Hospital’s Oncology Department.

Guestbook 

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Alexander Family (Family of Two of Ian’s Students)

Entered April 30, 2024 from Mississauga

We are very saddened to hear of Ian’s passing. He was a teacher to two members of our family at Fr. Michael Goetz in Mississauga. Our two sons have fond memories of their time with him at FMG. May he rest in peace.

Ginny (colleague)

Entered May 1, 2024 from Mississauga

I was a colleague of Ian's for many years at Father Michael Goetz S.S. before retiring. One of many fond memories I have of him is how he signed off on his supply teacher lesson plans. A great friend of young people and never absent from school except for student council events, he always finished his lesson plans with the phrase "They're good kids."

Mary Lou Gobbi (colleague)

Entered May 1, 2024

Ian sat right beside me in the Religion Department office. He was always ready to help me out with turning on a wonky computer, finding a film online for my classes or giving me a handout he's made. My favorite memory of Ian was when he's ask me if" I had anything going on for the weekend?" Rest in peace, good friend.

Ann Ball (Cousin)

Entered May 1, 2024 from Chester, United Kingdom

Our sincere condolences go out to Ken, Glenna and all the family. Ian was a truly amazing character with a huge heart who touched the lives of those he met. The memories he leaves will never die and will continue to live on in family and friends.
Thinking of you all
Ann and Colin 🥰

Marko Orlando (Student)

Entered May 1, 2024 from Mississauga Ontario

Mr. Adamson is the kind of teacher I aspire to be. He was kind, knowledgeable, funny, and most importantly, concerned with the success and lives of each and every one of his students, with a passion that I have always found admirable. I’m going to miss him stopping me in the halls everyday to talk about whatever, and will miss telling him every Monday what a disaster working at Swiss Chalet was on the weekend.