James Albert "Bert" Ionson

James Albert "Bert" Ionson was born July 11, 1951 in Hagersville, Ontario. He grew up on a dairy farm outside Jarvis Ontario with his parents William and Joan and brothers and sister Margie, Andrew and Greg. Having his fill of the farm, Bert's love of outdoors took him to first to Lakehead University in the Forestry Program. However, trees proved not to hold much interest when compared to fish. A short time later Bert moved over to the Saskatoon Community College and the Fisheries Program. Landing a job with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) took Bert to BC's remote coast. Rivers Inlet, Bella Bella, and many small inlets, bays and coves became Bert's haunts and the locations of many adventures. Bert then headed North to the Yukon. In no small part due to a budding desire to pursue love. He spent time working in Whitehorse and Haines Junction with frequent trips to Destruction Bay. After a brief courtship (the exact length of which is still debated) Bert was very happily married to Diane Widdicombe on December 13, 1980 in Whitehorse. Their hearts were warm through another cold winter, and a few years later they would make a move to trade in snow for rain. But we'll get there. Shortly thereafter, still up north, they welcomed their first daughter, Dana Ionson, on October 3, 1982. True to Bert's form, Bert wrote Dana's birth announcement likened her to a new coho salmon heading out for a world of adventure. And the family's adventures were just getting underway. A short time in Ottawa precluded a move to Squamish BC where the family put down roots that are still growing to this day. Setting up shop in Squamish, Bert kept up with his fishy adventures and welcomed a new 'steelhead' to his growing school. Cari Ionson was born July 15, 1984 in Squamish BC. Their family now complete. Bert worked as a fisheries officer in Squamish BC. After many fun-filled years patrolling local rivers and streams, Bert moved to the DFO office in Vancouver and became the Salmon Manager. Working with many stakeholders, Bert became the face of Salmon in BC for years to come. Of course he couldn't steward fish forever and retirement came calling in 2008. Though he seemingly never really stopped working for the DFO, picking up contracts over the years. It should be no surprise to anyone reading this that Bert wouldn't sit still in retirement. Not only turning his attention to enjoying his free time, but actively giving back to his community. Volunteering with the Squamish United Church, the Red Cross, Whistler Olympic Park, and many other events. The 2010 Winter Olympics being a particular focal point and spurred Bert's connection with Whistler Olympic Park. In between all that 'work', Bert and Di took to adventuring all over the world including bike trips in Vietnam and Cuba among many other destinations near and far. Prepping for all these international adventures and volunteering took hard work. And for that Bert joined Body Storm and spent nearly a decade attending early morning workouts almost daily. The birth of grandchildren Leah Brownfield and James (Jamie) Brownfield were particularly joyous moments for Bert and he took to grand-parenting, like all things, with a sense of ease and joy. Much loved by his grandchildren and known as Papa Bert. Bert was an adventurous person, always ready to try his hand at anything, and a lover of life. From flying planes in Canada's remote North to always finding a new way to barbecue salmon (and which wine to drink it with) Bert's passions were far too many to list here. Always with an infectious smile on his face Bert spread joy to everyone. Bert’s final weeks were spent at home and he passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family on April 26, 2018. It’s a testament to a life well lived to have such received an outpouring of support these past few months. Bert was an amazing person and his positivity and generosity touched many people, the evidence of which shines through. Bert, Berty, B-man, Dad, Friend, Brother, Son, Uncle, and Papa. A man whose journey through life was well lived and whose legacy continues.