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IAN ARTHUR KAY

Born: Aug 23, 1945

Date of Passing: Feb 16, 2025

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IAN ARTHUR KAY

1945 - 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Ian Kay passed away on February 16, 2025, at 79 years of age.

Ian, born August 23, 1945, to Sima and Harvey, is survived by Susan; their children, Joseph (Lori) and Aaron (Gráinne); his brother Neil (Micki) and sister Robin; his nieces and nephews, Zoe Brownstone, Jake Rothberg (Alana), Brooklyn Brownstone (Bert), Jackie Furst (Donald), David (Lauren), Emily Nozick (Joshua) and Andrew Kaplan, and his four grandchildren, Annie, Stella, Conor, and Eamon.

After earning a PhD in English Literature at Western University, Ian returned home to his beloved Winnipeg. He learned the family business, Kay Containers, from his father. He also served as president of Glendale Golf and Country Club, and found joy in his retirement by working in the archives at University of Manitoba.

Ian cherished the time he spent at his family cottage Brookdale in Winnipeg Beach. He was an intellectual and introspective man who loved to read, write, draw, and paint. He had a passion for language and literature, forever sending missives of beauty in response to quick texts, and never missing a chance to reference Chaucer or Dickens.

A celebration of Ian's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Chesed Shel Emes at 1023 Main Street, Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2025

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • Ian had been volunteering at the University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections for many years. Latterly he had been transcribing handwritten diaries and other materials such as early minutes of the University. Before that however he worked on a wide variety of materials including the rare book collection of early professor of botany Reginald Buller and archives relating to the 1919 strike. He spent many long hours devoted to his tasks. He was so greatly appreciated for his work, his company, his humour, his thoughtful suggestions and input. He was a gentle and learned soul. I retired at the beginning of the pandemic but I have always enjoyed seeing him at the archives when I come to do work. I am truly going to miss him! - Posted by: Shelley Sweeney (Friend) on: Mar 13, 2025

  • I was very sad to learn of Ian's passing. We became friends the past few years and enjoyed many wonderful discussions on a variety of topics - science, art, english, people etc, at the University of Manitoba. I will miss him and cherish the times we spent together. My condolences to the family. Erwin Huebner - Posted by: Erwin Huebner (Friend) on: Feb 20, 2025

  • Ian Kay was one of my closest and most treasured friends during our formative years growing up in Winnipeg. We re-connected in recent decades through shared memories, golf trips to California, brunches at the Pancake House when I visited Winnipeg and lively discussions about politics and world events. We first met at Montrose School in grade 6 and became “projector boys” and fast friends thereafter. In 1964 we visited the World’s Fair in New York City. Ian was smart, multi-talented, creative, loyal, caring and exceptionally witty. He had the sensibility of an artist. He would rather read a book on Shakespeare than a popular novel. I will dearly miss my old friend. - Posted by: Alan Guberman (Friend) on: Feb 20, 2025

  • It was always a privilege to work with Ian and Susan on numerous building projects over many years. Ian approached everything with intelligence, wit and charm. We will greatly miss his friendship. - Posted by: Joan Latter and John Erkel (Friends) on: Feb 20, 2025

  • My condolences to Joe and Aaron. - Posted by: Steven Salita (Cousin) on: Feb 19, 2025

  • Please accept my deepest condolences. Ian deeply loved his family. He was a kind and caring man that had a positive impact on many lives, including mine. Rest in peace. - Posted by: Lydia Grindean (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2025

  • I'm so so sorry everyone. All my love to all of you. Love ❤️ Phyllis - Posted by: Phyllis (Elizabeth) Swonger (Cousin) on: Feb 19, 2025

  • I was so very sorry to learn of Ian's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Ian for many years. My conversations with him were always a delight. He was a perfect gentleman in the way he dealt with everyone. He was genuinely interested in others and made everyone feel appreciated. A very decent man. He will be missed by so many. - Posted by: Doug Finkbeiner (Friend) on: Feb 19, 2025

  • Always enjoyed being of service to Ian and Susan. People you just wanted to go beyond what was expected as you knew they would appreciate it. - Posted by: Dean Wilson (Volvo) on: Feb 19, 2025

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