Ian William Harbord

Ian William (Frenette) Harbord

Ian passed away April 8^th, 2021. He is survived and deeply loved by his children, Sergei Charles Harbord (spouse Karen Jensen Harbord), Benjamin Sutherland Harbord (spouse Maricel Balaraza Harbord), and daughter Tamara Layli Pearl; and grandchildren, Coty Padma Phurailatpam (Pearl), Maximus Edilberto Balaraza Harbord, Tanner, Karlee, Dustin and Emma Jensen. Ian was proud of his nieces Angela Schenstead and Melanie Schenstead, and nephew Jordan Schenstead.

Ian was a professional artist, and worked with many mediums. His favourite medium of choice was acrylic on various canvases and was inspired from his work as a land surveyor in northern Canada, specifically Norman Wells, N.W.T. Ian also played the flute and was a children’s music teacher for some time, with his ex-wife and friend, Darlene (Frenette) Pearl. Ian was a very social and happy man who enjoyed sharing stories of his adventures with his old and very dear friend, Wilf Peters. Ian was honoured for saving a man’s life in a building on fire on October 3^rd, 1982 from the residents of Mackenzie House, Norman Wells, N.W.T. On June 1^st, 1971, Ian became a member of the Bahá’í Faith and dedicated himself to service with love for his community.

Ian was born in Watson, Saskatchewan, August 2^nd, 1947 and grew up on a farm with his grandparents, near Vermillion, Alberta. He struggled but managed his mental health issues with a dignity and grace that was his signature beloved way of approaching life’s difficulties, including when he, in his later years, developed Parkinson’s Disease. Ian was a beautiful human being whose kindness, sweetness, and softness was only mirrored by his strength, grace and humility. He was a wonderful man, a loving father and a happy grandfather.