April 18,1948 – July 22,2026
Ian, as he was known, was born in southern Alberta to Max and Ada Walls; brother to Grant. They resided there in Ian’s early years, then moved to Edmonton where Max took a position as school principal. Ian was congenial and popular in school. Max had played in a band as a young man, and Ian became interested music early in his life.
By high school he was immersed in the vibrant music scene in Edmonton. He spent his earnings on recorded music and going to local gigs and the many concerts that stopped in Edmonton. In University, he became a promoter of local blues band St. James Infirmary, and became life long friends with Larry, Dwight, Steve and Art.
Music remained the foundation of Ian’s life. In the ‘70’s he came to BC to sell music. He travelled light with his Martin guitar and dog, stopping throughout the interior of BC. Eventually he was based in Campbell River, running a music store that sold records, instruments and electronics. On weekends he gigged at local bars and restaurants.
He met Diane in 1976, and they moved to Victoria, where he continued to sell electronics. Two meaningful events happened at the start of the ’80’s: the birth of their daughter Erin, and founding the electronics store Island Audio with good friend Brian (BJ). Ian enjoyed his life on Blanshard Street and looked forward to each day with his Island Audio family and business friendships for over 30 years. His positive energy and smile greeted his many customers and associates until the store’s closure in 2013.
In the early 2000s, he began to play electric bass and formed a garage band Bluesmobile with his friends Brian and Sarah. In 2010 he formed the band McKinley Wolf with friends Bill, Ed and Dallas. Since then, standing behind an electric bass singing the blues was his happy place. He played consistently for 15 years at the Loft Pub location, where his band was a crowd pleaser and he was embraced by the local blues community.
Ian will always be loved and remembered by wife Diane, daughter Erin, and her partner Dave. Max, Ada and Grant passed on before him. He will be missed by friends coast to coast. He is survived by sister-in-law Joan Walls, niece Chloe (husband Ian, daughter Maude), nephew Max (partner Rachael), and by Diane’s extended family in Alberta. He’ll long be remembered by his Island Audio colleagues and cherished music community.
Dear friend; where ever you may be don’t stop smiling and don’t stop playing.
By Ian’s request there will be no funeral or service. Diane and Erin thank you for all your messages and condolences.
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MARIA
I was honored by his generosity when I was a guest in his and Diana’s home. Joy and music were always with him! I fondly share photos of him with Diana and the band. I wish him rest in peace, surrounded by music and the good energy we send him! Always in our hearts.honor because
Fernando Soares Salgado
I was deeply saddened to hear about Ian’s passing. I will always carry wonderful memories of the time I lived in his home when I first came to Canada in 2015. It was an amazing time in my life, and Ian and Dianne made me feel like a member of the family.
I fondly remember Ian showing me around downtown and teaching me how to take the bus to my English school. I also remember watching him play with his band at the pub and listening to the band practice in the basement. I cherish the many wonderful dinners that Dianne, Ian, and I shared, often followed by a game of Carcassonne. Those moments and memories will always have a special place in my heart.
Ian was a truly special person, and I feel grateful to have known him. I will miss him dearly, but I find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in God’s house.
Dianne and Erin, please accept my deepest and most heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy.
Chloe Walls
Uncle Ian,
Maude, Ian and I are so happy we got to visit with you and the family this spring. Your passing makes it that much more special. Even though we lived at opposite ends of the coast your love of music was part of our bond too. From The Beatles Birthday Song to The Boss I enjoyed sharing their tunes with you. I hope you and my dad have met again and are enjoying a cold one. Love and miss you.
Your Niece Chloe
Jane Coombe
Dear Dianne and Erin, Bill and I will always remember Ian and his bright, happy smile, wearing a snazzy hat, classy shirt and jacket and strumming on his bass guitar. Jane loved “I am going to New York” even though she did not approve of him ‘selling the car’!!! We are glad we had chance to party – often at your place – and, for Jane to share a trip on the Blues Cruise. We will miss him. Your dancing buddies. Jane and Bill Coombe
Jennifer Markides
A well written tribute to Ian. You captured his many loves and lifetime of joys celebrated in each day, relationship, and passion. He was truly a gift to all who knew him. His smiling face and good laughs will be sincerely missed. He’s gigging in our hearts. Love to those he left behind.
glenn taylor
I’d like to offer my heart-felt condolences to Diane, Erin and all of Ian’s family.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Ian for many years as a friend and as a band member in McKinley Wolf. I always enjoyed Ian’s humor and his playfulness and his passion for the Blues, the music he sincerely loved and was very knowledgeable about.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Deborah Rhodes
Dianne, Erin and family,
I met Ian in 1977 after moving to Victoria from Toronto. My sparsely furnished rental apartment was missing music – off I went to Kellys Music where I had the great pleasure of meeting Ian. He set me up with a great budget friendly system and even installed it which he was want to do for his customers. He went on to A&B Sound before opening Island Audio with Dianne, BJ & Rick. He was in his element.
His infectious big smile, happy eyes and helpful spirit greeted all. Never was his smile bigger though than when Dianne gave birth to their daughter Erin.
You’ll always be remembered dear Ian for your gracious spirit, exuberance for life, love of family, friends and music. I’m honoured to have been considered your friend. Deborah ❤️