It is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of Ian Breck, September 24th,
2023. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Ian passed away peacefully
surrounded by his family.

Ian is predeceased by his beloved father and mother, Alan William and Josephine (née
Throop). He is survived by his wife and soul mate, Kathryn (née Barnard), and their
three girls- Erika (Remi), Bridget (Michael) and Elizabeth (Adam). Ian leaves the legacy
of his nine grandchildren, Chloe, Ella, Lily, Ruby, Poppy, Ivy, Fern, Avangeline and
Cameron. As an only child, Ian was blessed by the brotherhood of his two dearest
friends from childhood until death- Ian MacArthur and Wayne Thomas. Left to grieve
his passing are many other family members and friends.

Ian was born August 11th, 1947 in Renfrew, ON and spent his childhood as he
affectionately referred to it as an “airforce brat”. The Breck family moved between
Ottawa, Massachusetts and Maryland as a result of his father’s education and career
with the Canadian Military. This early experience of moving frequently, undoubtedly
gifted Ian with the ability to make connection and friends wherever he went- a personal
attribute he held until his last days.

Ian went on to graduate from Springfield College with a B.Sc. followed by Queen’s
University with his B.Ed. In this time, he was placed in his teaching practicum in
Montreal under the guidance of who would soon become his “dainty bride”- Kathy.
Their shared passion for education and athletics was truly a love story for the ages.

Ian began his illustrious football coaching career at Champlain College Lennoxville,
serving as both head coach and athletic director. He led the Cougars to Bowl D’Or
Championships in 1979 and 1981. Ian joined the coaching staff at Bishop’s University in
1984, taking over the reigns from Bruce Coulter as head coach in 1988. In 11 years at the
helm, Ian led the Gaiters to 10 playoff appearances, 5 regular season championships and
Dunsmore Cup titles in 1988, 1990 and 1994. In 1992, Ian was named the CIAU Coach
of the year winning the Frank Tindall Trophy. Following his career at Bishop’s, Ian went
on to coach at Alexander Galt Regional High School and helped spearhead a
revitalization of their Piper football program. In 2000, Ian became the head coach of
Team Canada and brought a team of U-20 all-stars to the Global Junior Championship,

annually held at the site of the Super Bowl, and led them to a 1st place finish. In 2017,
he was inducted into the Bishop’s University Wall of Distinction. Months before his
passing, Ian had the honour and privilege of coaching his only grandson, Cameron,
through the Lakeshore Cougars football program.

In retirement, the slower pace of life allowed Ian to enjoy the simple pleasures. He and
Kathy spent many happy winter seasons in Naples, Florida, and he took immeasurable
pride and happiness through time with his grandchildren, his love of running, golf,
grilling and his passion for his Scottish heritage. He will be be fondly remembered for
his gift of story telling, his flip flops and his year round shorts.

Much like the legacy of his veteran father, Ian lived a life of service. Service to his
family, service to his players and service to his teams. His legacy will live on through all
those who were blessed to have been under his mentorship and care.

A Celebration of Life will follow in the coming months. As a tribute to Ian, the family
requests that donations be made in his name to the Bishop’s Gaiter Football program
www.gaiters.ca/coachbreck