Ian Coristine Elizabethtown, Ontario Obituary

Ian Coristine

Ian Coristine, aged 71, passed away peacefully on February 15th 2020 surrounded by his family at home in Brockville, after a brief but intense battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. Ian died as he lived; on his own terms with an unwavering appreciation of all that life has to offer. He was born in Montreal on the 27th of January 1949, with just two items on his bucket list: racing cars and flying airplanes. Cars came first, between 1967 and 1973, the last five years of which were as an underfunded professional, racing serious cars against more experienced and far better funded professional teams. When he retired at the end of the ’73 season, Gilles Villeneuve was selected to replace Ian, succeeding in becoming the first Canadian “to break out”. The resulting accumulated debt required seven years running an early video sales company to pay off. The week it was finally paid, he instantly began flying planes, initially intensively with gliders and later in a career that spanned three decades, many aircraft, but primarily focused on marketing Challenger aircraft across Canada. On a chance flight in 1992, he discovered the 1000 Islands – a moment that changed the course of his life. He found an abandoned cottage on an overgrown Canadian island that turned out to be the only island amongst 1865 with a natural harbor and ramp that allowed taxiing the plane onto terra firma, protected from occasional blows and storms. Ian’s love for the River and its history led him to introduce, advocate for, and elevate the 1000 Islands by immortalizing his passion in seven books of photography of the River. Ian will be lovingly remembered by his wife (Lyne Roberge), his children, Hayley (Ben Mitchinson) and Scotty (Angela Stratigakis), their mother Mary, as well as his step children Audrey and Roy, nieces, nephew and countless friends. A Celebration of Life will take place once the River reopens. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Canada Research would be appreciated.
January 27, 1949 - February 15, 202001/27/194902/15/2020
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2 trees planted in memory of Ian Coristine.
A
Ahmed
July 11, 2020
Ian was an amazing man. Whenever I think of 1000 Islands I instantly think of Ian.

I only just found out he had passed a few months ago. My trips to 1000 Islands won't be the same without Ian.


I will cherish my autographed treasures and ensure future generations get t...
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J
John Arkelian
May 25, 2020
My Remembrance of Ian Coristine

How sad I was to learn of Ian’s death. My first contact with him came years ago, when I happened to see – and become utterly enchanted with – the photographic art in his first book, “The 1000 Islands.” It was enough to inspire me to mak...
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R
Ruth Taylor
May 5, 2020
So sorry to hear of Ian's passing. I 1st found out about Ian in Autumn 2003 when my husband and I took our 1st trip to the 1000 Islands. I found his book on Bolton castle in a gift shop after we had taken a tour. I was inspired by his beautiful photography and began foll... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Ian Coristine.
A candle was posted for Ian Coristine.
F
Frank Hofmann
March 19, 2020
It is impossible to list the ways this beautiful man affected and infiltrated our lives over nearly four decades. To say we mourn his passing is too shallow for what we feel. Our love to Lyne, the children, Mary, and all family and friends who loved him and were loved b... Continue Reading
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David and Susan Barton
February 19, 2020
A candle was posted for Ian Coristine.
A candle was posted for Ian Coristine.
S
Steve Walther
February 18, 2020
Enchanted Cottage

Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Ian Coristine.

A tree was also planted in memory of Ian Coristine.
C
Cynthia Coristine
February 18, 2020
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Ian's passing. From the time we first encountered him in person (not surprisingly, at a book signing in Gananoque for his first published collection of Thousand Islands photos), we were struck by his charm and easy manner. When w... Continue Reading
D
Doug Girvin
February 16, 2020
Enchanted Cottage

Enchanted Cottage was purchased for the family of Ian Coristine.

A tree was also planted in memory of Ian Coristine.
Stephen Jarvis
February 16, 2020
What sad news to learn of Ian’s illness on Friday and then to see his obituary only two days later. Lyne, Hayley and Scotty, we hope knowing that Ian’s life touched so many people in such varied and profound ways in some way serves to ease your pain. We were privilege... Continue Reading
Michelle Roes
February 16, 2020
So sad to hear this news! I will never forget our discussions of island history. Particularly Carleton Island. A great man who lived a great life. I will forever treasure his photographs and books.