With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Ian Alexander Booth of Burriss, Ontario, who departed this life peacefully with family by his side, on September 20, 2025, at the age of 73.
Born on January 9, 1952, Ian was known for his quiet strength, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to family, friends and loved ones. He lived a life rooted in integrity, hard work, and kindness.
Ian was the youngest of five children and only son to James and Jeannie Booth. Ian was proud to have spent the majority of his life in Burriss. He developed a strong work ethic at a young age by helping haying and farming with neighbor Dick Norris.
Ian attended Burriss school where lifelong friendships began and still remain to this day. Namely ‘the Burriss Boys.’ We all know the shenanigans these boys got in to. Their bonds and memories will remain forever in our hearts.
After graduating from Fort Frances High School, Ian moved to Thunder Bay to work for Tom Jones Corp. Ian moved back to Fort Frances to further solidify and pursue the love of his life Neila, and work for CN Railways. Ian and Neila were married April 17, 1972
Through strong encouragement from family friend Angus Hyatt, Ian started his career with Fort Frances Jail where he worked his way through the ranks to Superintendent, there he spent 14 years as a highly respected and revered colleague. Ian retired from Fort Frances Jail in 2009.
In Ian’s leisure, he was an avid hockey fan and die-hard Leaf’s fan. He dedicated much of his time to Emo Minor Hockey through volunteering on numerous boards and coaching. As a goalie himself he enjoyed mentoring his son Jamie, and in later years he spent many hours at the rink watching and cheering on his grandchildren. In the off season when there was no hockey to watch or coach, he enjoyed a round of golf with his cousin Jack, which later turned into frequent coffee outings.
In the true spirit of the “Booth” family name meaning “Dweller of The Hut”, Ian most of all loved, being back in the family home, carrying on the family tradition, spending many hours around the kitchen table joking, laughing, playing games, sharing moments and memories with his wife, children, grandkids, great-grandson, family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Neila of 53 years; daughter Tracey (Michael); daughter Dawn (Lennie); son Jamie (Siobhan); grandchildren Mackenzie, Matthew, Parker, Shaya, Reed, Aubree; great-grandson Carter; siblings Elaine (Hans) Beyer of Victoria B.C., Lynda (Tom) Chandler of Thunder Bay, Ont.; brother-in-law Bill Story of Wolfville N.S.; sister-in-law Bonnie (Robert) Leullier of Winnipeg, Man.; brother-in-law Bill O’Leary of Fort Frances, Ont.; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, who will carry forward his memory with love and pride.
Ian was predeceased by his parents James “Jim,” Jeannie ‘“Jean”; sisters Christine (Monty) Brunwin, Shela Story; niece Patti Brunwin; mother and father-in-law Neil and Mabel O’Leary; and brother-in-law Terry O’Leary.
His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his life leaves a legacy that will never fade.
Although the Ian we knew had been slipping away over the years, we will always remember him as he used to be, a warm loving, husband, father, grand father, great-grandfather, and true friend.
A celebration of Ian’s life will be held at the Devlin Community Hall on October 4, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River District, reflecting Ian’s lifelong commitment to community and care.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
