We are saddened to announce the death of Rev. Dr. Maj (R) Ian Staunton Wishart.
Predeceased by his beloved wife – Jean and his parents – Dr. Staunton and Estelle Wishart.
Survived by his daughter – Janet (Bob Southern) and son – David (Lisa Moores), Also, by his brother – David of Toronto, ON and sister – Alison of Cambridge, ON and their families. As well as the MacKay, Gerrard, McKee, Morgan and Harley families and many others.
Ian was a man of many communities.
His ministry at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (The Kirk) is what brought himself and Jean to St. John’s in 1972. Although he retired in 1998, it is a ministry from which he did not leave.
He spent a lifetime associated with the Canadian Armed Forces – from his days as a Naval Cadet at Royal Roads Military College through his days at HMCS Queen, the 48th Highlanders, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Newfoundland Militia District. Subsequently, he has been the Chaplain to Branch 56 Royal Canadian Legion and to the Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Command. From this, he was known to many as The War Memorial Guy.
Dad took great interest in, and was on the Denominational Educational Council at the time of the school system being made into a non-secular school board system.
He took great pleasure in his involvement in the 1st St. Andrew’s Scout group, the Caribou group of the St. John’s Rotary Club and his membership in the Crow’s Nest and The Royal Canadian Military Institute.
We would like to thank those who helped Dad (even when he didn’t think he needed it), including Dr. Ean Parsons, the staff at Kenny’s Pond Retirement Community (especially Joyce, Iffy, Vanessa, Joseph, Madison, Anne and Rebecca).
Public Visitation will take place from Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, St. John’s, NL on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 from 2:00-4:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM.
Reverend David Sturtevant will conduct the Funeral Service from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (The Kirk), Queen’s Road, St. John’s on Thursday, March 5th at 2:00PM.
Reception to follow.
Internment will take place from the General Protestant Cemetery, Waterford Bridge Road in the Spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers we would encourage donations to Bridges to Hope, St. Andrew’s Church (The Kirk) or the charity of your choice.