Ian Coulter

Ian Coulter, July 2017

Ian Donald Coulter (27 September 1933 - 16 April 2025) was a retired Canadian elementary school principal and younger brother of Ruth Newman. He has 3 children and four grandchildren, all living as of 2018.

Early life

Ian was born 27 September 1933, the seventh and youngest child of the Reverend Joseph Coulter and his wife Williamina Bessie Coulter.

As a child he was apparently called "Don", such as in a letter from his brother Everett to his sister Ruth from 25 August 1943.

Marriage and family

Ian married Phyllis Audrey Skitch (born 12 January 1938) on 16 August 1958.

They have three children, born between 1961 and 1967:

• Stephen John "Steve" Coulter (born 26 January 1961)
• Janis Lynn Coulter (born 2 June 1964)
• David Neil Coulter (born 26 November 1967)

Grandchildren

Ian's children have yielded him four grandchildren, born between 1994 and 2005.

Stephen married Michele Susan Peach (born 9 September 1965) on 20 June 2004 - no issue.

Janis married Martin Anatole Karl Wille Neuland (born 7 March 1959) on 7 July 1990. They have two children:

• Christoph Clarence Everett Ewald Neuland (born 4 December 1994)
• Lynnea Dorothy Monica Astrid Neuland (born 10 October 1998)

David partnered with Leanne Catherine Baker (born 23 May 1972) since 2003. They have two children:

• Ella Coulter (born 13 May 2004)
• Brin Coulter (born 30 July 2005)

Career

He was an elementary school teacher then elementary school principal.

Obituary

Ian Donald Coulter passed away peacefully at the Bridge Hospice with his family by his side.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis; children, Stephen (Michele), Janis (Martin) and David (Leanne); grandchildren, Christoph, Lynnea, Ella and Brin; sister Elaine; and many nieces and nephews and their families: pre-deceased by parents Joseph and Williamina; brothers Hubert, Everett, Wesley (Betty), Ken (Marie); and sister Ruth (Bruce).

Ian attended Riverdale Collegiate in Toronto and enjoyed a long teaching career with the Scarborough Board of Education. He retired as an elementary school principal in 1989.

A long-time member of Scarborough Bluffs United Church, Ian enjoyed keeping busy as a volunteer income tax preparer, a would-be sax player, traveler, renovator, gardener, sports fan, and builder. He was always available for a visit or chat and he and Phyllis did much of that during their 66 years together visiting family and friends or hosting gatherings at their homes in Guildwood and Brighton.

A committed and doting husband, father, grandfather and uncle, Ian had an infectious smile, quick wit and a kind, generous spirit. His advice was sought after, and always delivered with sage balance with no strings attached.

All are invited to join with the family for a celebration of Ian’s life on Sunday, June 15, 2025 from 1:30 – 4:30pm, at the Owen Gibb Community Centre, 75 Elizabeth Street, Brighton. We will be sharing memories of Ian at 3:00 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to the Rushnell Funeral Homes – Brighton Chapel, 130 Main Street (613-475-2121).

Sources

[1] Stephanie Luet, email correspondence with Michael Currie, November 2018

[2] https://www.rushnellfuneralhomes.com/memorials/ian-coulter/5581670/