We Remember
MIDDLER, James Ian Findlay
August 6, 1938 — February 15, 2025
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
The family of Ian Middler, age 86, is sad to announce his passing on February 15, 2025. He is survived by his much-loved and devoted wife, Caroline; daughters Rosalind (Mike), Katharine (Jason) and Anne; his six grandchildren, Graeme and Claire Walkinshaw, IsIa, Reagan and Marlowe Chong, Juniper Middler; and his beloved cat, Sage. He was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Gladys Middler, his sister, Dorothy Thomas and her husband, David.
Ian was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, on August 6, 1938. He graduated from Aberdeen University and taught Grade 7 at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen for six years before immigrating to Kelowna, BC, Canada in 1967.
Ian taught English, Drama and Western Civilization for more than 30 years at Kelowna Secondary School, with a brief spell at Mt Boucherie. At KSS, he coached the senior girls’ field hockey team, who won three Provincial championships under his leadership. He directed Up the Down Staircase, Flowers for Algernon and Snow White, a pantomime for KSS and was a lifetime member of KSS’s NightOwl Theatre.
His love of performing led to many roles with Theatre Kelowna, his favourites being Fagin in Oliver, and the MC in Cabaret. His love for Gilbert and Sullivan resulted in him playing the Major General in Pirates of Penzance, Koko in the Mikado and Jack Point in the Yeoman of the Guard for Kelowna Musical Productions.
A funny and witty raconteur, he was in demand as an MC and after-dinner speaker. After his retirement from teaching, he wrote a book on public speaking and gave talks and workshops on Humour in the Workplace.
He was a dedicated teacher and coach, a fine actor, writer, musician, loyal friend, and a creature of habit. A fixture at the Kelowna Yacht Club with friends on a Friday, he was proud to be the second-longest club member of 57 years. He could be seen jogging down Abbott Street for decades, until the jog became a shuffle and earned him the nickname “Speedy” from the boys next door. Lately, he walked just one side of the block using his cane as, stubborn Scot that he was, he refused to use a walker. He enjoyed meeting former students on those outings, invariably remembering their names and never quite believing that many of them had now retired and were grandparents.
In his younger years he played grass hockey in Scotland, and was a fine goalkeeper despite his poor eyesight, which also made it difficult for him to see what was happening on the far end of the pitch. His love for Scottish football, or soccer, was a lifelong obsession. His final decline coincided with the news that his beloved club, the mighty Glasgow Rangers, had been knocked out of the Scottish Cup by lowly Queens Park!
He loved planning and going on trips to Italy, and delighted in seeing the Renaissance art which he had introduced to his students while teaching Western Civilization. In later years, when travel became too arduous, he enjoyed being at home, religiously reading every newspaper, repeatedly watching the same TV programs and films, spending time with visiting family, and appreciating the care provided by his wife and care aide, Tara, which became more complex towards the end of his life. Above all, he was a man who loved his family and felt great pride in the accomplishments of his three daughters and relished hearing stories about his much loved grandchildren. A man well satisfied with his life.
Caroline and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff on 3 MU at Kelowna General Hospital for the loving care given to Ian in the last month of his life, and the compassionate support they provided for Ian’s family.
Ian believed in helping those less fortunate, be it children, the elderly, animals, or those who were homeless or hungry. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to a charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Wishing you peace in this difficult time of loss
To the Middler Family,
Mr. Middler was my grade 12 English teacher back in 1973. He was one the best teachers I remember having. I never enjoyed English classes but he made it fun and interesting. My condolences to the family. He was a decent caring teacher
I send my condolences to Caroline and the family. Where does one begin to give my thoughts on Ian. I know that the Obit ‘nailed’ him perfectly and brought many smiles and memories. Too many for me to tell except for this one. During my many years ‘on the road; for field hockey, and working in Kelowna, I would use Ian’s classroom for evening sessions and always…always.. a joke on the blackboard as I’d slide it up to find a clear space for me…I had to check it first before my attendees saw it! Ian would roar when I told him to behave himself. Such a classic sense of humour…a gentleman and a cad was Ian..I loved him! A gifted man. I am so glad we crossed paths many a time over the years. Jenny
So saddened by the news of Ian’s loss Thinking of you all on this time
Una Gee. Ne: Burnett
I was in the cast of Flowers for Algeron – KSS Drama. I would not have had the confidence without Mr. Middler. I have such fond memories of him. Thinking of the family as you hold on to those memories.
My favourite teacher! So sorry for your loss.
I was so sad to learn of Mr Middlers passing. He was my English teacher in 1978 so he will always be Mr Middler me. He was a great teacher and a wonderful person. My condolences to his family. I’m sure you have many memories that will help heal his absence has left.
My sincere condolences to Caroline and the family. Mr. Middler was definitely one of my favourite and most memorable high school teachers. He taught me English 12 in 1983 and I can still hear his beautiful Scottish lilt reading from “Lord of the Flies”, among others. Later I was fortunate to assist in Ian’s healthcare for many years as a pharmacist at Lakeside Phamacy, where he inevitably brought a smile to my face with each visit. His positive attitude and great sense of humour (always ready with a joke) would make my day. It was a pleasure to have known him.
Ian was my favourite teacher. He was honest, insightful and full of fun. I remember him telling us that if we thought something was stupid it usually was because we didn’t understand it. He encouraged me in my love of theatre giving me confidence that I needed as a teen. I met him later in our lives and enjoyed some wonderful visits in which Ian regaled me with stories and memories of his life. I was so glad to have found him again.
Caroline Middler is my cousin.
Ian I am watching your memorial and am more than impressed by every minute.
So sorry I haven’t seen you in many years, but your talent has been handed down to your daughters and their families. What a magnificent send off from them all and adding my family and grandchildren in wishing them all love from Scotland.
My condolences to the family. I attended KSS in the late 1970’s and was in Mr. Middler’s English and Drama classes. I was a bit taller than he was, so I affectionately called him “Stretch” Middler. We would often spar in class with one-liners. He wrote in my Yearbook that he enjoyed my wit, and signed it “Stretch” Middler. May he Rest in Peace.