Obituary of James Ian Sneddon

July 9, 1940 – February 22, 2026

On Sunday, February 22, Ian passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 85, six weeks after a serious car accident.

Born in 1940 in Bethlehem, Palestine, to Edith and James Sneddon, he was predeceased by his sister Jean Mercer, whose daughter, Catherine Mercer, lives in Australia with her sons, Ruairidh and Karni. Ian/Dad/Bucka grew up in Clarkston, Glasgow, Scotland where he enjoyed sports and Boy Scouts, and made lifelong friends. He studied agriculture in Scotland and ultimately completed a PhD in Soil Science at UBC. In Vancouver, he met the love of his life, Valerie (McClelland) and they married in 1967 (59 years). In 1974, he and his young family moved to Ottawa where he worked for the Government of Canada, retiring in 1999 as an Executive in Land Management with Indian and Northern Affairs. Ian loved the outdoors – sailing, camping, canoeing, fishing, mushroom foraging and gardening. He was an avid cook and long-time member of Les Marmitons, a culinary group here in Ottawa. He was also a member of the Nepean Sailing Club and volunteered at Camp Fortune as a ski patroller, at the Ottawa Jazz Festival, and at the Ottawa Food Cupboard. Ian loved to be with and serve others and was always ready for an adventure. He was a curious, highly principled, and thoughtful man.  He had a hearty laugh and always made sure everyone was having a good time. He and Valerie travelled broadly and developed many close friendships. His family was the centre of his life, his purpose.  He leaves behind his loving wife Valerie, son Gregor (Amanda) and daughter Jennifer Wakegijig (John) and grandchildren Grace, Connor, William and Eliza. He will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to gratefully thank the staff at the Ottawa Hospital ICU for the care and compassion provided during his 6-week stay.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 18^th,  2026 at 3 pm at Pinecrest Remembrance Services, 2500 Baseline Rd, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to Medecins Sans Frontieres, Birds Canada, or to the Ottawa Food Bank, charities which he supported.