Ian Ross Samson was born on November 8th, 1925 in Broken Hill, Northern Rhodesia (now Kabwe, Zambia) to Scottish parents. Three years later, Ian’s brother Jim was born. At the age of 6, Ian and his family left Africa and moved to the seaside resort town of Largs, Ayrshire on the west coast of Scotland. There the boys enjoyed an idyllic life, free to roam both beaches and moors in search of adventure. The ultimate excitement came In 1940, when Ian’s parents agreed to house two military commandos for two years. The men would silently disappear in the middle of the night without explanation, only to reappear days later. Impressed, fifteen-year-old Ian joined the local Home Guard, where he and other boys were taught to march with broomsticks to prepare for an invasion. Deciding he would like to be a pilot, Ian volunteered to join the Royal Air Force when he turned 18. In the meantime, he joined the Air Training Corp, where he learned aircraft recognition, navigation and Morse Code. Once in the Air Force, he was disappointed to learn that his vision was not acute enough to become a pilot, but his previous training made him eligible to become a radio operator. During the war, Ian landed in Normandy six weeks after D-Day. He traveled through France to Belgium, where he worked out of air field near Brussels. After the war, Ian was transferred to the Far East to set up a rest camp. He spent his 21st birthday in Darjeeling, India, before going on to Penang. He was discharged in 1947.
Back in Largs, Ian noticed that many young men were leaving Scotland for other opportunities. Ian started a lucrative photography business taking portraits of the men and their families. He applied to work at a motion picture film company, J. Arthur Rank, in London. They accepted him, but were not ready for him to start work. Tired of waiting and anxious to improve his skills, Ian began looking for photography schools in North America. He heard about the Toronto School of Photography and decided to immigrate to Canada. After his arrival, he learned that the school had closed. He found a job serving tables. A co-worker mentioned that Ryerson, across from the restaurant, had a photography program. Ian could hardly wait for his lunch break to investigate. He found that they had only one spot left in the two-year program and quickly registered! After completing the course, Ian spent two years working for Kodak before returning to Ryerson for another year. With new credentials, he was quickly hired by Queensbury Studios, where he made movies for ten years. By the time J. Arthur Rank called for him in London, Ian had fallen in love with Canada and with Marjorie (Terry), also a photographer. Their New York wedding was covered by Bride Magazine. Ian was a loving and devoted husband and father. In 1960, Ian moved to CFTOTV as head of the photography department. It was there that Ian took portraits of many celebrities.
Welcome to the Celebration of Life for
ian ross Samson
Opening
Piper
Introduction
MC - Braden Clamp - grandson
Speakers
Shirley Smart - daughter Rossanne and Alannah Clamp - granddaughters Karen Petrie - cousin Sakina Jah - friend Tommy Thomas - West Vancouver Seniors’ Photo Club Andrea Seraphim and Betty Craig - friends Isabel Ozanic - Activity Director, Inglewood Care Centre
Open mike
We invite anyone who would like to say a few words or share a memory to do so.
Closing
Braden Clamp
Refreshments Interview
While you are enjoying some refreshments, we invite you to view an interview of Ian made on the celebration of his 60th anniversary in Canada.
The family wishes to thank all of you for your kind words and support for the family and for Ian in so many ways. A special thanks to those of you who have travelled such a long way to be a part of this event. Thank you to Kim Sheldon for her assistance and amazing organizational skills in helping put on this event. We would also like to thank the staff at Inglewood Care Centre for their care of Ian, and finally, a most special thank you to Isabel Ozanic for her care of his spirit.
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. Lang may yer lum reek!