02/27/2026
The Rev. Dr. Maj. Ian S. Wishart, C.D., B.A., B.D., M. Th., D.D.
It is with the most profound sadness and heartache that we share the announcement of the passing of a most cherished member of our Kirk Family, Rev. Ian Wishart, Wednesday evening.
Rev. Wishart may have been a Torontonian by birth, but moved about in his career, eventually coming to Newfoundland in 1972 to become Minister at St. Andrew's, and he never looked back, adopting "The Rock" and "The Kirk" as the place he would call home for two thirds of his life, and until the very end.
His life was a collection of MANY, countless stories, accomplishments, credits, and honours to his name (as suggested by his many Pre and Post-nominals).
A Son, a Brother, a Husband, a Father, a Service Member, a Minister, a Leader, a Teacher, a Volunteer, a Scholar, a Historian, an Author.
A man who, by no question dedicated his life to service, to the community, to his fellow men and women, to his faith, to his studies, and to his ministry.
His early years as a Navy Cadet at the Royal Military College, and with the RCN merged with his professional path into the Presbytery, as he served many years as a Military Chaplain, and as Minister to congregations in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
He remained strongly connected to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the Royal Canadian Legion here in Newfoundland, becoming notable to the public in St. John's as "the War Memorial Guy".
His public service remained strong throughout his life, not only to the Service Branches, but in his work with the Presbyterian Church in Canada and the Presbytery of NL, to his engagement in the changes to Non-Denominational School System in Newfoundland in the late 90's, to his connections as a volunteer and advocate for many Community and Social Programs and initiatives in the St. John's region.
His combined passions for his faith and history came through in his writing countless articles, contributions, and books over decades.
Not a year went by that he did not receive some sort of accomplishment, award, or recognition for something.
In true Presbyterian form, he was strong in his opinions and his convictions, and could debate any issue he took up with the best of them ... and always be able to walk away with no loss of respect or admiration on either side, regardless of the outcome.
His unwavering dedication to St. Andrew's came through not only in his time as Minister, but in every day since his retirement. He was an active participant in committees, groups, and discussions on how we as a congregation should see ourselves in the community and by others, and even with our own path changing, where our place in the world should continue to proceed on into our future. Even in his retirement, his Stole and Robes were always laundered and pressed, and never put away for long, always coming back out whenever needed or asked for.
His dedication to the whole Presbytery of Newfoundland and Labrador, remained active in his participation and support for not only the Kirk, and St. David's in St. John's, but also St. Matthew's in Grand Falls-Windsor.
For nearly 55 years, Rev. Wishart has been a significant member of The Kirk and all our Families, present in all our lives in one way or another, through Baptisms, Confirmations, Marriages, Funerals, Luncheons, Dinners, Flea Markets, Bake Sales, and other Events; through highs and lows, and everything in between. Not to mention the countless other lives that his path crossed throughout his life and in all his endeavors.
The mark he leaves behind on this world can never be measured.
Rev. Wishart will be missed by many, but his memory will be strong and not very likely to be forgotten or fade in any way for many, many years to come, and we can only hope that collectively we can all carry on where his legacy leaves off.
Godspeed Ian, go now with grace and peace into your Father's house, your work is done, and he has a well earned place for you.
https://www.carnells.com/obituaries/reverend-dr-ian-staunton-wishart/
