May 1 marks a day of big change for Coast Reporter. The paper’s rudder, editor Ian Jacques, is off to Burnaby, the result of a well-deserved promotion.
Ian came to the Sunshine Coast in January 2003 from a sister paper, Squamish Chief. It was his first management position with the Coast newspaper and he was anxious to make his mark in the publishing world. He was young and brash and loud and loyal.
He quickly warmed to the athletic life on the Coast, and the folks who played, coached and cheered for the many sports in our area soon realized they had a new champion for their passions. Suddenly an area that was often an after-thought in our publications became easy for readers to find.
Ian was unusual in another important way. Unlike many in his profession, he isn’t a deadline junkie. He is probably the most organized person I’ve ever worked with, and that discipline didn’t leave room in his world for submitting his work at the last minute. And while it sometimes miffed people who did like tap dancing on a deadline, for the most part, he never budged. When time was up for a submission, it was up. It certainly made life a lot easier for the people printing the paper.
And while he doesn’t suffer fools gladly, he truly does try to understand different points of view. You knew you hit the end of his patience when you got his back and a “Whatever!” as he clanked down the hallway.
Many people have asked me over the years: ‘What’s he really like?’
Well here’s the story on Ian Jacques (pronounced Jakes for all of you who wondered). He has a heart as big as the rest of him. He is not only loyal to his workmates and employer, but he goes miles out of his way for his family, his friends and his community.
I’ve never known a more respectful son. He would walk across hot coals for his mom and dad. And they’ve obviously invested a lot of time in their oldest son. He has a respect for the law and the needs of people that’s often missing in society these days. The happiest I’ve ever seen him were the days he announced the birth of his niece and nephew. He adores that little family.
He’s a great dancer. For a big guy, he’s got more grace than the average ballerina. He gets mad easily and forgives even faster. He’s one hell of a ball player. And although he gets green confused with orange at CFL time, he’s a true-blue fan. He laughs often and hard. You always know when Ian is in the building.
Coming into the Coast Reporter just won’t be the same without that big voice saying, ‘I thought I heard Miss Cathie Roy.’
All the best, my friend. I miss you already.
