“Dr. Ives was a very important and influential figure in the move to preserve the intangible history of Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Bertram. “His recognition of the importance of our folklore and the need to preserve folkways earned him many friends on the Island and throughout the Maritime provinces and New England States. Without his untiring efforts and remarkable scholarship, we could have lost an important part of our province’s heritage. He was a great friend to P.E.I. and I was saddened to hear of his death.”

Sandy Ives was an internationally recognized expert on oral tradition. His study of the lumber camp singing in Maine led him to Prince Edward Island in the 1950s where he studied and published material on singers such as Larry Doyle and Larry Gorman, and provided leadership and training for many on P.E.I. who continue the work of preserving the province’s oral history.

While working in Prince Edward Island, Dr. Ives established a strong bond with the people of the Island and developed many lifelong friendships. His on-going engagement with Island folklore and traditions included regular participation in the Larry Gorman Folk Festival which is held biannually in Tyne Valley.

Dr. Ives was honoured with a Doctorate from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1986 and the Award of Honour from the Prince Edward Museum and Heritage Foundation in 1998. He passed away on August 1 at the age of 83.