Family of missing man Ian Lees pleading with the public for information more than two months after his disappearance

What happened to Modbury North man Ian Lees? He went out for a walk two months ago and all that’s been found is his backpack and phone.

For the family of missing Modbury North man Ian Lees, the grieving process is confusing.

“It’s hard, because we’re not grieving, but we kind of are,” Mr Lees’ niece, Grace, told the Advertiser.

The 53-year-old man left home in the north eastern suburbs in the early hours of Tuesday, March 1.

More than two months on from his disappearance, Ms Lees, 26, told The Advertiser her family was desperate for answers – but they were not expecting pleasant news.

“It wasn’t uncommon for him to go out late at night, it wasn’t a big deal, but we started to worry when his bank accounts weren't touched,” she said.

Police seek public assistance in search for Ian Lees. Picture: SA Police

“To be honest, our family at the moment are not expecting good news, we’re just so in the dark that we have no idea, which is the hardest part.”

Mr Lees was known in the area as a friendly man, and often travelled on foot with his blue heeler.

He left the house without telling his brother and housemate, James, where he was headed on March 1, and visited Civic Park, where police said he had been in the company of “acquaintances”.

His last known movements were at Fairleigh Ave, where he was captured on CCTV walking towards Fairleigh Reserve.

Northern District patrols ran a stall outside the Woolworths entrance at Tea Tree Plaza. They were handing out flyers and asking the public for any information into the possible whereabouts of missing person Ian Lees in April. Picture Emma Brasier.

Multiple large scale searches were launched for Mr Lees involving water operations, STAR group officers, dog operations and the State Emergency Service, covering parks, wetlands and drains.

All that was recovered in the days after Mr Lees’ last sighting was his phone at Civic Park, and his backpack on the footpath of Fairleigh Ave.

Ms Lees said she does not suspect foul play was involved in her uncle’s disappearance.

“He got along with everyone, and his friends were still from high school or primary, so I don’t suspect someone that knows him has done anything,” Ms Lees said.

Ingle Farm Football Club life member Bill Collins said Mr Lees was a huge part of the community in his younger years and he was missed among members.

Mr Lees used to coach A grade football and was a previous volunteer after playing there in his youth.

“He’s a good mate of mine, I was chairman for six or seven years and he helped me out,” Mr Collins said.

“A lot of the people in the club or who have been involved in the club are feeling his absence … it’s very out of character for him to not be in contact with his friends.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Isherwood appeals to the community for information regarding the possible whereabouts of missing person Ian Lees. Picture: Emma Brasier.

He has two brothers and five nieces, and loved Port Adelaide Football Club and bands like Metallica and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“We really as a family, we’re desperate to have some sort of answers, so if anyone knows anything, because someone has to know something, we’re just praying they have the decency to come forward,” Ms Lees said.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.