On May 6th, 2020 Ian died peacefully with no pain and no distress, in his sleep with his wife, Sue, beside him.

In 2009 he was given a 50% chance of surviving a very rare cancer, but he beat it with the help of superlative doctors and chemotherapy.

From 2016, he once more developed several rare cancers (all unrelated to each other) and he battled ill health, dialysis treatment, surgery and chemotherapy with uncomplaining stoicism, courage and dry humour.

Following his Sandhurst days, he served in various parts of the world, BAOR, Harrogate, Cyprus with the United Nations and Northern Ireland before joining Barclays bank (Poacher turned gamekeeper) retiring from working life in 2000 and enjoyed restful retirement in Staffordshire.

He was married in 1971 to Sue, and nearly made his 50th Wedding anniversary, but it was not to be. All bets are off , gentlemen, I’m afraid!!!!

Ian was one of this life’s characters; obstinate and tough------and contrary when the mood took him, but he will always be remembered for his loyalty, unfailing good humour (sometimes very silly), courtesy and genuine kindness. He loved his wife, his two daughters and his four grandchildren and it showed!!

Ian remained a rugby fanatic for his whole life; having played the game for far too long, then trained as a referee. Only a few short days before his death he was still shouting at the television and the referees who were trying to maintain order in International matches; his commentary always insightful and to the point, forcefully delivered!!

“Spobble” (his nickname at Sandhurst) will be remembered warmly by his friends and with huge love, laughter and affection by his family.

RIP

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