By a sad coincidence Ian died on Easter Sunday and on his birthday. He will be greatly missed by many people in Butcombe and elsewhere. He was a wonderful neighbour. Many said he couldn't do enough to help them, and all spoke of his kindness and cheerfulness.
He was very active in village life, particularly for the PCC of which he was chairman and as a churchwarden. He touched all aspects of church life, diocesan, deanery and parochial, and will be remembered by all who shared worship with him. He had a deep and steadfast faith which was inspirational throughout his illness.
As PCC chairman, his preparation and work were detailed and meticulous and were coupled with a hands-on approach in both practical and spiritual matters. His recent gift of a notice board in memory
of his parents will be a lasting reminder of his generosity.
Few knew how active he was for the Royal Naval Reserve, in which he served as an officer for forty years, and for which he was awarded a Reserve Decoration with two stars.
He was Commanding Officer of HMS Flying Fox in Bristol as well as the national Commodore of the RNR. He was awarded the OBE for services to the Wessex Reserve Forces and Cadets Association of which he was chairman for six years. He was involved with so many important associations in connection with the RN and RNR that space in these columns does not permit a full listing, but leaves
one bemused as to how he found the energy and the time to do all that he achieved.
In addition he was chairman or president of many local committees of naval and service charities. He greatly enjoyed showing people around the SS Great Britain, for which he was a volunteer and a great supporter. Ian was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Bristol in 1994.
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