Another One Bites the Dust!

[ChrisHunt]

This is one of those threads that you don't want to see updated! Way to soon for Ian; it would have been fun having him around philosophizing for quite a bit longer. He would have grown into a seriously entertaining grumpy old man. At least he's not in pain and very likely to stay that way and he knew the level of support he had on here. He's already missed.

Joe, that's a great picture and just right for this topic.

Regards,
Chris

[Kevin Farnell]

Very sad to read Dave's update.
I lost my Father to cancer this time last year, so can understand how Ian's family will be feeling.
It's good to know that Ian is being kept comfortable.
My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Kevin

[dodger]

Hi Dave,

Thanks very much for the update, nothing i can say but my thoughts are with you Ian and your family,

Roger.

[Paul K]

Thoughts and hopes for you Ian, and your family. This is such a sorrow, though all our little boats beach on that far shore one day. Prayers for you.

[nigelb]

Thanks for the update Dave. I just hope Ian suffers no pain.

Nigel²

[DaveB]

Hello chaps

I'm aware of the trepidation some of you will feel on seeing fresh posts on Ian's thread now but I did say I'd update you today properly. Here is Ian's mates report from this evening...

Nice to talk to you but a shame about the circumstances, Ian was always going on about how much he enjoyed the forum and his chats with like minded people.
I have just returned from the hospice which is very clean, peaceful and with wonderful views over the Wiltshire countryside. I think he is at peace and is fully prepared for what is coming, he is not in pain but just seems to be drifting away, his breathing is shallow and appears to be a bit erratic,he certainly seems a lot more distant today than yesterday and I could not really get through to him today until I was about to leave, when I mentioned that you had been in touch and sent your best, which I think registered as he tried to say something which unfortunately I could not make out, still, I think he got the message but just did not have the strength to reply..

I've tried to imagine what Ian might have replied but whatever it was, it would have been typically him Whatever it was, he knows we're all behind him and I for one feel better knowing this. Indeed, we all should

I don't want to act like a censor but feel it better that any further updates should only be given either when asked or when necessary. You can draw your own conclusions from what Andy, Ian's friend, has written above. I know our continued thoughts go to Ian, to his family and to his close friends. I'm sure Andy can well do without the added pressure of keeping us here up to speed and I've thanked him on behalf of us all for agreeing to do so

DaveB

[FlyTexas]

Thanks Dave.

Brian

[DaveB]

Chaps..

It is with great sadness I post the last communication from Andy..

I am sorry to have to report that Ian lost his fight at 0230 today, his wife called me at 0315 and I went to Dorothy House where I saw him and said goodbye,he looked very peaceful in death, as I said last night it did not look as if it would be long. A very brave man who never lost his sense of humour during his illness, the way in which he accepted his lot is an inspiration to us all, a sad loss particularly at a relatively young age. When first diagnosed with this dreadful disease, he said to me 'you will now have to find a new drinking partner' how true that now is, but I know he will never be replaced
Its nice to know how much he was thought of on the forum, I expect his sense of humour would have come through in his posts, I know that within the BA cabin crew community he was very well respected and thought of. I shall miss him a lot as he and I shared many things in common, having similar tastes and interests, he was one person who I could have interesting discussions with on practically any subject, his enthusiasm for all things computer related left me in the dark, and I am forever in his debt for the setting up of my website which he did for me..

Andy's note says it all doesn't it I've asked if there's anything we, as a group, can do.

I can't think about him without remembering the vast selection of smilies he had.. one for every occasion. An odd thing to remember someone by I know but he always used them with such skill.. I just had to laugh

Calm aires my friend

DaveB

[Garry Russell]

Oh dear..so sad but expected.

He was a great man and one I had the misfortune of never getting to meet.

I came here now sort of expecting this...no more pain Ian, rest in peace.

Condolences to his family, he will remain in my thoughts.

Dave...not an odd memory at all mate...that was Ian, that was just what you'd expect him to have and know how to use...if there was a lasting memory of his posting here that would be it for me, and of course Hong Kong approaches.

The Cycle ways of rural Britain will never quite be the same

[Filonian]

Very, very sad news indeed, but he is now pain free.

Sincere condolences to all his family and friends.

He will be well remembered on here for the way he accepted the initial diagnosis and the way he bore the illness. His dignity and fortitude will be an inspiration to all who read his posts on here.

Rest in peace Ian, you will be remembered forever on here and I'm sure, by all who came into contact with you.


Graham