Ian William Prior (4 Nov 1936 - 3 Oct 2020)

* Regrettably due to current restrictions, attendance in Church is limited to 30 family members *

In loving memory of Ian William Prior who sadly passed away on 3rd October 2020.The dearly loved husband of Virginia Prior, dear father of Alex, Nick and Francesca and father-in-law of Anne, Charlotte and Alex, also, the much-loved grandpa of Beth, Adam, Otto, Max and Hugo.

Ian was born in Doncaster on 4th November 1936, the only son of William (Bill) and Amy Prior, and younger brother to Maureen. Ian attended Doncaster Grammar School, leaving school at 15 to join his father's recently established accountancy practice, W H Prior & Son Certified Accountants. Ian grew the family practice with offices in Thorne and then in Doncaster town centre. He was joined in the business by his nephew John Park in 1979, and then by his sons Alex and Nick in 1988 and 1997 respecitvely. Ian treasured the relationship built up with his clients, and advised many owner managed businesses, including a number of farmers and well established family firms. Ian acted for some clients for more than 60 years, and only retired from the practice in 2018 aged 81.

Ian was formerly chair of the Young Conservatives and Conservative Associations in the 1960s, and was first elected to Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council in 1966, representing Wheatley initially and then Bessacarr from 1972 to 1995. In total Ian served as a councillor for 29 years, including time as Leader of the Council, and was instrumental in the decision to build the Dome Leisure Centre and the developments around Gliwice Way and Lakeside. He served for many years on the Planning Committee, Education Committee and the Race Committee which had oversight of Doncaster Racecourse.

Ian will also be missed by many in the local community. He was a governor at The McAuley Catholic High School for 28 years and was a member of the Catenian Association and a parishioner at St Peter-in-Chains Catholic Church, Doncaster.

A wonderful family man, Ian married Virginia Pennington in June 1969 and they enjoyed 51 years of marriage. Ian was a much loved father, grandfather, brother in law and uncle.