In loving memory of Ian Richard Gurney of Exeter, formerly of Stratton, Bude who sadly passed away on 12th February 2022 at RD&E Exeter, aged 74 years.
Beloved partner of Helen, much loved Dad of Ben and Sara, Granddad of Georgia.
Ian was born in Stratton in June 1947 and went on to train as a graphic designer and technical illustrator in Camborne, Redruth and Falmouth, where he was voted president of the college Student Union two years running.
He moved up to London where he worked at an advertising agency as well as playing drums in a band. As it was a politically exciting and interesting time and being surrounded by politically active friends Ian started to become disenchanted with his work and changed direction, becoming a Residential Child Care Officer in a children's home. Here he eventually became the Deputy Officer in Charge and lived on site with his partner Lyn, her daughter Sara and their new baby, Ben. At this stage Ian obtained his social work qualification (CQSW) at North London Polytechnic. The family later moved back down to Cornwall.
From 1986 until his retirement in 2011 Ian worked for Devon Social Services, both at Exeter East and George Street, mostly in Children's Services. During this time he and his new partner Helen trained as counsellors and good humouredly supported one another through some extremely challenging times, both personally and professionally. Their mutual passion for great music, good food and gardening sustained them both.
Sadly dementia claimed Ian too far too early but even near the end his carers were generously treated to his sweet smile and the twinkle in his eyes. Ian will forever be remembered as a gentle, kind and considerate man who was much loved and appreciated by all his family and friends.
Donations in Ian’s memory can be given to Alzheimers Research or Amnesty c/o N Lock & Son, Black Torrington, EX21 5QD or via this page.
If you wish please leave a message on this page in Ian's memory.
Memorial Service near Bude (details to follow). If you wish to attend please leave a note.
So sad to hear this since I knew him and his mother Joan well. Together with Raymond Dymond, Peter Middleton we could often be found on the street corners of the village as well as getting an under age drink from the hatch in the Bideford Inn. So many memories of my youth I recall being spent with the three of us. Ian never to be forgotten.
I was saddened by the news of Ian's passing. He was a good friend at Art School where we shared digs together. On arriving in London we remained close friends and shared a flat with Terry Barham, Chris Easton and Sean Lavin. RIP Ian. Dennis Abbott
Thank you so much, Dennis. Helen
Farewell lovely Ian. With love from Lesley and Brad
Thank you so much. Helen x
In memory of a sweet and gentle man.
In memory of a sweet and gentle man.
Thank you so much xx Helen
I’m so sorry to hear of your passing Ian. It was a lovely pleasure to know you, your warmth, gentleness and always stopping to chat, will always be remembered. The essence of you always remained… thank you for being such a lovely neighbour. All my love,
Emma.
Ian, it was such a lovely pleasure to know you. You were a warm and gentle soul, and always had time to chat in our friendly neighbourhood. The essence of you was always there, despite having this awful illness. You will be remembered always.
Emma.
Thanks so much Emma. Xx Helen
It is with sadness that I learn of the passing of Ian, and I send my condolences to all Ian’s family.
This book of Condolence gives me an excellent opportunity to share some of my special memories of Ian. Not Ian the man, but Ian the lad.
I grew up in Stratton, and Ian and I were good friends.
In those formative years in the 1950s and 1960s, Ian and myself and another young lad ( Tim ) formed a close bond of friendship.
We were members of Stratton Church choir, and also “alter boys” carrying out the duties of “Server” and “Thurifer”.
At Christmas time, we with other choir members went Christmas Carol singing around the streets of Stratton - raising money for charity.
In the summer, our ChoirMaster ( Walter Parnall ) would cancel choir practice and take us all to a local field to play cricket. An excellent opportunity for the trio to misbehave.
Our trio also ran the church youth club. And we also organised dances in the town Lecture Hall.
All three of us had weekend jobs in local butchers - strange that - all in the same industry.
We enjoyed each others company, and had fun, and were good at being mischievous. We even had the occasional “under age” alcoholic drink ( Watneys Brown Ale ). Halcyon days !
Looking back at old photos of those days, show how smart Ian used to turn out.
Sadly, as we grew up, we went in separate directions to our chosen colleges of further education, and we saw less of each other. And after college, Ian & I lost touch. Whilst I have remained living in North Cornwall, I always assumed Ian had moved far away, so it was surprising to learn he was recently resident just over the border in Devon.
A real shame we did not get chance to meet for a catch up.
Ian was part of my early life, and will always be remembered.
Chris Wonnacott
Thank you so much Chris. Lovely to hear about Ian’s early days🙂
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