A Life in Words and Pictures
I met Ian in 1981 while he was working on the Eurovision Song Contest. My Dad who worked in RTE said Ian McGarry is so talented. Years later im working in the Archives in RTE and thanks to Ian your shows are there for people to enjoy. RIP Ian and thank you for your legacy.
Ian was always calm, no matter how treacherous the conditions. He gave great confidence to tackle the formidable. He was patient with the many ‘freedman freezes’, and talked me down from many little mounds. He showed us how to ski in control, and with precision. The table at the Chalet was legendary, and I always felt that it gave our young family a great experience to make their way in the world. Ian was always thoughtful, and considerate. They were great days, great sking, great company, and Chalet Chataigne lives on as momentous memories that set the foundation for many days on the mountain. He will be sadly missed by all. A legend
MY DEAREST JANE, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AT THE LOSS OF YOUR BELOVED SOULMATE,THE VERY SPECIAL IAN. YOU WERE A LOVING WARRIOR FOR HIM THROUGHOUT HIS ILLNESS. MUCH LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR GIRLS. IAN WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED, HE WAS A RENAISSANCE MAN WITH A GREAT ZEST FOR LIFE XOX ANNE
I’m so terribly sorry to learn of Ian’s passing . My deepest sympathies go out to Jane and the family . No words will ever be enough.
So many memories came flooding back when I read the notice. I have so much to be grateful to Ian for . He was the man who first pushed me to sing Hold Me Now in 1987. He was with me , advising and encouraging me throughout the contest . He believed in me when I didn’t . He was a wonderful musician, director and athlete but for me I will always think of him as my friend . I will remember his knowing looks, his laughter and his company .
I will miss you Ian.
Johnny Logan
Sean & Ailis Sherrard
Dearest Jane
I’m so very sorry to hear of Ian’s passing…he was a super guy and for those of us who had the privilege of skiing with him (on and off piste) he was a role model 💙. There is no doubt that his guidance helped me achieve IASI & BASI accreditation and fostered a love of ski mountaineering
My thoughts are with you all
Xx
Brian
À Ian m, qui dans mes souvenirs restera ce papa exceptionnel qui aura mené avec Jane ses merveilleuses filles au succès et à la réussîtes.
Un homme discret qui par sa réussite aura inspiré sa famille.
Ian était également généreux et m’a permis de découvrir le beau pays qu’est l’Irelande en m’invitant chez lui.
Il a était également un collègue à l’Esf avec Jane et parfois Tam et Kirsty. Malgré son absence ces dernières années due à sa santé il a été très apprécié.
J’ai une pensée particulière pour sa famille qu’il laisse derrière lui et qui malgré la souffrance de perdre un être cher peut se réjouir de l’avoir eu à leurs côté toutes ces années.
Xxx
Worked in Chatel as a ski instructor where we first met Ian, Jane and their family. Went on to become a BASI Trainer and worked alongside Ian on many BASI courses over the years.
Ian was a great man. Humble and talented. In all the years I’ve known Ian he only had good things to say about everyone, wonderful. His influence will live on through others. We will make some ski turns in his memory tomorrow on the glacier in Norway. Love to all his family.
Words that come to mind when I think of Ian are unpretentious, reliable, dedicated and generious. There was a time in the mid-90’s when I and others were engaged on creating a music event to bring focus on the plight of the Ogoni 19 incarcerated in Port Harcourt Prison. Their fate, for demonstrating on behalf of their people, was potentially death. International exposure was the only way to protect them.
We had a great lineup of performers who generiously gave of their for the event – but no one to pull the show together.
At the time, Ian was engaged on planning the direction of RTE’s production of the Eurovision in the Point Depot. I chanced calling him to ask his advice. His response … “How can I help?” – and how he helped.
He organised loads of equipment and a great team to coordinate all the technical stuff. The Music Centre took on the appearance of a mini Eurovision setting. Every time I approached him on the evening, he looked me straight in the eye and said … “can I help with anything?”. Utterly calm in the frenzy of activity.
One word summarises Ian’s spirit and attitude … ‘Cool”
So sorry to hear the sad news
Maura- National Lottery
Ian was a beautiful soul who sadly passed away last Sunday. I will always remember him with great memories of his time spent with us in Attymon on the farm. Looking back it must have been very hard for him to join his 9 cousins in Galway. But we loved to see him coming back every year until he reached his teens. We did indeed have a Donkey on the farm and Ian often had a go on his back. Ian was hugely successful in his work and we always looked on with pride at his ability and achievements. His Mom, Auntie Maureen and I went to a rehearsal In RTE that he recording and we met the fabulous Sandy Kelly. We went to see Ian in his home a couple of years back and even though he had Parkinson’s and Dementia his face lit up when he saw me. Thank you Jane for being there for him and caring for him during his illness. May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace.