I hope nobody minds, but I updated the thread title and added a little note to the opening post. Thanks to Freshmeat for driving over there and finding out for us. Respectfully yours, Andrew.
I was afraid of that, and was hoping there was some other explanation. At least now we know. If there's a bright side, now Ian is reunited with some of his friends, colleagues and heroes that have gone before. This year I will imagine him sitting watching Spa on a big screen with Fangio, Senna, Amon, Petersen, and too many others to list, arguing over the latest questionable move... ("Did you see what he did? That's ridiculous!" "Well you did worse, many times." "I did not!" "Do I need to remind you of Watkins Glen, 1976?" "Well that's different. The tires were too cold.") Enjoy, Ian. We'll miss you here. But save me a spot on that couch. Whenever I do get there, I want to watch the races with you.
+1. Best thoughts to the family and those closest to Ian. Thank you to all who attempted to contact Ian. Thank you to Freshmeat for the information. Very much will miss Ian. I feel lucky to have learned more about F1 from him and enjoy his company here.
Well this is terrible. I really thought maybe he was in the hospital for treatment to his injuries and though I knew this was a possibility I really didn't think it would really have taken place. There truly is not another member of this forum like Ian. Knowledgable and constantly positive and polite.
Thoughts and prayers to Ian's family and friends. Ian will be missed by many on FChat, he was a very classy and good guy with tons of knowledge. Rest in Peace Ian, the world is poorer after your passing.
He may have passed but he knows he has a lot of friends here who will miss him Its sad we won't read any of his posts from now on. RIP
I wish I had better news for everyone, the long drive home was a tough one. RIP Ian, thank you so much for all the lively discussions here, it won't be the same w/o you.
I'm at a loss for words and was worried the news Fresh might have. You had a sense of what Ian was like through his words. His stories were from the heart and the scope of his insight was gained from being on the the front lines, he was an intimidating pundit if you were aware of his background. I will miss his friendship and continually positive comments, he was a true renaissance man who understood through his experiences what life is made of. He found a community on Ferrarichat that would air his concerns on F1 racing in general and I'm certain he looked forward to checking up on Fchat on a daily basis knowing the Usual Suspects would invariably have their own unique spin to the topic of the day. I congratulate all who interacted with Ian, I'm sure it made his day, and I'm pleased I still have one bottle of Pinot Noire left from our Rosberg vs. Schumacher bet. I advised him numerous times it was not necessary to follow up on the wine, we'd agree to bet on something else and with his inevitable victory we'd be even. He wouldn't hear of it. Typical Ian and I'll toast him tonight from the remaining spoils. I wish I had had the chance to have met him, I have no doubt it would have been an immense pleasure and undoubtedly a memorable experience. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was just a wonderful fellow to chat with and I'll cherish the photos I sent to him displaying his completely unexpected gifts from our bet. I'm quite honestly crushed.
Truly disappointing end to this odyssey....I think that many of us had an inkling due to the suddenness of his disappearance from F-chat, only to be further heightened upon learning of his fall resulting in a skull fracture. Like with the wife of Liam Neeson, things can seem alright and then, suddenly, that person is gone. I'd hoped the result would be different, along with all of you. Just disappointed that it wasn't.
His posts were not only insightful, they were often filled with great humour and grace. He will be missed. No doubt about it. RIP Fast Ian.
Just read this and...i just don't find the words...**** this ****... I was so afraid of this...but i just wouldn't believe it....why, why this.....AS others i regarded Ian a true friend...he was always the nicest guy with me...i will dearly miss you my friend....this will not be trhe same place without you...but i will never forget you...i hope you'll find a good seat up there, so you can watch all the races with us...goodbye my friend...
There are a few "Ian-isms" I will never forget and I just might quote them occasionally. Some folks on here I remember always. Ian was one of them.
