Ian JAMES Obituary

Ian was our field guide on my field trip to Saltwater Lagoon in February 2015 for my geology thesis. I remember him as a kind, friendly man who seemed to have been able to do anything and everything, and was really generous with his knowledge.
Despite my project focusing on a drowned forest, I had extremely limited knowledge of the local flora (other than from academic literature), so my supervisor James enlisted Ian's help. Not only did he identify and spell out (letter by letter) for me all the vegetation (no matter thriving or drowned), he later shared a list of undocumented drowned forests and buried soils lining the whole West Coast he saw from his helicopter, which I dedicated a map figure to in my thesis.
Because of my ridiculous lack of physical strength (ironic for my young age), he most likely - and very kindly - had to help carry some of the equipment on the one-hour hikes between our car and the lagoon, through forest and across a river (which almost swept me away being after heavy rain upstream the night before).
I only learned of Ian's passing from reading James' dedication in our recently published paper based on my thesis. I am forever grateful for his kindness and generosity to this naive, (still) physically frail Australian uni student 11 years ago, and I send my belated condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.

Ian ("Sid") was my first boss at FRI when I was posted to Harihari in November 1979. He was supportive and caring, and gave excellent advice to a young scientist which I have tried to follow in my career. He and Debbie at Hendes Ferry Rd were very hospitable (those wonderful dinners!) to this group of young students and workers who lived at the Forestry School Field Station - a Dutch forestry student Hans Six Dijkstra, Graeme Loh, Susan Maturin and myself. Great memories.

Ian made a notable contribution to our understanding - and management - of the Westland terrace rimu forests.

May he rest in peace.

Mark Smale
Te Awamutu

Ian was the best Father in Law it is possible to imagine. He invited me into his world as if I were his son, and became my mentor and great friend for 27 years. We spent much time just the two of us, hunting, fishing, chopping wood, helping neighbours with their livestock, rambling, and everyday, walking up the Trig. He was, under his serious forester hat, a true Kiwi woodsman, self employed, fiercely independent, outspoken, and at the heart of it all, an adorable and much loveable scamp, who would unflinchingly let you know where you stood with him. My son Jaz loved him more than anyone, and he treated both my sons just as you might imagine a perfect grandfather might. I love that he fought for two more years of life than his prognosis gave him. I grieve for Debbie, as their relationship overflowed with love and made Okarito what it was. I grieve for Jaz, as he has lost one of the few people in his life who treated him with the respect he deserves (he has much autism), and I just grieve. He was a pillar in my life, much like my own father was.

Deb and all family members
Just caught this news today. What a great community man and carer for the environment. I first met Ian when he led a group of National Park rangers on a field trip up Mt French near Lake Brunner. Later on, during an inspection of matai-totara floodplain forest near Harihari. A good bloke committed to good causes. It was great to see him at the start of the new year and again in February when he talked about many aspects of his life's work, what matters in life and his approach to dealing with his illness. Ian has been a great example to all - of a life well lived with courage and integrity.
Paul McGahan

One of my joys visiting often to my son in Okarito was to meet Ian on my daily walk to the Trig.I particularly remember the vermin traps he devised and set around the village.Few have been as committed to preserving the beauty of Okarito than Ian and this wonderful area is so much the better for his dedication.Thank you Ian.Rest Easy. Kevin Fleming

I have just caught up with this news. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ian was such a lovely man. I have wonderful memories of my time spent with you both Debbie. RIP Ian. Love Miranda and Jackson xxx

Very sad to hear of Ian's (Sid) passing.
We managed to see him for cuppa and a yarn at Okarito in July.
We knew Ian from our Forest Service days in Harihari.
The obituary was bang on. He was a dynamo and a thoroughly decent human being.
Go well Ian. You lived a full, meaningful and adventurous life few could match
Deepest sympathies Debbie
Live Greg and Sue Lind

I remember Ian walking me through Okarito forest for a story I was writing for my newspaper. He was so interesting and helpful- a lovely intelligent man. My sympathy to you Debbie and family