We are sorry to have to share some very sad news with you all.

Ian Gunn, OC (1956 - 1961, Roundway) 11th August 1945 – 12th June 2018
 
It is with great sadness that we are writing to let you know that Ian Gunn, OC and Chair of the Governing Body's Finance Committee, passed away suddenly yesterday.

From the Old Colstonian Society:

Ian was larger than life, a true OC and a good friend to so many OCs. He represented the OCs on the cricket field as captain, a skilled batsman and adept at running people out. He was a great supporter of the OC Golf Society, winning on several occasions and always enjoyed the Carlyon Bay trip. His other great sport was hockey, representing the YMCA for many years.
After a very successful career at Mardon’s flexible packaging as accountant and Managing Director he skilfully used his knowledge as treasurer for the OC Society and the Charitable Trust. His energy and enthusiasm for the OC Society was boundless. 

From the Headmaster:

Following the OC’s tribute I hope you will allow me to make a few brief comments on what Ian has meant to the school, and to me in particular.

Ian, or “Gunner” to just about everyone who knew him, was a hugely proud Old Colstonian and he was about the best advert for a school that I can imagine. Following school he had done well for himself, witness the DB9 that was so often the pride of the car park; he had great friends, many of whom he had made at school; he played a good round of golf, although not always as good as he would have liked; and he had a wonderful family including grandchildren that I know he doted on.

However, despite this very happy post-school position, he was not finished with his school. Ian gave his time selflessly; both for the Old Colstonian Society and for the Governing Body. As Chair of the board's Finance Committee, Ian used his financial acumen and experience of the commercial world to steer his old school's finances. However, perhaps his most important contributions have been through his stewardship of the Old Colstonian finances and the generous scholarship and bursary programmes that have been of such valuable support to the school and its pupils.

Ian embodied the school's motto so well; he really did “Go and do thou likewise.”

Ian challenged me, as Headmaster, every step of the way, as a good Governor should, but he absolutely never lost sight of the young people and families that the school exists to serve. Indeed, the pupils were rarely out of his sight as he and Gail were the most assiduous of supporters, very rarely missing a school concert, play or prize day. I am so very grateful for his input to the school and to me as an individual.

Mr. J. McCullough
Headmaster

From the OCRFC:

Ian will be missed enormously by all at Colston's and in the Old Colstonian community and our thoughts and prayers are with Gail and his family and friends. As soon as we have been made aware of the funeral arrangements we will send this information out.
From the OCRFC:
In common with most people, we at the Old Colstonians RFC were stunned to hear the news of Ian's sudden passing away. Ian had been such a strong supporter of the Rugby Club through his work at The Old Colstonians Society. Together with his Society colleagues, Ian was keen to help us in our efforts to re-forge the links between the Rugby Club and The School and over the last few years that has really started to pay off, to the benefit of all three organisations. Not only a supporter behind the scenes, Ian also made a personal appearance on the sidelines to support the team whenever he could. We always felt that he was very much a member of our team.
He will leave a huge gap to be filled in many fields and the Rugby Club is no exception. We will miss him greatly and would like to acknowledge the contribution that he made to the Club.

Len Collacott- Chairman Old Colstonians RFC