MBChB (Otago), FRNZGP, OSJ (19 November 1930 - 11 June 2012)Ian was born in Rangiora, North Canterbury. His father was a GP in Rangiora, and in the Volunteer Naval Reserve. When the war broke out the family moved to Auckland. Ian completed his primary education at Takapuna Primary School, moving on to attend Kings College where he boarded. He attended Auckland University where he did most of a BSc in an endeavour to get into Medical School. At the time Returned Servicemen were coming home and had preference for University. Consequently, only 13 of 250 applicants were accepted, Ian not one of them. Three years later he was accepted for the Otago Medical School and moved to Dunedin. While in Dunedin, he married and they had 3 children, Alan, Diana and Bridget (deceased).In 1956 Ian graduated from Otago with MBChB. He spent 2 years as a House Surgeon at Dunedin Hospital. It was there that he met Peter Tapsell, at that time Orthopaedic Registrar, and Ian, Senior House Surgeon. Peter suggested Ian apply to Rotorua, where in 1958 he commenced as the only Registrar at Rotorua Public Hospital. In 1960 he went into General Practice as Junior Partner to the late Dick Sill. Ian continued to do casualty work and worked as a part-time anaesthetist. Mark Irwin joined the practice in 1961. Ian was in the Naval Reserve, and after starting as an ordinary Seaman, worked his way through the ranks, finally becoming a Surgeon Lieutenant after he graduated. He resigned from the Naval Reserve in 1962 due to increasing pressures of General Practice. In 1975 Ian bought the 196 Old Taupo Road premises, and he went into solo practice. As a 10-year-old, Ian became a cadet with St John and his association continued for many years. He became Brigade Surgeon, Order of St John in 1962, and was Principal Medical Officer of St John Ambulance Association, Bay of Plenty from 1985 to 1988. He helped to set up the Life Support Unit which he regarded as one of the highlights of his career. Through the 1970s and 80s he did many call outs with the ambulance, being picked up from his surgery rooms. In the 1970s he received the Officer of the Order of St John from the Governor General. Ian was Secretary of the Medical Association, Rotorua-Taupo from 1960 to 1962, and President in 1975. He was also Medical Association rep on the National Committee for Emergency care. Ian married Diane in 1983, and together they have a son, Stuart. During Ian's time as a GP he delivered 2000 babies and his practice boasted 1500 patients. In 2003, after 40 years as a GP in Rotorua, Ian retired at 72, to spend more time with his family. He was presented with a Rotorua District Community Award at a surprise retirement function, for his outstanding service to the district and community. Ian enjoyed solo practice and never lost his love for his patients. Twelve months after retiring, and following a lot of persuasion, he reluctantly agreed to do a locum for Korowai Aroha Health Clinic for 2 months—it actually became 8½ years. Unexpected and unplanned, this turned out to be a great decision for Ian. He loved the staff and patients at Korowai Aroha, and was at work on the morning of 5 June before his final trip to hospital. Ian felt privileged to be embraced by the Korowai Aroha whanau. Ian related to people from all walks of life, and all age groups, humble and never judgemental. No tribute to Ian would be complete without mentioning his love of stock cars. In the early days as a driver, and after breaking his ribs in a spectacular airborne roll, and earning the title of 'The Flying Doctor', he had to resign himself to being a constant sideline supporter. He along with five other locals instigated the site and development of the "Rotorua Paradise Valley Raceway". He became Patron and a Life Member in 1972. Ian is survived by his wife Diane, and children Alan, Diana and Stuart. Diane Bonnington-McPhail wrote this obituary from notes left by Ian.