Perth businessman Ian Wood dies after cancer battle

Aug 13 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A WELL-KNOWN Perth businessman, who played a key role in junior football club Bankfoot over many years, has died after a brave battle with cancer.

Ian Wood passed away at his home in the city’s Hatton Road and at a service held at Kinnoull Church to celebrate a rich and varied life, family and friends heard how he had made his own funeral arrangements.

First diagnosed with cancer nearly eight years ago, Ian found it had returned aggressively towards the end of 2008 and he was given just weeks to live.

But Ian’s courage and determination saw him defy the odds.

The 58-year-old’s trademark sense of humour endured right to the end, with the congregation treated to a soundtrack which included ‘My Way’, ‘I’m Still Standing’ and ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’.

Born in Dunfermline, Ian moved to Perth with his parents in 1958, attending Goodlyburn and Perth High School before embarking on a successful career in financial services.

His first roles were with Perth-based General Accident, in the Fair City and Edinburgh. Ian went on to work with Lloyds TSB and various other financial establishments before setting up his own financial services business based in Dundee.

He and his wife, Isabella, brought-up children Gavin and Angela at the family home in Carnoustie.

Contribution

Ian was instrumental in creating a new hall for the local Barry Scout group and helped with a church youth organisation.

He played pool for the Craw’s Nest pub team and served on the Angus Pool League committee.

As a schoolboy, Ian was capped for the Scottish U16 basketball team and played football for Huntingtower Juveniles before injury curtailed his sporting career.

He went on to manage Panmure Juveniles but will be best remembered locally for his immense contribution to Bankfoot Juniors over many years.

Brother Robin was team manager when Ian was first persuaded to become involved in 1994 and he went on to fulfil roles as treasurer, chairman and long-time secretary.

Even in his final days, Ian continued to handle his secretarial duties with typical diligence, calling manager Ian Duff to seek paperwork for a player who featured in the Allan Brown memorial match.

Despite his illness, Ian continued to take in Bankies’ games and memorably gave an inspirational team talk in the dressing room before a game late last season.

A loyal Dundee United supporter all his days, Ian followed the team home and away in their heyday, with son Gavin treated to a memorable trip to Gothenberg for the 1987 UEFA Cup final, along with numerous and invariably disappointing Hampden cup finals.

While being the first to admit his golf was no great shakes, he enjoyed playing with friends and work colleagues at some of the country’s top courses.

Ian enjoyed travel throughout his life and teamed-up with close friend Sandy Ross for a special trip to the casino at Monte Carlo.

Ian is survived by his wife Isabella, son Gavin, daughter Angela, five grandchildren, brothers Alan and Robin, and sister Pamela.

A retiring collection at the Kinnoull Church service of celebration raised money for Macmillan Nurses and Bankfoot Juniors.