Former Headmaster Christopher Hirst writes:

“It was my great good fortune to appoint Ian in 1989 and then to come to appreciate and value a consummate Schoolmaster. For that was Ian – a Headmaster’s dream. Commitment, expertise and enthusiasm came in full measure from the Maths classroom to the Squash court, the Choir and Chapel and Ten Tors. Always too modest to understand how much he was valued by colleagues and pupils alike – the glass was always half-full – indeed, much more than that!”

Many OMKs, including Christopher and Sara Hirst, were present at Ian Hardy’s funeral at Lydford Parish Church on 25 October 2019. He died of Posterior Cortical Atrophy, a rare dementia, on October 1st.

Ian will be remembered by Kelleians with great respect and affection as house-tutor at Newton and School Houses, Maths teacher and Head of Maths, a talented musician, long-serving master-in-charge of Ten Tors and master-in-charge of Squash. Despite his many talents, Ian was known for his cheerful modesty – always having time for everyone, especially in his role as live-in house-tutor.

Ian’s bachelor days came to an end in 1994 when he married fellow Hash-harrier, Helen, in Mount Kelly Chapel. Director of Music Andrew Wilson composed an organ piece especially for the occasion.

Many school plays and concerts benefited from Ian’s expertise with the lighting in Big School and his productions of ‘Ruddigore’ and other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas were very much enjoyed. Ian had a fine baritone voice and frequently sang solos with the school choir – his ‘Three Kings’ solo at the school carol service was especially memorable.  A more than competent organist, Ian regularly accompanied the school on the Chapel organ, at assemblies in Big School and services in Tavistock Parish Church.

At his funeral a number of OMKs were wearing their Ten Tors ties in recognition of Ian’s inspiring leadership of adventure training. He was vastly experienced in Dartmoor pursuits with over 30 years as a Ten Tors leader, for which he was awarded the gold long-service medal. Ian also frequently accompanied school trips, whether skiing, geography or geology trips.

Retirement came in 2009 and Ian continued to run and walk on Dartmoor, to conduct the Canticorum choir, to stand in as organist for local churches, to ring the bells at Brentor and to enjoy holidays with Helen in their ‘van’ (in fact a large motor-home!)

The affection in which Ian was held by all who knew him was evident from the huge attendance at the funeral. He will be greatly missed.

Obituary by colleague Tim Jones (1980-06)