Condolence Book for The Revd Ian M Thompson

From: Dr James Keeler
I am inexpressibly saddened by Ian's death. He was a great friend, always ready to lend an ear, offer sage advice or simply spend time being supportive. I was constantly astounded by his energy, enthusiasm and grasp of detail. A truly exceptional man, and a truly exceptional pastor. To say that Ian will be missed simply does not begin to describe the loss I feel. James Keeler

From: Miss Claire Wood
Ian was a pillar of support to many students at Selwyn, including myself. He helped me in many ways through my final year at Cambridge and I'll always remember him fondly for this. My thoughts and sincerest condolences go to his family and friends.

From: Mr Antony Sheffield
Ian Thompson was a great friend to myself and to many of the other undergraduates, not just in times of need but throughout my career at Selwyn and then beyond. He was wise and good-hearted with time for all and no malice for anyone. I was so shocked at the suddenness of his death, and still cannot quite believe it. Farewell, Ian, all of your many friends will miss you. My thoughts go out to your widow and family.

From: Mr and Mrs Nicola and Martin Insley
Ian was a great source of advice, and a great friend. He celebrated with us in happy times, and was supportive in bad times. We will miss him.

From: Mr Manousos Syngellakis
For me Ian was always a huge part of the heart and soul of Selwyn and of Cambridge. Many happy memories of him will remain with me, including his love of rowing, his excellent Greek, his fantastic memory for names and the friendship he shared with so many of us. Ian, thank you for all these memories, you will be missed and never forgotten.

From: Rev James Ridge
I am shocked and saddened by the news of Ian's death. He was a truly kind and generous man who was a great help and encouragement to me both in College and Church. May he rest in peace.

From: Rev'd Dr Maggi Dawn
Ian was a good friend to me over the last ten years, and stood as my Ordination sponsor in 2000. I am shocked and saddened by his death. I will remember him as a warm, friendly and caring person who always put himself out for others. "May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

From: Mr Camiel de Vries
Deeply saddened by the news. The Revd Thompson was a very positive and good humoured person who always made himself available when students asked for his advice. The Revd was an active supporter of College sports as well and I fondly remember him spurring on the Selwyn rugby team on a very windy and rainy afternoon at Fulbrooke Road Sports Ground. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to the Revd's widow and family.

From: Dr Adam Kleczkowski
I am very saddened by death of Ian. I always enjoyed his company in the College. He is now gone to a better reward. We will remember him very well.

From: Mrs Eleanor Houston
I was very saddened to hear of Ian's death. He was a great friend and supporter to many of us at Selwyn, particularly the chapel choir. More recently I sat next to him in King's Chapel during Evensong and after the service we reminisced happily about our time at Selwyn. I always warmed to Ian - he seemed to have a gift for relating to the young and their interests and problems, being young at heart himself. I send my sincere condolences to his wife Ann and to their family.

From: Mr Tobias Billstrom
It was very sad to hear the news that Ian has passed away. He was exactly the right person in College to meet when you are student from abroad, always kind and generous and with a homourous view of both religion and life.

From: Ms Sally Edwards-Waller
Ian was a truly thoughtful and generous person who always made time for people. I have many fond memories of his time as 'The Rev'. He will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

From: Dr Andrew Timms
Ian was truly a wonderful Dean of Chapel -- and a good friend to me. It is impossible for me to think of my final year at Selwyn without remembering time spent talking, laughing, and arguing with him. He worked long hours and was always around to provide counsel, sympathy, and (occasionally) good malt whisky. His support of the chapel choir, in particular, was absolutely exemplary. I am profoundly saddened by his untimely death and send my sincere condolences to Ann and his family.

From: Mr A Stevens
Grace with a Scottish accent ("Benedic Domine..."). The warm welcome of his knowing your name on day one of freshers' week having learnt them all before our arrival. Hermes committee elections - Henry the Hoover got more nominations than all of us. Messages of support in tough times. Postcards of congratulations in the good. A lot of laughter. Encouragement to aim high. Thank you, Ian.

From: Miss Ursula Sagar
I was extremely saddened to hear of Ian's death. I will always remember he was the first person to welcome me to Selwyn as an undergraduate, having memorised my entire year's names and faces from our application forms. His commitment to students' wellbeing was unfaltering. I will remember him as an inspiring speaker, a devoted counsellor and an immensely entertaining, charismatic personality.

From: Dr Anna Andreeva
I am deeply saddened by this news. Ian was one of the first people to welcome me at Selwyn in September 2001, when I arrived from abroad in the midst of a very anxious time. He was always there to listen and to help. I also remember him greeting me among the crowd after the Christmas Carol Service at Kings. No matter how busy his duties kept him, he would always stop for a chat and made sure that you were okay. His support and encouragement was very important to students from abroad. I would like to pass my heartfelt condolences to Ian's family and to all those who knew him and were helped and cared for by him. It is a very sad loss for all of us.

From: Mr Ainscow Alex
Ian was a great friend, not only in my time at Selwyn, but in the years following. Seeing Ian again at reunion events was always a highlight and he was greatly missed at the 1999 matriculation 10 year dinner.

I cannot put into words how shocked and sad I was to learn of his death, but I will remember him as a great friend.

Alex Ainscow

From: Mr Rupert Candy
I am still struggling to understand how the man who provided me with such sage advice when preaching at our wedding could be taken away from us so tragically early. All we can hope is that he has found some sort of peace.

From: Mrs Janet O'Sullivan
I am utterly devastated by this tragic news. Ian was the loveliest, kindest of men. He supported me through difficult times with warmth, compassion and humour. May he rest in peace.

From: Dr Peter Radford
When I arrived in college aged 18 years old, the rev was one of the most welcoming people. He had somehow memorised the names of all of the new intake from our passport photos and he quickly made us feel part of the Selwyn family. His support for all things college was fantastic. He truly was a shining example of the Selwyn spirit and I was shocked and saddened to learn that he had passed away. We will be dearly missed.

From: Lydia Brookes
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ian's tragic and untimely death. I will remember his warmth and good humour, the cheese & wine parties, his tuneful singing in evensong and not least the support and advice he offered in more difficult times. My deepest sympathies to his widow Ann and family.

From: Mr Tim Glenn
I find it hard to express the feeling of loss on learning the news of Ian's death. I joined Selwyn from school in 2000. The move to Cambridge was a big one for me and it's fair to say that I had real difficulties settling in. Ian was amazing. He expressed genuine concern for my well-being and, when I needed support the most, he helped me find my feet. I do not exaggerate when I say that if it had not been for Ian I would not have completed my first year at Cambridge, let alone my degree course. On leaving University I moved to London and, over the years, I'm sad to say we'd drifted out of contact. My wife and I are moving back to Cambridge in the coming months and one of my intentions was to get back in touch when we got settled in. I will forever regret that I did not do this sooner.

From: Mrs Rosanna Gibbs (nee Hellebronth)
I am shocked and saddened to hear the sad news of Ian passing away. He was so kind to me, in particular when I first came to Selwyn. He made the lives of so many students better during their time at Selwyn and was a key part of college life for all of us. My deepest condolences to his family. I pray that God would comfort them at this difficult time.

From: Ms Lara Crow
I am so sorry to hear that Ian has passed away. I know he was of great support to many of the students at Selwyn and I will always remember him leading us in the 12 Days of Christmas song after Christmas formal hall, which brought me a lot of cheer during a difficult time in my life! My thoughts are with his family and friends.

From: Miss Ann Morgan
Ian was the first person I pennied (on a choir tour to Israel before I'd even started properly at Selwyn). He was extremely generous with his time and hospitality. I can remember him sitting with the list of names and passport photos of all the freshers on the plane home. Since hearing last week's sad news, more and more memories of Ian have been coming back to me and I begin to realise how big an influence he was on my college life and how much poorer Cambridge will be without him.

From: Mr David McNally
I am deeply saddened to learn of Ian's untimely death. I will always remember his cheerful nature and his enthusiastic support of both the choir and the rugby team. I'm sure that the example he set to students and colleagues alike will be remembered for a long time to come.

From: Miss Alice Brooking
I was shocked to hear this very sad and rather unbelievable news. Although I did not know Ian very well, I thoroughly appreciated his company a few years ago whilst sitting next to him for the afternoon at a Selwyn wedding; not only because of his intelligent and interesting conversation, but also for his warm, engaging and refreshingly down to earth manner. I am not surprised that his laudable qualities appealed to so many students - his presence will clearly be missed.

From: Mr Paul Andrew Suter
That Ian has left us makes me very sad indeed. I remember being interviewed by him during the choral trials, and being struck by how down to earth, fun, yet deeply compassionate he was. When I came up to Selwyn, he was one of my most trusted confidants, and a wonderful presence in chapel, formal hall, and in college in general. I am sorry that I didn't see him as much as I wanted to when he moved to King's, but I take comfort in the fact that I was lucky enough to know him. God bless him.

From: Dr. Tassos A. Kaplanis
Ian was a great man, who was always there to offer his support and advice to students and friends. For a period, he served as Tutor for postgraduate students and he was certainly the best Tutor I had. I will always remember him as a kind and humorous person who was willing to listen and prepared to discuss anything from daily problems to the relations between the churches of Scotland and Greece. I and my wife were shocked and saddened by the news. Yanni, you will be missed. Our condolences to his wife, Ann, and family.

From: Mr Chris Stewart
Ian Thompson was one of the first people I met when I came to Selwyn and was a constant throughout my college life. Even when he moved to Kings he kept his ties with Selwyn and was incredibly helpful with Selwyn boatclub and with Hermes of who he was a proud member. Selwyn and the University as a whole will miss him and so will I.

From: Dr Marten Seppel
My deepest condolences to Mrs Ann Thompson.

From: Mr de Rivaz Edward
Ian, that you were able to persuade this adamant 2nd year Selwynite to become men's boat club captain over a distinctively average shepherd's pie down at The Anchor is testament purely to my trust, faith and respect for you. It is difficult to fathom quite how many people's Selwyn or Cambridge experiences have been graced by your friendship, support, or just your jovial presence, and how deeply felt this loss will be, such was your commitment to the people and institutions of the university. Thank you for all of your support, especially in all things boatie. It is a pleasure and a privilege to have known you. May you rest in peace.

From: Dr Jean-Luc Wietor
As so many alumni and fellows of Selwyn College, I have the fondest memories of Revd Ian Thompson. When I arrived in September 2003, I was immediately impressed by Ian's deeply humane personality, his interest in all people and his cheerful yet spiritual character.

From: Mr Michael Pavey
Ian made a real contribution to my life at Selwyn. His declamation competition coaching and his advice when I was threatened with violence by a Tae-Kwon-Do instructor were both tremendously valuable and indicative of the man's formidable breadth of talent, and generosity.

From: Jonathan Martin
Ian. So much that I am, I owe to you. You, who I loved. You, who I knew was vulnerable but could not help enough. You, whose innocence I never doubted and could never doubt. You, with whom I am so grateful that I had ten fantastic years. You, who will still get me through this in ways I couldn't explain to anyone but you. Now and always, and always in love, Jon.

From: Mrs Annabel Ainscow
Ian was an incredible support to all Selwyn students and a wonderful source of wisdom and advice - he will be greatly missed.

From: The Revd Preb Nick Mercer
Ian was a good man: welcoming, caring and committed to his ministry. He was an encouragement to me and a memorable friend in laughter. May he rest in peace.

From: Dr Jonathan Quayle
It was such a deep sadness I experienced when I heard of Ian's passing. He will always be remembered by me and I'm sure many others as a man of great energy in everything he did. He used this to remarkable ends be it running a thriving chapel and choir, supporting the boat club, as a friend to so many and in his pastoral role. Thank you for some very happy memories.

From: Mr Hamish Dowlen
Ian, you were truly a delightful man to be around. You enthused us all with your warmth, your genuine concern and your vibrant and cheeky sense of humour. You left happiness and joy wherever you walked. It seems so very cruel that you have departed this world so suddenly when there was surely so much more wonderful work for you to do, bringing happiness to so many others. You will not be forgotten.

From: Dr Immo Trinks
I remember Ian as a kind and always good-humoured member of Selwyn who offered his support and advice to me and my fellow students with his friendly Scottish accent. I am saddened by the news about his untimely death and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

From: Mr Tim Heal
Ian, the din of fists banging the table was never louder, nor longer, than when you stood up to speak at boat club dinners. I remember the same thought flashing past each time - of just how much we all respected you. Your unfailing support, humour and friendship will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many. May you rest in peace.

From: Mr Tomm Adams
I would like to thank Ian for the great times I had in Selwyn because of him. How else would I know what Plymouth Gin tastes like? How else would I have understood the College Grace? How else would I have known such generosity and kindess, in the face of someone who knows your name before you've even met?

Ian, as with many others, you helped me through some difficult times. Equally, you cheered me on through some of the best times of my life. We will all be remembering fantastic moments with you that will live on in our hearts. I hope you have found peace in yours.

My sincerest condolences to Ann, and to all those who have held Ian close. Tomm

From: Dr Kath Manning
Ian was hugely supportive to me during my time at Selwyn. I am shocked to hear of his death at such a young age. He will be missed by many many people. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

From: Mr Tom Goose
Of Ian's many qualities, it is his compassion, humour and generosity that I will treasure the most. He not only enhanced the life of the college but also the lives of so many of its members during his time at Selwyn and beyond. I feel truly glad to have known Ian albeit for too short a time. My very sincere condolences to Ann and to his family.

From: Dr Andrew Wong
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ian's death. God bless him and his family.

From: Mr Philip Maltas
Ian seemed to be able to devoted 100% of his time to supporting students, 100% of his time to the chapel and 100% of his time to the boat club. How any one person could achieve all this, while maintaining such a cheerful disposition, will remain a mystery to us all. Selwyn, Kings and Cambridge have lost a man who can never be replaced.

Ian, it was truly an honour to have known you.

From: Miss Saba Arab
Ian was a central part of the Selwyn experience for the many that passed through the college doors. His kindness was always palpable whether he greeted you by name on the first day in college, invited you back to his rooms for a drink or lend an ear when there was need for advise and guidance. He will be sorely missed.

From: Mr Jonathan Paul White
I well remember meeting Ian as he took up his post as College Chaplain. His easy manner, obvious love for the students and his own deep personal faith left a strong impression even after only an afternoon spent with him. As so many others have said, his ability to make all people, from all backgrounds feel welcome and, when needed, comforted, was a wonderful gift. Our prayers are with his family.

From: Ms Kate Hodgson
Ian helped me, like he helped so many of us. He was there at the very best and the very worst moments of my time at Cambridge. His tireless energy, enthusiasm, hospitality, and kindness will be remembered by all those who had the good fortune to know him. My heart goes out to all those who are missing him now.

From: Mr Ma Matthew
I am very saddened to hear about Revd Ian's passaway. Although he only joined selwyn during my last year, I've always remembered him as a supportive mentor and frd. My condolences to his family and may him rest in peace.

From: Mr Julian Cable
I only came to know Ian after my years of residence at Selwyn were over, but purely from occasional return visits of mine to the College, he very quickly remembered me by name and we always exchanged a friendly word. Selwyn's loss was King's gain when he moved to be Dean there, and he continued greeting me personally when I attended services there, with utmost warmth and hospitality. I am utterly numb with shock to hear of the tragedy of his life being cut so tragically short. Sincere condolences to his widow, Ann.

From: Mr Michael Clark and Mrs Anna Whiting
Ian was such a wonderful man, who generously played such an important role in so many lives.

Without his help, support and love, we could simply never have had our perfect, interfaith wedding, taken by him in Selwyn Chapel. For this and for having had the chance know him, we will be eternally grateful.

Our love goes to his family and friends at this time.

From: Dr Christakis Papageorgiou
I am very sad to hear about Ian's death. He was an amazing person with whom I spent fun times rowing in the river Cam. I send my sincere condolences to his family and to the Selwyn alumni who knew him.

From: Mt Joe Paul Kroll
This is very sad news indeed. Ian Thompson was a man of warmth and charisma, of great presence inside the chapel and out. Personally, I was very grateful for his guidance and willingness to listen in moments of need. I am sure that all Ian's contemporaries at Selwyn will retain the fondest memories of him, and wish his family hope and strength amidst their grief.

From: Rachel Evans
Terribly sad to hear this news. I will never forget Ian welcoming all the freshers by name having memorised 200 odd faces. I hope his family and friends can find some comfort that even in death Ian is bringing together the university community, as shown by this page.

From: Miss Annie Osborne
As a chaplain, Ian went out of his way to ensure he understood his students and was a full part of the college community. In the bar, the chapel, on choir tour, half way to lectures, on the river - wherever he was, he brought energy and a sense of humour. Both in college and outside, Ian was a great friend, loved by many regardless of their faith. He was always there to offer support and advice, and was always willing to be involved in new ventures. His tragic death is an indescribable loss to Cambridge and to all whose lives are so much the richer for having known him.

From: Mr Tim Brown
I will never forget the excitement Ian expressed when he first experienced Cambridge, visiting a former graduate student from Aberdeen, then at Clare. That enthusiasm for the University, first at Selwyn, then at King's, never left him, and infused everything he did. His energy was charismatic, and he became for so many of us an indispensable part of our lives. I cannot believe he is not still there as a shoulder to cry on, or a friend with whom to share a dram of fine malt. He was a good and honest man and, in the words of that graduate student, 'the salt of the earth'. May he now rest in peace.

From: Mr Graham Thompson
I am proud to be able to say that Rev Ian Thompson was my brother and that I will miss him dearly. The memories I have of him will last forever and I along with his other siblings will always remember with great pride and affection that Ian was a true gent, a great brother and above all was the most selfless person I have ever had the great experience to share life with.

I would also like to thank all of those who have contributed to this Condolence book, your kind words have certainly helped me through this very difficult time. Graham T, Scotland

From: Mr Mark Snowball
I was utterly shocked and saddened to learn of Ian's passing. He was a true community man, working tirelessly and cheerfully in so many areas of Selwyn life. As a fellow, his enthusiasm and support for the boat club were a breath of fresh air and were given unconditionally and with great gusto. I will always be grateful for the help and support he gave to Selwyn students, and to me personally, during his time at the college.

From: Rev Robert Stanier
Ian was someone who provided me with a true welcome to Cambridge, along with so many others. He was considerate as well as being entertaining company. On a personal note, he was able to articulate for me much about the church that I hadn't understood before. As these many, many messages testify, he touched so many lives for the good: he will be greatly missed.

From: Miss Sophie Bradwell
Ian was a good friend and a great man. He was never-endingly generous with his time, advice and whiskey. He was a huge part of my Selwyn experience, and I miss him very much - I can't find any words to explain how sad I am. I'll remember him always letting me walk over the grass arm in arm with him in Selwyn and Kings, and I'll remember him for his bear hugs. I'll miss him at all of the important dates that he should be here for, and for all of the not so important dates that he would have made exceptional.

From: Ms Katy Allsop
The world will be a poorer place without Ian. His kindness, goodness and wisdom touched the lives of so many of us and he will be sadly missed. I will always be grateful to have known him. My thoughts are with his wife, family and everyone who is affected by this tragic loss.

From: Mr Streeting Wes
It is hard to express just how great an impact Ian had on our time at Selwyn and even more difficult to express how sad I am that he won't be there on those occasions when we come back together.

Ian's generosity with his time, his empathy and his wonderful sense of humour were just a few of his characteristics that made him such a great person to know and I miss him terribly.

From: Mr Jonathan Lawson
Ian was a good man. He understood, I think, more keenly than almost anyone I’ve met, the complexity of life and he used that understanding to help those in trouble. He helped me. He helped more of my friends than I care to count. I do not doubt that he has steered several away from that ultimate brink. He is, and will be, missed. My deepest sympathies to those he leaves behind.

From: Dr Derek Peterson
I am really very sad to hear of Ian's passing. He was a great presence when first I arrived at Selwyn, and he played an important role in helping Becky and I feel at home in a foreign land. More recently I watched in admiration as he enlivened the worship at King's College. He was a wonderful pastor and a very good colleague, and I am very sorry for his death. Requiem aeternam.

From: Ms Gemma Aldridge
I, like so many, have struggled with the shock and sadness of losing a true friend in Ian Thompson. But this serves only to show how incredible a man he really was.

A fantastic support throughout my years at Selwyn, and a great friend beyond the Cambridge years, he was charming, funny, honest and unfaltering in his faith, not only in God but in humanity. Never have I met one with such a natural instinct for seeing the good in others. He was a real one-off.

Ian, I will miss your cheery, Scottish inflection; your words of support and kindness in hard times; your wicked sense of humour; your perfect G&Ts.

May you find peace, wherever you may be.

My deepest condolences go to Ann and all those who are feeling this terrible loss.

From: Mr William Hutton
Ian's sudden,unexpected and tragic death is a great shock to me.As a frequent attender at Selwyn Sunday Evensong during my many years in Cambridge(1968-2007),I had the pleasure of hearing him preach and of meeting him socially over wine after Chapel on many,many occasions.

His kindness and sense of humour endeared him both to me and to many others.And my decision to live in Scotland after I left Cambridge was to some extent influenced by his advice and his great knowledge of his beloved homeland!!

Every time I look upon those mountains and glens I will remember you.

May loving angels watch over you and also bring comfort to your dear wife at this time and may you one day rise in Glory to meet your Lord Jesus and live for ever with Him.

From: Mr Patrick Massey
Ian, you were such a massive part of Selwyn - from the moment we arrived, and you already, impossibly, knew our names, we felt already that we had a friend. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and support were felt by everyone, and I was so grateful for it in all things boatie, musical and otherwise! You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace in the knowledge that you were such a positive influence on those who were fortunate to know you.

From: Mr David Swinburne
Ian's sudden death is difficult to take in and it is hard to put into words the loss. He had a positive impact on a great number of people, particularly at Selwyn, through incredible energy, generosity and juggling of his time. He was highly intelligent, interested in many different subjects and issues. He had a dry, at times evil, sense of humour and took pleasure in puncturing pomposity. Talking to Ian was a breath of fresh air and I can hear him laughing. He was rightly proud of everything he achieved, but firmly grounded. I texted him a few weeks ago to tell him of my engagement, and he replied characteristically wishing me well but commenting that he wasn’t sure he could say the same for my future wife! His death has come as a very big shock to me and is deeply saddening. I will look back on many happy memories.

From: Miss Rachel Armstrong
Were it not for you, Ian, I would have left Selwyn - and Cambridge - before my first supervision. You talked me round, made sense of what I thought was a senseless situation, and convinced me that Selwyn was a place to which I'd be wise to commit. In those first fraught meetings in your college rooms, I knew; this is a person I can rely on. What I didn't know then, but know now, is that I was merely one of thousands who thought the same. You had a profound impact on countless lives, all of it positive.

May you rest in peace, safe in the knowledge that those who knew you will forever remember you as being one of the good guys.

From: Miss Anne Carter
Ian was always at the heart of Selwyn; be it a good party, a peaceful evensong or an ear to listen. His sermons were always the best and the ones I listened to most, and his cheese and wine parties were second to none. I always thought that I would request his services when I got married, but that will no longer be possible. Ian, although you leave the world a poorer place, I hope you have found some peace.

From: Mr. Daniel Trocmé Latter
I cannot begin to express the many ways in which Ian influenced the life I now live. I owe him so much. Julia and I are so sorry that he cannot be with us next September.

How one man can have touched the lives of so many is quite astounding. The shock of his death will eventually leave us, but we will be eternally grateful for all that he did.

Thank you for everything, Ian.

From: Mr Kit delaMare
Goodbye to my dear friend Ian. My memories of you will always make me smile. You touched the lives of so many people and we are forever grateful for your love and friendship.

From: Mr Paul Gallant
The first time that I met Ian he said to me "You've got the same boss as me." Having been a gardener for over forty years, I thought "That's right, and that is an unusual introduction!" but it worked as we became friends and like he helped a lot of people, he helped me through those awkward times and this is one of the reasons that I am still doing the job I am doing. It is unfortunate that other people will no longer benefit from the wisdom and kindness like I did. I hope you are now at peace, Ian, and like hundreds of people, I will not forget you. From Paul.

From: Dr Peter Harland
I was deeply shocked to hear of Ian's sudden death. He was a fluent and thought provoking preacher who contributed much to Little St Mary's in Cambridge. In the University Ian made a significant contribution to the work of the Faculty of Divinity where he was efficient in dealing with business. He will be greatly missed and I send my sympathy to his wife, Ann and the family.

From: Miss Catherine Williams
Ian was one of very few people who could have got a cambridge interview to be an enjoyable discussion rather than a terrifying experience, remembered hundreds of names over the years, and had an incredible positive impact on college life for hundreds of students, whether they were bookish, boatie, musical or just around and about thank you so much,

From: Mr Thomas Orr
I was saddened to hear of the deathof Ian Thompson. He was my pastor at the Salvation Army in Rutherglen from 1987 to 1989 during a very difficult time in the corps. He was a great support to myself and others and he will always be remembered with affection.

From: The Revd Dr Jamie Hawkey
Ian was quite simply one of the very best, who gave himself unstintingly to thousands of people just when they needed him. A fine priest, a magnificent pastor, a loyal and utterly trustworthy friend, the pain of whose loss will only be matched by the depth of our gratitude for his love and friendship.

From: Dr Ruth Burnett
Ian was a huge part of life - his compassion, humour, sense of fun and listening ear were always available for any of us and any time. He contributed immensely to clubs, the college and individual students in ways it is difficult to put into words. Ian enriched my time at Selwyn and beyond, I am deeply saddened that he will no longer be there to provide this support to other students. Ross and I have always wanted Ian to perform our wedding ceremony, and I struggle to think how we can expect anyone else to fill that special void.

I truly hope that Ian has found peace, and my thoughts are with his family during such a difficult time.

From: Miss Elizabeth Lawrenson
As a student of Newnham I attended Selwyn chapel for Evensong whenever I could, and although I did not know Ian well outside of these servies, his personality shone through his services and his presence at College - whether that be Selwyn or Newnham. Often seen in Selwyn bar and always an approachable fellow, I have very clear memories of him as a man at the centre of college life, whichever college he may have been in. I was shocked to hear of his sudden death, and have his family and friends in my thoughts.

From: Mr Henry Vann
Ian interviewed me, and many others, progressing through the University. Outside his formal roles, he was constantly helpful and always a friend.

For music he helped in securing a venue for many a concert. And he was always on hand - even after I had left the university - to offer advice and help.

His is a keenly felt loss.

From: Dr Andrew Pell
I cannot find the words to express the shock and sadness I felt when I learnt of Ian's death. I first met him as a nervous eighteen year old on starting at Selwyn. He went to such great lengths to help me and others to settle into college life, and was always ready to lend an ear. Ian always threw himself with gusto into whatever job he turned his hand to, be it the chapel work, pastoral duties, or his involvement with the boat club. You will be sorely missed.

From: Mr Sanjay Patel
I always found Ian to be a man that would make time for people. Whether he was making time for his extensive commitments with CUCBC, or coaching a Selwyn boat (even well after leaving Selwyn), overseeing the administration of the Hermes club (again, even well after leaving Selwyn), or merely stopping to share a smile and a word of encouragement in the Kings quad, Ian was always happy to help. Ian was also such great fun, either in a party atmosphere or in low-key personal contact.

Ian was a real college man - fiercely loyal to the people and institutions that he guided and stewarded. It didn't seem to matter to him whether you were a bedder, the barman, an undergraduate or a fellow; his goodwill extended to all. Those who knew and experienced his warmth really do have a better understanding of what it is to truly love one's neighbour. Ian - I'll miss you greatly, and thank you for all you've done.

From: Lieut-Colonel Stephen Pallant
Deeply saddened with many other Salvationists at the news of Ian's death. He, with Ann, gave inspirational leadership in many Salvation Army centres in Scotland and I give thanks to God for a warm-hearted and trustworthy colleague. I shall miss greatly that beautiful unmistakable Scottish voice on Christmas eve from Kings!

Truly you have been "promoted to Glory" Ian. Servant of God, well done!

From: Major Ernest Henry Thompson
Ann and I wish to record to Alumni and all others our sincere appreciation for all who have contributed their condolences. They have been a strength and comfort, in the realisation that so many knew the true Ian who was always willing to put other's before self. (Ian's Father & Ann his wife)

From: Mr. Miraj Desai
I am very saddened by the loss of our dear friend. He was a great mentor and was instrumental in shaping my own views on spirituality. We continued to keep in touch many years after I left Selwyn, as I could always count on him for kind words and support. I miss Rev Thompson greatly.

From: Prof. Ronald Asch
I was devastated to hear about the death of Ian Thompson, whom I had met at Selwyn.- As a child I became familiar with the hymns of the poet and writer Jochen Klepper who himself took his own life in December 1942, persecuted by the German government, and his hymn "Die Nacht ist vorgedrungen", may offer the sort of consolation which is so difficult to find under such circumstances.
http://www.kommunitaeten.de/quat/J1986/q86197.htm

From: Rev. Peter Grogan
Ian was one of me best friends in Bible School at William Booth Memorial. He was everything I was not. He came from a wonderful Christian home, I grew up in the tough streets of Belfast. He was gentle and kind full of confidence, strong willed and a brilliant mind I was none of those things but Ian saw in me something good, something redemptive, something worth working with. We became great friends this chalk and cheese couple. Me the ex gang member and Ian the perfect gentleman. He conducted the dedication service of my first born son and I have admired and loved him all through the years. best of all He was known and loved of the Lord.

From: Commissioners Robin and Shona Forsyth
We write to record so many good and positive remembrances of Ian as we ministered together and shared so many whole of life experiences with Ian in The Salvation Army. Ian had a capacity for work that was insaitiable and as a friend he along with Ann made their freindship count in moments of great importance in our lives. Ian's ongoing ministry has continued to evidence the developing potential afforded to through his new opportunities. It was so moving to note the "In Memoriam" tribute on "Carol's from Kings" this year on the BBC 2 transmission. We appreciate this opportunity of expressing our sincere and deep appreciation of Ian.