My words can’t express the sorrow we feel over the racing accident which ended with the tragic loss of Ian’s life
He was one of the finest people in racing. The fairest I have met. Honest, sincere and humorous.
I first met Ian when he arrived in Penzance in 1991. He had spent many years ski racing and decided to have a go at powerboat racing. He pulled up with his black Marshan / XR2 and had a great time with all the lads and lasses in OCR. Ian was hooked and by 1992 he was racing OCR Nationally. The Midlands Navy was born in the 90’s out of a group of lads from the Midlands Ady, Mick, Collin, Andy, Graham, Martyn, Kevin and Steve who turned their hand to OCR under the guidance of the Admiral. Most importantly Ian would take the lead and locate the local curry house for their racing curry!
After much success in OCR Ian decided to put his skills to Offshore racing where again he was successful in both 1.3 and 2.0 litre. We would meet up from time to time at different race venues and it was like we had seen each other every week, a special friendship and a special bond.
Ian will be sadly missed by all of us in the sport across the classes, a friend, a colleague and a gentleman.
To Rohese and the family, I am so deeply sorry for this tragedy.
Good bye old friend ‘Admiral of the Midlands Navy’, immortal in the racing world.
Paddy
Ian
I’m sure your looking down wondering what the hell is everyone going on about But just look at the love, respect and admiration you have received from everybody It really shows that you are one of the finest people on this planet to touch this many lives
Good luck and have fun on the next leg of your great journey
And most of all thank you for being you
You really are one of a kind
Lots of love
Steve & Ali
Ian often joked with Rohese that she was living with a Sporting Legend and did she want his autograph ? The reply was yes....but on a cheque please :-)
As is often the case something said in jest is actually closer to the truth than realised.
A fierce, but always fair competitor and a nicer person you couldn't wish to meet, Ian truly deserves all the recognition and admiration for his achievements as a both a racer and as a man. I for one was certainly proud to call him a friend.
My thoughts and feelings are with Rohese and the family having to deal with this tragedy
A truely top bloke who was always great to race against and have a laugh with. i remember the worlds in Guernsey, he was almost happier that i won than i was! No only a sad lose to racing but the whole world. RIP Buddy
Words cannot expressed how shocked and saddened both myself and Mike are over Ian's death. Like everyone on here, we also have very fond memories of Ian, its a terrible shock that he is not here anymore. I guess the one consolation is that he died doing something he loved.
Our thoughts go to his family and friends and to the powerboat community who have lost a good friend and comrade.
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Feel the fear and do it anyway!
A very sad day for the sport and everyone involved in it. Ian was a true pro, a fantastic driver, and a real gent. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. We would appreciate details of the funeral if anyone has them. R.I.P Ian.
From Terry Mills and all connected past or present to V3 and previously C56.
This is sad and tragic news, my deepest sympathy and condolences to all his friends and family. Although i am fairly new to the site i didn't know Ian personally like many here did. I would of liked to of got to know him as i could tell he was a very liked and highly regarded member and friend to many, his whit and sense of humour shone through in his posts and it is easy to see why he was so well liked. Sadly i will never get to know him now, and can see what a huge loss he will be.
R.I.P. Ian You will be sorely missed.
I've had a thought, could we not club together to buy a shield/cup/trophy and dedicate a poker run or something in his honour "The Ian Stirling Cup" Just an idea.
Rohese, Ian Stirling's partner, has just informed Pat of the funeral details for Ian.
It will be held next Friday, the 13th August in the Trelawney Chapel at Penmount Crematorium in Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9AA at 4pm.
She has asked for family flowers only but should anyone wish to make a donation instead of sending flowers, Ian was involved in a charity for terminally ill young people called 'The Willow Foundation'. (www.willowfoundation.org.uk)
Rohese and Ian's family felt Ian would have preferred people not to wear black and he loved to see teams and officials in their team/club wear so that will be the order of the day for all those involved in racing, past and present.
Hopefully, everyone will meet for drinks afterwards at the 'Bosun's Diner' in Charlestown, St. Austell to raise a glass to celebrate Ian's life.
Today it is Swedens greatest offshore race, Roslagsloppet. Team Halifax Racing, with two Phantom 21, will take a minute of silence before the start and race with mourning bands on their team clothing to pay respect to the memory of Ian Stirling.
On behalf of the Royal Motor Yacht Club Motorboat committee I would like to pass our sincere condolences to Ian’s partner and family, our thoughts are with you.
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