The obituary notice of Ian George John RENWICK

Ian, always amiable interesting, great company was at Tynemouth College during its hayday where he contributed much, not only in the teaching of English, but also to the thriving drama department. I still remember one of his plays which was staged at the college: witty, humourous and superbly produced. A wonderful man who I and many will miss very much.

Tony Turner

So very sorry to hear of the death of Ian ..he was such a lovely, kind & empathetic person. I had the pleasure of being his colleague at Tynemouth College for several years before I retired in 1992

May David & I send our deepest sympathy to Gill and to the whole of his Family Sincerely Hilary Yates

I first met Ian over 15 years ago when we both worked for Newcastle City Council. We had much in common, being retired teachers with long happy marriages and growing families. We also shared a love of literature, especially the works of Samuel Johnson and old fashioned thriller writers like John Buchan and Patrick O’Brien.

We sometimes used to trade quotes from poetry, plays and novels but I couldn’t match his depth of knowledge. We could be severe critics of each other’s work, in my case a poem about autumn and ageing, in his a science fiction film script. Ian was nothing if not ambitious! Though housebound during the pandemic and generally restricted due to ill health, he never complained or let this stop him in his intellectual pursuits.

I guess the thing I will miss most about him, besides his humour and kindness, is his empathy. I would sometimes seek him out to discuss issues that were troubling me. He would listen carefully and nonjudgmentally, then perhaps offer gentle advice. This was a rare gift, and in a long life I have never met anyone with such an understanding nature. I will miss him.

I am so sorry to hear this news, I worked with Ian for a number of years and he was so kind and funny, my thoughts are with you all

I worked with Ian at Tynemouth College and can honestly say he was one of the nicest, kindest and most dedicated and inspirational teachers I ever knew. He put all his energy and enthusiasm into the college productions and, in the process, gave many students special moments which they will always remember. He loved his family and was loyal and supportive to his friends. An intelligent, gentle, and humorous colleague and friend. Thoughts with his family and loved ones.

I am so very sorry to know Ian has passed. Please accept my loving condolences for your loss.

I was a student of Ian’s at the sixth form. He was amused by the fact I was the one student from the USA in sixth form :).

He brought what he taught to life for us, he really did. His lessons were touched by his kindness and humor but also profound eloquence. They made our lessons some of the most compelling of my life. I attended university in the USA for English literature and writing after studying under Ian. And I can tell you, I learned more and remember more to this day of what Ian taught me than anything that came after at uni. He was just that brilliant.

I want to share with any of his family who might see this- he loved you so very much - he was so excited to be a daddy.

I will be listening to Van Morrison today on his behalf.

I am so immensely sorry for your loss . He was truly a lovely man and teacher.

Thank you Ian for blessing us with your passion, intelligence and wit. You won’t be forgotten.