CONDOLENCE BOOK

We invite you to contribute to our condolence book and share with us your thoughts
on the life and legacy of Ian Spokes.

Your message will be shared with his wife Pauline and his daugher Sophie,
and while they may not be able to respond personally to each one,
please know how much they appreciate your kindness.

Click the link below to transmit your message of condolence:
please share your last memories of a good man who died too soon.

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

IAN SPOKES

One of the glass industry's most liked and respected characters Ian Spokes, National Product Manager for Pilkington Activ, has died. Ian was popular and well respected with over 25 years experience in the glass industry. He was 46 years old and leaves a wife, Pauline, and daughter, Sophie.

Ian possessed an infectious energy that he used to immerse himself in any activity or project he decided to embrace. This ebullience saw Ian lead his team to succeed during the past two years in establishing a ten fold growth in sales of the product for which he was responsible. His career in the glass industry began in the early 'Eighties when, as an employee of Baco he applied for a job as sales representative with rivals Alcan. He got the job just as the companies merged, eventually to become a part of Pilkington. According to Graham Ingle, who gave him that job, Ian looked the same then but 25 years younger and he was 'full of life and vigour.'

Outside of his career Ian was an enthusiastic maritime archaeologist, historian and diver and indeed, it was during his pursuit of this passion that Ian succumbed to what is believed to be heart failure.

A search on Google produced a large number of references to Ian. These showed his involvement with a number of promotional activities relating to his work, but many more referred to his maritime interests. One particularly poignant listing referred to a review that Ian placed on Amazon on the re-issue of an album by one of his favourite musical groups Deep Purple, Made in Japan. In his notes Ian refers to how he: 'converted my [then] 11 year old daughter to the album and now she insists on me playing Smoke on the Water at high volume as I take her to school.'

He recently returned from a family holiday in Florida to which he said he would 'Go back to tomorrow'; such was his enjoyment there with his family and even despite his workaholism.

Ian's loss will be felt by everyone that knew him

IAN SPOKES - CONDOLENCES

I thought of Ian as a walking library. Whenever I was in need of help regarding any glass, all I had to do was ask Ian - and the floodgates would open. He was never at a loss for any enquiry, and was always happy to help. There were other times when he would regale us with tales of his diving, for which his enthusiasm was self-evident. He will be a loss to all for both his knowledge and his humour.

Paul Nicholson (Estimator), Pilkington Group Ltd, Gateshead

I was deeply saddened to learn only today of Ian's sudden death. I had met Ian on a number of occasions at various GGF/Conservatory Association meetings and very much enjoyed his company. He was an extremely knowlegible and enthusiastic person and his championing of the 'Activ' cause was infectious.

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him, none more so than all his family. Our hearts go out to his wife and daughter at this sad time but it must be comforting to know that they had a great husband and dad.

God bless you Ian it was my pleasure to have known you.


Peter Jarrett, Spa Conservatory Company

It is now 18 months since I retired from Pilkington, and I first met Ian when I managed the Pilkington Leeds office, in the 80s and he had joined Heywood Willams at Cross Green Leeds. This morning, now retired, I am sat in my new conservatory eating a slice of toast and with a cup of tea, I am looking at the blue Yorkshire sky through my glass roof. Thanks to the advice given by Ian some six months ago, in one of his calls to me, I am looking at a piece of dirt, sliding down the wonderful self cleaning glass. I do not know how Ian found the time in his very busy schedule, but since my retirement he always kept contact, and showed a personal interest in the building of my conservatory. Well, I have shed a tear and a smile for Ian this morning, what a loss to us all. Love to his family.

David Wignall

National Account Manager Pilkington RetiredMy heartfelt condolences go to Pauline and Sophie at this terribly sad time. I did not know Ian well and we only met a couple of times but some people you meet in life leave a lasting impression. I first met Ian at the Activ road show and after reading other messages it is clear that his jokes are legendary. It was Ian's enthusiasm, genuine warmth and obvious passion that struck a cord with me. Ian was always available when advice or help was needed and he will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

Michael Thompson, Business Development Manager, Clayton Glass Ltd

I was saddened and shocked to hear that Ian had passed away. I worked with Ian for a few years and saw him recently in my latest role talking about Activ glass as enthusiastic as ever. He always made me smile although the jokes were not always funny. He was a true ambassador for the glass industry and enthusiastic about everything he did. I can remember writing an article about Ian whilst in the marketing department at Pilkington. Ian had donated his 250th pint of blood which inspired me to give my 1st. I am still giving blood to this day and always will think of Ian when I do so. I wish to send my condolences to you Pauline and Sophie at this difficult time and say that Ian will never be forgotten....all my love X X X

Gary Colliver, Business Development Manager - Graham Holmes Astraseal

Sincere condolences to Pauline and Sophie on behalf of everyone from the Glassex team who worked with Ian on the recent Conservatory Design Competition. You get a real sense of Ian's zest for life from Jon Brind's brief video [see the foot of this page for links to the video - ed]. The reality was that he really, really lived every second to the full. As the saying goes 'Death is more universal than life. Everyone dies but not everyone lives'. Ian did and we are all the poorer for his passing.

Dave Broxton, Sales Director Glassex/GP&T 2008

Dear Pauline and Sophie, We concur with everything said by those who have gone before us.
Ian will be irreplaceable in the Pilkington business and our hearts as he will in yours.
Our thoughts are with you, from everyone at Pilkington Architectural.

Terry Lidster

Ian, how I will miss your awful jokes, they were so poor but they always made me smile. It has been my pleasure to have known the directory of glass, if I had to say to a customer 'sorry I have no idea' it was always followed by 'but my friend Spoksie will know'. The world will be poorer for losing you, but I know you will never be forgotten. I send my thoughts and prayers to Pauline and Sophie at this very sad time.

Kirk R Green, Pilkington Group

I would like to add my message of condolence to the others on this page. My memories of Ian go back much further to our days at Hambrook County Primary School, outside Bristol. Both myself & my twin sister Anne attended school with Ian until the age of 11. Ian then moved onto secondary school (as did most of the class to The Ridings High School in Winterbourne). It is with great sadness to hear of his death. Even as a young boy Ian's quirky sense of humour shone through. I last saw Ian a few years ago at a school reunion, he was still the same! On Saturday The Ridings High held an open day & disco to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Ian was remembered by all who knew him with affection. Our sympathy goes out to Ian's wife, daughter, parents & brother.

Dawn & Anne (nee Maggs)

Ian's exuberance and passion for his work was only matched , if not exceeded, by the wealth of knowledge which he so readily shared with customers, suppliers and most of all his work colleagues, as I was in the 80's and 90's, working out of Armstrong Glass in Salford. He left a lasting impression on so many of his 'pupils' within the glass industry. A class 'A' teacher who I will never forget.

Joe Collin

I was shocked to read the saddening news. I came to know Ian as he came to deliver lectures on Pilkington products to my students on the Architectural Technology Degree in Northumbria University. He had a wealth of knowledge and a deep enthusiasm about his work, something rarely found these days. It is with prayers for his wife and daughter that I write these words. Deepest sympathy

Dr. Neveen Hamza, Senior Lecturer in Architectural Technology, Northumbria University

You only have to read the memories and thoughts of others to realise what a special person Ian was. Having know him for years I always classed him as the Pilkington knowledge box, always there to answer any problem, a great guy who will be sadly missed. My thoughts go out to his family on their sad loss.

David Wray, Pilkington Glass

Having just opened my Glazine I was shocked to read the sad news. Like most others I last saw and had a bit of banter with 'Spokesy' at Glassex. We first met in his days with UBM when he sold laminated . The source of an amazing fund of knowledge and like another contributor said, "no, but I know who I can phone". His quirky sense of humour and bad jokes, will stay with me. Pilks owe a debt of gratitude to him for his passion and dedication in promoting a particularly difficult product, and of course succeeding! Sadly missed.

Hugh C. Eadie, Operations Director, CR Smith

I knew Ian For 23 years. We both came through the UBM Ranks. He was always there with a helping hand, a joke and a kind word. He was a lovely man and l loved him to bits. My thoughts are with Pauline and Sophie at this very sad time. I am so glad l had the privilege to know Ian. There will never be anybody to replace him

Sue Simmons, Pilkington

Dear Pauline, Our kindest thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to both you and Sophie at this most difficult time. I worked with Ian for nearly 10 years and have seen first-hand his boundless enthusiasm and drive. His depth of knowledge and passion for his work were legendary, not to mention his bottomless supply of those infamous jokes. He was a kind, helpful and thoughtful friend without a malicious bone in his body - a rarity indeed. I think that if he had heard us all commenting on the gap he would leave in our lives he would have patted his stomach and made some reference to "good scran". He will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Tim Fagg, Pilkington Project Specifications

A man who will be sorely missed, who put his heart and soul into everything he ever did, and a generally wonderful man. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him, he may be gone but he’ll never be forgotten. Remember, as well as being sad he’s gone, to celebrate the life of a wonderful man.

Jenni Mc D

The last time we saw Ian was at Glassex where we all enjoyed ‘pulling each others legs’ about how to sell self-cleaning glass! His contribution to our industry both socially and professionally has been unquestionable and we are genuinely shocked to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

Susan Fitzpatrick & Rachel Appleyard – Product Managers, Saint-Gobain Glass UK

'I don't know the answer, but I know a man that does'. That man was Ian Spokes. A willing, helpful recipient to any query, no matter how obscure. Ian would present a researched, knowledgeable and enthusiastic answer, delivered in his own original style and always with a touch of humour. One of the true characters of the glass industry. Sincere condolences to family and friends.

George Stirling, Sales Manager C.E.T. Glass

What more can I say that has not already been said by all the others that have left their messages here. Ian was not only a colleague but a friend, always at the end of a phone when I needed advice or help, what he didn’t know about glass wasn’t worth knowing. My sympathy to his wife and daughter who have lost a great husband and father and I have lost an irreplaceable colleague and friend.

Colin Sharp, Pilkington Cumbernauld

I had only known Ian for 15 months, but during that short time I had always found him to be a very kind and helpful man. He would go out of his way to help both colleagues and customers alike. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. A lovely, lovely man who will be very sadly missed.

Cheryl Varley, Pilkington Glass

I just learned last night (2 May) of Ian's death and it came as a total shock and nightmare. Ian has been a huge help with shipwreck research for my books over the past few years and as a personal friend I will greatly miss him. He was always full of energy and enthusiasm in every thing he did. I'm still coming to terms with the thought of not seeing or hearing from Ian anymore, but my heart and thoughts go out to Pauline and Sophie at this very sad time. Ian will be in my thoughts always.

Ron Young - (shipwreckron)

A more positive, energetic, funny man I have never met. Ian was always willing to talk (strange how that sounds) about his work and life in general. Always a most passionate and humorous speaker, I remembered one moment when I heard this sad news earlier in the week. Ian was stood behind his podium ready to speak to a large group of interested Pilkington colleagues, from which the cry was heard "stand up Ian we can't see you". Of course Ian saw the funny side and continued to entertain as he did so often. My thoughts are with both Pauline and Sophie and of course you Ian. X

Vincent Smith - Hansen Glass

Pauline and Sophie, your Ian was a great guy, full of laughter, anecdotes and knowledge. I was lucky enough to work with him from our time together at Leeds with Heywood Williams and on to Pilkington. Whenever a point needed to be made clear or the intricacies of some obscure technical reference had to be found then Ian was the man to go to.
My condolences on your loss. With sympathy and best regards for the future.

Steve Lipscombe Pentagon Protection USA, LLC

I will always remember Ian as a font of all knowledge and will always be grateful for his support and information. As mentioned his sense of humour was legendary and a simple phone call could last an hour with many a story to put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed.

John Duckworth, Specification Manager - North, Deceuninck Ltd

The world seems divided into two camps: those who make things happen and those who it happens to. Ian very definitely made things happen with energy, infectious enthusiasm and good humour. The world needs all it can get of people like Ian. We'll miss you Ian and your contribution to
our work and play.

Mike Rigby - MRA Marketing

Enthusiasm, commitment, professionalism, loyalty, humour – Ian had all these things in abundance, and they were valued and appreciated by all his colleagues. But most of all I will miss him because he was a lovely man, who always lifted everybody’s spirits with his presence. Ian was a joy to be with.

Rick Wilberforce, Pilkington

Pauline and Sophie, I cannot imagine how you all feel and I am so sorry for your sad loss. Ian was a wonderful chap who would inevitability illuminate anybody’s day that came into contact with him. He had an infectious personality full of life and vitality with a funny down to earth personable streak (What you saw is what you got). Ultimately though he was kind and caring without a bad bone in his body and this I think is what made him popular, respected and exceptional well liked.
I know that he will be greatly missed by all at Pilkington’s and by me. I take solace from the thought that Ian made the world seem a little brighter, a little happier and all the better for knowing him. I am honoured to have known him as a friend and colleague.

Adrian Parker, General Manager, Pilkington Nottingham

Ian has been a solid source of information and humour since I moved into head office two years ago. Ian shared the office adjacent to mine so I used to see him regularly. One of us would make the coffee and then he would iterate the feelings of the day – be it work or something else. He was always pure entertainment and a thoroughly decent chap all round. He could always be relied upon for support with his vast knowledge of past projects, technical information and general knowledge. Anyone who knew Ian knew his perchance for ‘dodgy’ jokes and I know I will miss him bursting into the office with a big smile on his face as he prepared to practice his newest material on us. He also enjoyed the odd practical joke - he got me to try a particularly hot Indian curry once (knowing that anything hotter than a cup of tea would cause steam to come out my ears!). Everyone is going to miss him, he leaves a huge gap and a big pair of shoes to fill.
Sincere condolences to his family who I hope can take some small comfort in seeing all of the messages here and knowing how highly thought of and respected their husband and Dad was to everyone he met.

Matthew Petley, Technical Advisory Coordinator, Pilkington Group Ltd

I have just read The Glazine and am saddened to read of the sudden death of Ian. I hadn’t known Ian for that long but always enjoyed his conversation, he appeared to love his job and never missed an opportunity to promote Pilkington products, a true professional. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.

Neil Robinson, Proskills

Ian was a great guy! His knowledge helped me a great deal in my early days serving the UK glass industry. His enthusiasm was infectious, his knowledge on things laminated glass was all encompassing. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.

Harald Kahles, Product Line Manager, H.B. Fuller Window GmbH

I am very sorry to hear about Ian passing away. A true professional, so enthusiastic, and such fun to be around. One of the ways that he helped others was by being a blood donor, many times. Ian was great fun to pass the time with, as is the situation at trade shows and conferences. One occasion sticks in my mind: the doomed Glass Age roadshow at Old Trafford, which included a tour of the football stadium, with Ian cracking some pretty awful jokes along the way.
Ian, we will miss you and our thoughts are with your family.

Dominic Bentham, Editor, Glass Times

What a sad loss! Ian was certainly a unique character; an enthusiast for everything life has to offer and someone who could talk more than I can about work! Far more than this though, for me, was that he was also a gentleman in the true sense of the word. My heartfelt condolences to his family.

Julie Adkin, Managing Director, Focal Research

I am so sorry to hear about the death of Ian Spokes. I knew Ian since the early 1990s and worked with him for over 15 years. I will always remember Ian as enthusiastic, knowledgeable, smiling, friendly, and always willing to help. He could talk for England, was always welcoming and was always working hard. It was an honour to have known him. I send my sincere condolences to his family.

Alastair Adams

Ian and I were speakers at the West Brom Stadium prior to the Part L changes in April 2002. We stayed in a local hotel, ate Indian food and drank and drank. Ian was great fun and a wealth of knowledge. On this particular night he made a 'Citizens arrest' of some local youths who were stealing from the hotel reception - a very brave thing to have done and typical of Ian. His family should be proud!

Dan Gill, Windowidgets

I had known Ian for many years and as a regular visitor to the office next to mine and as a work colleague we would frequently exchange information and ideas. I pinned up a sponsorship form for the British Heart Foundation cycle ride in the Peak district on my office door recentley and Ian was the first visitor to see it and add his name with no prompting from me. Ian's enthusiasm and positive outlook will be greatly missed.

Garry Smith, Pilkington Technical Advisory Service Manager

Ian was a great guy, someone who was always ready to help and talk through issues. It was easy to lose track of time talking to Ian as we could drift through different topics with ease as the extent of his knowledge was huge.

John Warburton, Marketing and Strategic Development Manager, VEKA Plc

Ian was one of the characters in the glass industry, and we all know that there are few who could stand in his shoes. He had this amazing skill of making you laugh even when you were in no mood to do so. I have read many of the tributes and everyone talks about his endless enthusiasm and boundless energy, he was the total professional. He will be sadly missed.
Love and best wishes to Ian's family.

John Spiby, Managing Director, Pilkington AG

My first memorable experience with Ian was many years ago in his Impactex days, when I was managing Lyons Glass, Newport. Full of his usual infectious enthusiasm, he laid on a demonstration of 11.5mm ‘Shopshield’ at a venue in Newport, for the Mayor and many local businessmen. Within minutes, the Mayor was wielding a long sledgehammer, attacking the framed glass, but failed to get through the pane. Result – a roomful of impressed folk, spellbound by our ebullient friend and colleague. It also resulted in many re-glazing orders from the local shops! And Ian continued in that vein all the time I knew this delightful eccentric.
Most sincere condolences to Pauline and Sophie at this time, Ian will be greatly missed by us all, but his memory will stay with us all like a shining star.

John Hawkins, General Manager, Pilkington Birmingham

My thoughts are with Pauline and Sophie at this present time. They have lost a lovely, kind, generous and charitable man. Always keen to help others, at times, at his own expense, always available to give from his vast wealth of experience and knowledge. I am delighted to have worked with Ian, being inspired and motivated by his genuine enthusiasm and drive. He set a great example for all of us in the team and I will miss him greatly.

Tony S, Pilkington Group Ltd, Activ Product Specialist

Ian was a friend to us both over many years working in the industry. It was always a pleasure to meet up and catch up by chance in the most unlikely places. The last time we saw Ian was at Glassex when he was waxing lyrical on the virtues of Activ and looking forward to the holiday of a life time. We will see Ian in so many places and carry the memory of a good man, gentle, dedicated and honest with above all a massive sense of fun and zest for life. Ian will be sadly missed by us both.

Graeme McLean & Cathy Habbershaw, Glaverbel.

I was deeply saddened by the news that Ian had passed away. He was a frequent visitor to us at Allan Brothers, and contributed greatly to our sales conferences, where we spent many a happy hour swapping stories, particularly concerning his diving exploits, as well as working. He will be sadly missed, and I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Ian’s family in their time of loss.

Stuart Young, Managing Director (retired), Allan Brothers

It was a tremendous shock to hear of Ian’s Death, my heart goes out to all who knew him and that were moved by his passion for his job and like me shared his love of the underwater world. It was a pleasure and an inspiration to converse with him. Greatest condolences to Pauline and Sophie who I have not met, you will both be in our prayers.

David Franklin – Franklin Conservatories

Ian, I will miss the rotten jokes, constant chatter, infectious enthusiasm and optimism and working with and knowing a true professional. And no more Tourettes‚ during the monthly teleconferences - a bit of fun has gone out of my life.

Paul Godwin, VAST PR

Ian, the last time I spoke to you was at the Rehau sponsored '70s Night in Birmingham at the time of Glassex, only a few short months ago. You were looking forward to your holiday, and you were loving the music. Naturally, there were still a few things about activ that you felt were not fully understood, no-one could ever say you didn't do a brilliant job on that front. And of course a few anecdotes about Pilks and the glass industry in general - the kind one does not repeat unless in the Altstadt in Düsseldorf, or the Brera in Milan, or Broad Street, Birmingham. I shall remember you in those places Ian, and I will find myself looking for you when those exhibitions come around again, and I shall miss you.

Richard Schwarz, The Gl@zine

It is still very difficult to believe that Ian won't be bouncing in to the office with a smile and his latest 'joke'. Ian epitomised the word ENTHUSIASM and had a positivity that was infectious even to the most cynical. In work Ian would run through a brick wall for you, always loyal and dedicated. At home he leaves his wife Pauline and young daughter Sophie on whom he doted. A true character and friend, we'll miss you Ian.

Matt Buckley, Marketing Director, Pilkington Building Products UK

It's still difficult to believe that you won't just bounce into the office door with yet another of your jokes Ian, always smiling and full of fun and always so positive and enthusiastic about whatever we needed to do. It just won't be the same without you around. Remember how you used to help us get the word for the water sheeting action of Pilkington Activ right? 'Don't forget it's like a posh bird in a spa - hydro Felicity!' There was no one like you Ian! All my love to you and Pauline and Sophie. XXX

Anne Quayle, Marketing Manager, Pilkington Building Products UK

My lasting memories of Ian will be of his great enthusiasm in everything he did and that in his brief 46 years achieved more than a lot of people would have in twice that time. On the day it happened I lost 3 different people firstly a great Boss who was always there in the evenings and at weekends, I also lost a colleague who had a wealth of knowledge and experience, I also lost a friend who always had a terrible joke or funny story to tell.
I still now think of him and how he would try and wrestle control of any meeting gain the microphone and do a 10 minute slot that would last at least 45 mins making everyone laugh some at him, some with him. He was a Gentle Man who cared deeply for his family and friends of which I am proud to be counted as one he was also a Star in many ways and will be greatly missed by all of us. I will miss him

Roland Sarin, Activ Product Specialist, Pilkington Building Products

He was a real gentleman with such a kindness and generosity of spirit. He was dedicated to the work we did together, fun to work with - he made me laugh! - and a true professional. I'm sad to hear that such a young and lovely man is no longer with us.

Karen Ibbotson

Jonathan Brind, editor of G&GP, sent us a short movie clip of Ian at Glassex. We have three versions, depending on which media player you use

IanSpokes1 (.mov)

IanSpokes2 (.avi)

IanSpokes3 (.mpeg)

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