A ‘local lad’ from Silver End whom, it seems, gained his middle name from the street in which the family lived, Valentine Way. But whose contribution to the community in which he spent the whole of his life is inestimable. Ivan gained his school certificate from Braintree High and at age 16 took up employment with the Essex County Council where he remained for the next 45 years. Only a short period of National Service in the late 1940’s with the Airforce at Montrose interrupting his career. Ivan qualified as a Local Government Officer and Chartered Secretary managing Registrars and Clerks to various Councils.

It was through his work that Ivan found romance, linking up with the Whitehead family of Writtle in the form of their daughter Christine who became his wife in 1955 and life time partner until her own death in April 2003. Being a ‘local lad’ it was not surprising that Ivan and Christine stayed in their first home in Hillside Grove, Chelmsford for all but the last 10 years when they moved into the hidden bungalow in Camborne Close, Springfield. It was into that hillside grove that they brought their first child Richard and some thirteen years later daughter Karen. The interval is another story maybe, but one can only imagine the added surprise to football fan Ivan when Karen was born on FA Cup Final day. Even so, Ivan wasn’t missing the kick off!

As a boy Ivan had been a scout in Braintree, but it was some years later that he was re-introduced to Scouting which then became another major love of his life. Through a chance meeting with an old scout friend, John Fulbeck, Ivan was soon linked up with the 1st Writtle Scouts as a leader. Later becoming the Group Scout Leader then an Assistant District Commissioner, District Commissioner and Assistant County Commissioner with particular responsibilities for ‘people’ issues. Ivan remained a dedicated Scouter even after his compulsory retirement from active leadership at 65. Retaining his interest through the Scouters Fellowship and through tireless work as part of the service crew at the scout camp at Skreens Park, Roxwell.

And Scouting provided Ivan with many opportunities. Introducing to Chelmsford District in 1972 the American Exchange that has continued ever since with many scouts being given the chance of an exchange visit to America with fellow scouts from New Jersey. Including grandson, Stewart, just two years ago. And Ivan was already looking forward to this years visit by the Americans to the UK.

Not only did Scouting provide opportunity but it also recognised service. Ivan’s contribution being honoured at the annual St George’s Day ceremony at Windsor Castle in 1996 when he was presented by HRH Prince Phillip with one of the highest awards in Scouting, the ‘Silver Wolf’. But perhaps of even greater pride to Ivan was the fact that grandson Stewart could be there also to share in the award, his own interest in scouting already kindled.

Scouting also gave Ivan the chance to "tread the boards". His performances as a ‘comic’ in the annual Gangshow at the Civic Centre in Chelmsford becoming legend. He was an avid Gangshow supporter over 30 years – Sir Ralph Reader would have been proud – often travelling far and wide to support the efforts of others as well as his own local involvement on stage and in administration of the show.

Not only was Ivan a bit of a thespian but he was also renowned as a ‘chef’! His catering, for example, at various scout training camps is said to have rivalled entries for top food establishments in the ‘Good Food Guide’. And he was a dab hand at the barbecue as those attending the ‘Agoonex Camps’ for handicapped scouts, where Ivan regularly helped, will testify.

But if you were thinking that Ivan filled his life with Scouting you would be quite wrong. He loved his garden, took great pride in his family and enjoyed travel, mostly in the UK and invariably with his faithful dog by his side. In addition he also found time to play table tennis and get involved in administration of the local League. Becoming the General Secretary in 1991 a post he held until his death and to which he brought the same degree of professionalism as he applied to his work-a-day life. Indeed Ivan was able to mix both table tennis and scouting. Introducing the sport to his 1st Writtle troop. And then making use of his employers sports facilities to introduce the sport to his children. Perhaps it was Ivan’s coaching that explains son Richard’s current style?

Ivan joined the Excalibur Table Tennis Club when it was formed in 1978 but waited until he was a ‘vet’ before playing his first League matches in 1982. Gaining divisional winners or runners-up awards with his team in 1987/88 (Division 9), 1991/92 (Division 8) and 1994/95 (Division 7). But it was quite late in his playing career before Ivan gained his first individual title. Winning the Caister Holiday Park invitation tournament whilst on holiday in 1998!

Ivan was a man of passion. He loved his family, his garden, his scouting and his table tennis. And if by one he is described as an "absolute giant", then fittingly another description perhaps sums him up; "a gentleman in every way". For that is what he was in every aspect of life. By his children, grandchildren, friends and all that knew him he will be much missed. But to them all he leaves a great legacy of character that all would do well to try and copy.