Ian Calvert Wood (50-53) died peacefully in Melbourne, Australia on January 7th, 2024 as the Society was informed by his son Julian. He was 87 and is survived by his two sons Martin and Julian.

At the Nautical College Ian was in Macquarie Division and Form MN and won his colours in the 1953 1st X1 cricket team as a bowler, once taking 8-46 in the match against the OPs. He also was awarded the RLSS Bronze Medallion twice for his life-saving skills. In later life he often spoke fondly of his time at Pangbourne.

Joining Blue Star Shipping Lines, he went on to have a distinguished career at sea during the following 15 years, gaining his Master’s certificate and becoming a ship’s captain. In 1968 he came ashore and married to Nicole Marie Laflamme in Montreal, Canada. The couple moved to Australia in 1969 and settled in Brisbane.  

In 1976 the family moved to Melbourne where Ian started his own Marine Surveying firm. He retired finally in 2011 aged 75. Julian adds:

“Dad loved sea life, team work, discipline and service. He also had a lifelong passion for cricket – a sport often requiring the same skills and powers of endurance. His commitment to the game, to his teams and to the clubs he joined was exemplary throughout his life both as a player and a coach. In 2007 he played for the Australian Over-60s team which toured England.”