
Ian was educated at Glenorchy Primary and Hobart High School. He did his degree and Diploma of Education at the University of Tasmania. He was first appointed as an English/SOSE teacher to Smithton High School in 1971 and taught there for three years. He travelled overseas in 1974 and was appointed to Parklands High School, Burnie in 1975. In 1977, he was appointed Senior Master English at Taroona High School. He was appointed Assistant Principal at Kingston High School in 1987 and then Principal at New Town High in 1999. He lived locally as a student and both his older and younger brothers are ex-New Town High students.
Ian was never far from the classroom and continued to take classes. He was a committed member of his professional association, the Tasmanian Association for the Teaching of English (TATE) – and served as President for a number of years. He also served as State Representative on the national body, the Australian Association for the Teaching of English, and led very successful State and National Conferences for English.
Ian always took an interest in hockey, firstly as a player and then as a coach. He was actively involved in debating and a great supporter of many school activities. He was a hard act to follow.