Ian Gower Hammond
Class of 1947
Ian Gower Hammond (Tilly’s, 1942-1947)
Died on April 25th 2022.
The following was provided by Ian’s daughter, Barbara Brown.
He was born in 1929 in Stratford-upon-Avon, where he later went to grammar school before attending St Edward’s School, Oxford until he was 18, a boarder in Tilly’s house, becoming head of house and head boy. He named his first car Tilly. He used to tell stories of breaking the ice on Port Meadow when doing early winter morning cross-country runs, and putting tubes of toothpaste on wide first floor window sills, then wacking them with cricket bats to shower those in the quad below, who thought there were very active birds about! He remained in touch with a few school friends for the rest of their lives, and attended some school reunions and events.
National Service followed in early 1948, in the UK and N Africa, where on Christmas Day 1948 he played polo on donkeys, riding back to front in fancy dress. Sport at school stood him in good stead as he became the regiment’s sports officer and seemed to spend a fair amount of time playing cricket on very hard wickets and hockey on nearby salt flats. After discharge from the Royal Artillery, and a journey home via Tripoli, Ian began his training for his life-long career as a Chartered Surveyor, working in Banbury, Oxford, London, and then joining Dunster and Morton in Reading, becoming a senior partner in due course. Part of his role was as an auctioneer, both for property and also objet d’art and furniture effects, which led to an appreciation and love for antiques.
He married Jackie in 1959, having met at a New Year’s Eve party in London, setting up home initially in Reading, followed by Earley, near Reading, and then almost 50 years in Peppard. He was an active member of Round Table, followed by 41 Club, then Rotary for many years, offering service to the community, and fund-raising for local and international causes. He became President in his club’s 70th anniversary year, and was later awarded an Honorary Membership of the Reading club in 2020 of which he was extremely proud.
In his leisure time he played cricket and hockey for Reading, followed by bowls in later life, and spent much of his time gardening and woodworking, also volunteering with local charities using his career expertise, and with the National Trust at Basildon Park. He enjoyed time with family, and holidays abroad and at home, especially at the holiday home in Sidmouth.
Ian had a schoolboy sense of humour, delighting in pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules. He was often quite daft and liked the sense of the ridiculous. Typically seen with a pipe, he thrived in the company of friends, with good food and wine, finding many reasons for a lunch or dinner party.
Ian is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Jackie, as well as two daughters and two grandsons.
If you would like to leave any messages for the family or share any memories please click here.
Print page