Ian Milsom’s welcoming smile and engaging demeanor left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a true gentleman.

A loving and protective family man, Ian was born in Pietermaritzburg in 1950 as the youngest – alongside twin sister Beverley – of six children.

He was the only sibling without a second name, to which his answer was always: “Well there is only ‘een’ of me.” He had a mischievous sense of humour, particularly in his younger years.

Ian began his career as an HT electrician apprentice with the Pietermaritzburg Corporation before moving to Stanger in 1973 to work for the Borough of Stanger, later KwaDukuza Municipality.

Over four decades, Ian rose to become the director of electrical planning and mechanical services.

He always gave freely of his time and knowledge and his colleagues and friends knew him to be ethical, hard-working, methodical and thorough in detail.

Soon after finding work in Stanger, Ian and I married and shared a life journey of more than 51 years together. We made Umhlali our home with our children Claudine (June 6, 1977 – June 6, 2019) and Clyde.

After retiring in 2015, Ian embraced new challenges, consulting for the North Global Group (NGG) during the development of Elaleni Coastal Forest Estate. Initially tasked with electrical planning, Ian eventually became estate manager, serving six years before handing over the reins. Even in 2024, Ian continued consulting for NGG on new projects.

Ian loved to tinker with motorbikes to improve ‘the output’, but his true love was playing the guitars in his substantial collection. A former rock band guitarist, Ian had a deep appreciation for 60s, 70s, and 80s music – a passion he passed on to his son Clyde, gifting him a custom built electric guitar, with the winders, knobs and toggles all made by Ian himself – a uniquely treasured gift.

Ian was a man of many hidden talents, which proved a great asset around the family home and garden, where he, ‘the foreman’, and me, ‘the engineer’, undertook countless projects.

In November, Ian faced a stage 3 cancer diagnosis with courage. Surgery on his 74th birthday initially seemed successful and he returned home 16 days later.

The next day, on December 21, Ian said he felt odd and within a blink of an eye his soul left us while being held in my arms. He passed surrounded by the love he knew when he was with us.

Ian, during your remarkable journey of life the legacy you have left is the beautiful memories of your unwavering love and kindness that will shine and live on and guide us forever.

So rest now, be at peace and let your soul fly free for eternity.

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