Ian will be greatly missed

Martinborough has lost one its its most colourful community minded characters, Ian Cresswell. He was a doer and a talker, you certainly knew where he stood on any issue but he didn’t just talk about it he would be out in the town gaining support for his latest scheme and there were many.

You’ll appreciate I don’t live in Martinborough but many people in the district knew Ian as I did because he was involved in so many things. I have had more than a few disagreements with him but as long as you were prepared to listen to his view he was happy, agreement was not compulsory.

I have been involved with him with the Ruamahanga Trust that built the doctors surgery, Martinborough Community Board, Considine Park committee, Martinborough Town Hall and the Waihinga Centre. He was the instigator of the highly successful Martinborough Jazz Festival and has submitted to more council annual and long term plans than I can remember.

He always voiced his opinion and I salute him for this. He was a people person and loved to be the centre of attention. His ideas and thoughts made people take notice, whether you agreed with him or not.
He was passionate about Martinborough and I believe he thought it was the best place in the world to live.
Martinborough has lost a wonderful community worker and local identity. I will certainly miss his phone calls and visits. Ian leaves a huge legacy in Martinborough, thank you.

Viv Napier