1946-2024
The sad news that Ian died, after a period of illness, in a hospital in his native Scotland was received from his wife and daughter on 19 May 2024.
Ian worked as PB9 in Print Division, Norwich, having joined HMSO in 1972. He had served overseas, managing printing operations for Commonwealth organisations.
Funeral details for Ian can be found here.
Gerry Aldus adds: So sorry to hear about Ian. He was on my fm team for a while. Always joking, generous, an excellent team player. I feel so pleased that I knew him.
Well said, Gerry. My sentiments entirely. I well remember a Print Exhibition we manned in Birmingham in the early 1990s. Reg.
Adrian McCrum adds: Lorna messaged me Saturday night – it was really sad news to receive. I worked with him for years. I really liked him and had some really good times with him and believe it or not I loved listening to his stories – and boy could he tell a story. He will be missed. So sad as well because he only recently moved back home to be close to his family. Last time I saw him was at the Print reunion at The Plasterers – I presume you have the photos – he was on good form that day. Reunited with his old Print buddies we have said goodbye to over the years.
Thank you Adrian. Ian was indeed a man who could tell a story! I remember that 2017 reunion of those who moved to Norwich in 1967, held in The Plasterers. This photo below shows Ian, third from the right behind Pat Tate. Happy days. Best wishes, Reg.
Peter Wells adds: I was very sad to hear from Lorna McDonald of the passing of her Dad, Ian McCall. A larger than life character, we became good friends and remained so long after he took early retirement from TSO. He moved to Millport (on the Isle of Cumbrae) only relatively recently to be closer to his family who live in Johnstone. Apart from real ale and single malts (!), we also had shared interests in model railways, steam loco’s, historic ships and civil engineering – a pretty eclectic mix. His knowledge of the print industry was extensive and if I had a contract that required paper in reels, it was always to Ian that I turned to check if I’d got the quantity correct!
I clearly remember our HTO (Cecil Hughes) giving Ian a dressing down about a job that had gone awry. When Cecil said “did you no consider”, Ian simply put his glasses on the back of his head (ie hind-sight). Needless to say the whole section dissolved into fits of laughter. That was Ian . . . .
My condolences go his wife Dorothy, daughter Lorna and all her family.
Hello Peter, Good to hear from you, and thank you for your fine tribute to the late Ian McCall. He was certainly a man who cheered the room. Best wishes, Reg.