Relatives and friends of the late Ian David Mansfield of Geraldton are respectfully informed that a Service to pay tribute to Ian’s life will be taking place. It is with sadness that Ian’s service will be by limited invitation due to current funeral size restrictions.
A recording of the funeral service will be posted on this page following the service conclusion.
Private service: COVID-19 restrictions
Video recording of service: Available from Friday 08/05/2020
Ian’s service will be recorded and posted below for family and friends that couldn’t be there. Please return on Friday afternoon, 8 May, to watch the service.
Please feel free to leave messages for Ian, his family and friends below. Your support is greatly appreciated during these difficult times.
4 Comments
From Ash Mansfield, Ian’s grandson – Yvonne Mansfield’s son
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Regrettably, I was unable to attend today’s service, and I appreciate the chance to be able to write something here.
Before I had my siblings arrive into the family, I was an only child, which had its perks but also some very boring weekends. One of my fondest memories would be, when I was allowed, calling up Poppy, and waiting urgently outside to spot his rickety old white van zooming to the house to come pick me up. We would listen to and sing along to old Tom Jones songs, he would do a little shuffle in his seat as it played and it always remain in my mind.
He would let me change the gears of the van as he was driving, not hesitating to just let me at it when I asked how it worked and what order it went in. The careful timing and instructions followed by not getting mad when I inevitably crunched his gears gave me so much confidence growing up.
Our weekend adventures would usually consist of going to Video Ezy, getting super-naughty horror movies that mum would definitely not allow us to watch, it’s still a secret – don’t tell her! Pop would then let me set up the video player, which was always NEVER working, while he fixed up a cuppa tea, made me chicken nuggets, a cheese toasty, and then settle in for the horrific movie choices that we got. Then morning would come to the smell of bacon and eggs, more movies, the BMX park, where he would watch patiently on the side of the fence cheering me on. If i stayed until sunday night, it was always roast with Marie, his famous Yorkshire puddings were the only way I’d eat my greens, stuffing the meat and gravy, vegetables into the freshly eaten innards of the pudding. I loved it and made me realize that if I can’t see the greens, there are no greens!
He was my holiday away from home, and he never showed any signs of slowing down or wanting to do less, I’ll always look at these memories fondly.
When I eventually grew up, he became a never moving foundation- he would want to help me whenever and wherever he could, and would always offer a shoulder to lean on and let me blast about my problems, he made me feel it was okay to not always be okay, it’s one day at a time, as long as you keep trying.
Watching how he was about my siblings, it was evident that he wanted to always be around his grandchildren and always asked about us, offering for lunches and wanting to make time for us. I will miss the never closed door, the excitement in his voice at an unannounced visit. I will miss the gruntled hello when he answered the phone, to the “Oooh is that you Ashley!”
In short; Thank you Poppy, for always being there for all of us. We love you, and I know you’ll continue looking out for us as we continue to make our own adventures. I hope you’re feeling much healthier up there, and that you have teeth that fit!
‘Til we meet again, Ashley. (The favourite grandchild)
Oh, Ash, we loved hearing your tribute to your Poppy today. We laughed and cried at the same time. Sorry you couldn’t be there in person due to the restrictions but it felt like you were. xxxxx
Ps. I think he might have arked up a tad at the sledge of his pride and joy “the white van”.
Message from Paul Franklin, Ian’s Nephew in Eastbourne, England. My wife and I have watched the recording of the funeral. It is with great sadness to hear that Uncle Ian passed on the 23rd April 2020. I am thankful I got out to see him in 2011 and enjoyed staying with him and meeting the family, we had exchanged Xmas cards and phone calls for a few years. Glad that David was able to contact us to let us know the sad news and our hearts go out to David, Ivonne, Ian’s partner and the rest of the family on this sad day our hearts and thoughts are with you all. Love Paul & Linda Franklin.
Condolences to loved ones and friends of Ian (Whizzy). Known Ian for 40+ years in Karratha and later Geraldton where he danced with Maree into our hearts. RIP to one of nature’s Gentlemen. Debbie and Lindsey Piggott