In reply to Fredt:
I heard about this this morning on the radio, but have only just realised Ian was the climber I met one night at the argentiere campsite.
I wondered over to sit with a few guys who I was doing the conville course with, and Ian instantly introduced himself with a massive grin and a warm handshake.
We chatted quite a bit that night, and he came across as a brilliantly genuine guy who was absolutely in his element, and doing just what he lived for. I have no doubt he would have gone on to be a brilliant ambassador for our sport. Although it is tragic that he is no longer with us, I have no doubts from chatting to him that night, and seeing what he said about climbing, that is was an activity that deeply enriched his life, and that without it he would not have been the same grinning, full of life guy that I instantly warmed to.
Ian is the first person I have known in any way who has been killed climbing, and the slow realisation that it was him , initially hoping that it was just someone similar looking, then slowly realising that it wasn't is kind of hard.
Franco, tom, et al - My thoughts are with you guys. Loosing a climbing partner is something no one wants to have to think about, and to do so can't be easy for anyone. I really hope you can make some sense of climbing, and what it all means. It would be a real shame if you guys lost your passion for what seemed to be the love of Ian's life. It sounds like you guys had a bit of a heavy night last night, and may well have a few more, but hopefully you can smile at Ian's memory, how much he achieved and who he was. From my short time spent with him, I really got the impression that he would have it no other way
The last time I saw Ian was at the bus stop leaving the argentiere campsite, when he game me another massive toothey grin, a wave, and a shout of "have fun mate"
Ultimately, a proper, genuine climbing gent.
Condolences to all his family and friends. Hopefully that can at least take some comfort from the fact that he was in his element during the time he was out there.
Have fun mate