It is with immense sadness that Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce announces the death of its Immediate Past President, Ian Smith.
Ian had been closely involved with the Chamber since 1982, giving more than four decades of dedicated service to the organisation and the wider Thames Valley business community. Over this time, Ian played a significant role in supporting the Chamber’s development and championing the interests of the region’s business community.
Having been active on the Reading Chamber Council for nearly a quarter of century, Ian joined the main board of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) in 2006 and in 2010 was appointed Group President, a post he held for the next eight years, during a period of great change for the Chamber. He was instrumental in driving that change and resetting the direction of travel of the Chamber.
On stepping down from the role of President, as Immediate Past President, Ian remained actively involved on the Board, despite suffering ill-health that increasingly limited his ability to be present at board meetings. Even through his illness, he stayed remarkably himself – steady, quick with a joke, never once asking for sympathy. He carried it quietly, the same way he carried everything, and it never once eclipsed who he was to the people around him.
Ian brought to the Chamber a considerable wealth of knowledge and experience. His wise counsel, sound judgement and thoughtful contribution were deeply appreciated by fellow Board members, colleagues and all those who had the privilege of working with him.
In recognition of his exceptional and longstanding contribution, Ian was awarded the coveted Honorary Life Membership of TVCC. Honorary Life Membership represents one of the Chamber’s highest distinctions and is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and sustained commitment to the Chamber and its work.
His commitment to the Chamber, together with his warmth, integrity and generosity of spirit, will be remembered with great affection and gratitude.
Everyone at the Chamber extends their deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers to Ian’s wife Kate, family, and friends at this very sad time.
