LEES, Ivan Johnson

Born Stalybridge, Cheshire, 25 May 1933. Died Adelaide, 5 June 2022.

Loving husband of Audrey (nee Middleton, d.2020) for 62 years.

Beloved and caring father of Kathryn, Susan, Robert and Joanne.

Proud father-in-law of Anthony Trumble, Anthony Matas, Diane Volk and Russell Mourney.

Proud grandfather of Paul, David and Steven Trumble, Brett Matas and Nicole Valenzisi (nee Matas), Sarah and Hannah Mourney, Mikayla and Kieran Lees, and partners Kerry, Ashleigh, Michael and Kiya.

Great-grandfather of Lilian Valenzisi and Sadie Trumble.

Cousin-in-law to Zena Chapman.

Dear brother of Joyce (d.2017) and great friend of her husband Mike Wray (d.2010).

Cherished uncle of Simon Wray (d.1990), Matthew Wray, Jonathan Wray, Kristin Bradbury (d.2013) and Marion Welch (nee Bradbury).

Ivan was the first in his family to attend University winning a County University Scholarship to study Civil Engineering at Manchester University, and earned a 1st Class Honours Degree

A man of many talents, together with his wife Audrey, he undertook a life of adventure. In the late 1950s he performed two years of National Service in the British Army (Royal Engineers), leaving the UK in 1961 to start a new life on the other side of the world. While originally coming to South Australia for two years, he fell in love with the wide brown land and spent the rest of his life enjoying the bright blue skies and warm temperatures of his adopted homeland.

He was initially employed by the South Australian Government as an Engineer, working for the Highways Department for many years, but as he progressed in the Public Service he took on many and varied roles: Director at the Monarto Development Commission, Secretary of the Fire Brigade, Director of Road Safety, and Director of the South Australian Museum.

A keen tennis player, he spent many hours every summer playing competitive tennis on the hot asphalt courts of the Rostrevor Tennis Club. He also became an avid golfer, was a member of the Mount Osmond Golf Club for many years, and kept swinging his clubs into his eighties.

Ivan enjoyed playing bridge and spent many happy occasions playing with Audrey and their friends on golfing and bridge holidays. He also enjoyed his weekly bridge sessions at local bridge clubs.

He and Audrey both loved travel, and as well as taking his brood of children to visit family in the UK on many occasions, travelled to many countries around the world until Audrey’s ill health prevented them continuing their adventures.

Along with Audrey, Ivan’s contribution to environmental causes included involvement over many years with the Trees for Life program. Together they raised thousands of native trees which were replanted throughout the state of South Australia.

Ivan will be farewelled at a private celebration.

Donations in Ivan’s name can be made to Trees for Life at treesforlife.org.au . Ivan’s family will be notified of your acknowledgement if you email maureenmck@treesforlife.org . with advice of your donation.