A member of well known local farming and Uniting church family, Ian Armstrong has passed away after suffering from dementia for several years.
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Ian, son of Ray and Muriel Armstrong (late of 'Barbary' Cootamundra), brother to Joyce (Orgill), Neil (dec), Don (dec), Malcolm and Vern, was born in Tumut on 9 September 1934.
He followed a family tradition of fine wool merino sheep production after the family purchased 'Meemar' near Stockinbingal Hill in 1951.
National Service called Ian to Army training in 1955 and the following year he was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through Cootamundra.
Ian served as president of the local Junior Farmers organisation.
He was an active member of the Methodist and Uniting Church; holding many positions throughout the district and state with regular lay preaching duties in many surrounding country churches.
Ian was instrumental in the establishment and maintenance of the Meemar campsite/conference centre and always welcomed new people to the local community, particularly if they were less fortunate than himself.
A lover of the natural world and with a keen interest in helping people, Ian had a reputation as a gentle, genuine, honest and caring person. He lived his Christian values every day through the way that he interacted with people, showing warmth and selflessness. He enjoyed tennis, fishing, walking and was active in local Show Society, Sheep Show and School P&Cs.
Aged 84 years, Ian David Armstrong died peacefully at Southern Cross Care facility on July 19. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Shirley (nee Corby), sons Chris, Peter and Hugh, and grandchildren Brooke, Chloe, Megan, Georgina and Edward.
His funeral was held on 23 July, in Cooper St Uniting Church.