I would like to echo Bob's sentiments below regarding the very sad news of Ian's passing. Ian was Site Manager (then called Pembrokeshire Warden) for Ramsey and Grassholm for 10 years, from the time the RSPB took over the island in 1993 to 2003.
Apart from his many other achievements on the island, he was instrumental in the rat eradication project, arguably the single most significant ecological project to have ever taken place on Ramsey. Over the years I kept him informed of progress and he was always delighted to hear the fruits of his considerable endeavour were paying off handsomely. The Manx Shearwater population in particular has benefited, increasing from less than 800 pairs the year before the eradication in 1998, to over 6,000 pairs at our last survey in 2021.
On a personal note, Ian was a huge help to me when I first started on Ramsey. The handover with my predecessor had been cut short and, thrown in at the deep end, I received enormous support and advice from Ian in those early weeks and months. No phone call or email with a request for help and advice was too much and that unselfish act of kindness will always live with me. From one islander to another, I salute you.
So from a personal viewpoint, and that of the RSPB, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to Gill, Heulwen and the rest of Ian's family at this difficult time.