Ian Constable            1944 - 2019

Bridge players in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire will be saddened to know that Ian Constable died on February aged 74.  Ian was so positive and brave throughout his illness; he never failed to welcome his friends, join in the conversations and give his opinion about bridge hands.  His regular presence in the Cheltenham Bridge Club will be missed by all his partners and his many friends.

Ian was born in Oxford and worked as a consultant in the quarry industry.  His work took him all over the country.  He met Val in 1984 and has lived happily in Gloucestershire ever since.  Ian and Val have four adult children, Richard and Sophie, Adam and Ollie and seven grandchildren.  In recent years the growing family has been such a joy to them both.  

Ian and Val have played successful county and club bridge for very many years.  The county records go back to 1989 and at most AGMs Ian name is newly engraved on at least one cup.  Most of his successes are with Val but Individual and Men’s pairs competitions are also among his many triumphs.

Ian was proud of his record in the Cheltenham Congress.  We know he played in the Congress for over fifty years and most of the time with John Gibson his friend from university.  

Ian was a member of the County Committee where he held a number of offices including the office of President in 1997.  He also captained the Gloucestershire Tollemache team.

Ian had a variety of interests outside of his work and bridge.  Ian was working on an Austin 7 and sadly it was so very nearly drivable when he became too ill to complete it.  Ian loved walking and everyday he would be out, with his dog, whatever the weather. Music was important to him whether it was listening at home or at a concert.