Ian Eastaugh 17 June 1969 -18 January 2021

Well yesterday Monday 18th of January 2021 – I had a painful shock!

Mary and I were informed that Our friend – Ian Eastaugh had passed away in New Cross Hospital. Now that was a shock.

Mary and I want to wish Ian’s sister Karen, and his extended family and friends, our deepest sympathy and condolences. However hard it is on all of us that knew him. Ian’s loss will be a dire and unjustly blow to dear Karen.

Karen was Ian’s number one support, Karen was Ian’s confidant, his daily visitor.

Karen – the most valuable gift you can give anyone at all is your time. The two of you together always had each other.

Ian was a larger-than-life character. He had a personality as big as some of those football stadia that he visited following his favourite Football Club Manchester City.

The fact that we lost Ian yesterday morning in New Cross Hospital is tragic. He had such a zest for life.

He was I am proud to say my friend too.

Ian had loads of friends! here in Ashmore Park, across Wednesfield, Wolverhampton and Manchester – even further afield than that.

Ian was a’ Hail fellow Well Met ‘sort of Guy!
He was forever a debater! – Ian liked to shock, and he called things out, that sometimes, made your toe’s curl.

Ian was often opinionated about football, his Club, the one that he vociferously supported – Manchester City!
He didn’t leave it there; he was often very opinionated about my Club. Plus, anyone else’s Club, who he just happened to be sharing the room, or the space, with him.

I started by saying Ian was a larger-than-life character, He was. In every aspect of life.

Ian was a former pupil at Coppice High School, he lived on Ashmore Park, I know he loved his flat because he always told me he did. He was strong on family, and loyal to friends. Everyone knew Ian.

I am not sure how many people knew that Ian was a member of the Labour Party, but he had a strong social conscience. He was a valuable member of Wednesfield North Labour Party, and we will miss him in our venues and in our debates.

Over the last few years his health started to decline, his mobility problems especially that re-occurring Gout caused him great pain. Ian started to spend a lot of time in hospital.

I am sorry that he has gone, but his memory will live on. There are so many stories about Ian. For me I have a football shirt Ian gave me last birthday, with Karen also in attendance. When I wear that shirt- signed by Derek Statham one of my football heroes. I will remember Ian; Come Match Day and I start to let my imagination start to run away with me -as I pull that shirt on – My fab birthday present. Ian I will remember you!

Ian Eastaugh always the good egg!

Rest In Peace Ian, You were taken way too early, but you are now in the heavenly corridors. Where no doubt you will meet your fellow Man City buddy Paul Concliffe, and you can stalk those heavenly corridors singing Man City anthems!

You have made your contribution to making life better for all of us now…Rest in Peace friend.

Phil Bateman

Phil Bateman is Married to Mary and lives in Wednesfield North. He was a long serving local politician having served previously on the now defunct West Midlands County Council... read more

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