Ian was the youngest of three children born to Mr and Mrs H Sumner of Durban. He had an older brother and sister: Doug (who also went to DHS) and Jenny.
Ian started his formative schooling at Durban Preparatory High School where his love for Cricket, Rugby and Athletics developed. In 1959 he moved on to Durban High School.
Ian’s Cricketing, Rugby and Athletics blossomed at DHS and he became very involved in every aspect of the Sporting Facilities that were available, also the culture/traditions of DHS.
Ian was appointed a Prefect at DHS in 1963. During that year Ian was selected to play cricket for the 1st XI and was awarded his Half Colours. He played Rugby for the 2nd XV and was also awarded Half Colours. He also played a number of games for the 1st XV.
A great love of Ian’s was Athletics for which he was awarded his Colours. He partook in many events but the highlight of his Athletics career at School was Long Jump. Here he broke the School record and that record stood at the School for in excess of 30 years.
After School Ian was conscripted into the Army and did his National Service at the Army Gymnasium in Pretoria. At the Army Gym he met Clive Shedlock and they became lifelong friends. Ian introduced Clive to Anne, the daughter of Mr and Mrs D G “SAS” Nourse. “SAS” was an Old Boy, School Teacher, 1st VX Rugby Coach, and a Durban High School Legend. Clive and Anne later married.
Ian followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Insurance Industry. He later joined Gamsy Melnick Insurance Brokers in Durban. In time, Ian was offered a shareholding and the company became Gamsy Sumner Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd.
Ian met and married the love of his life, Jenny Brickell. A lady as large as life with a wicked sense of humour. They had two children, Mark (DHS Class of 1991) and Susan. Ian and Jenny were blessed with three grandchildren.
Ian continued his love of the DHS Culture/Traditions and enthusiastically supported cricket and rugby at the School.
Ian was Chairman for many years of the DHS Old Boys Trust, eventually handing over the reins in 2004.
Sadly, Jenny passed away in February 2012.
A couple of years later Ian retired.
Around the same time he met and married Irene Rudd and they spent some time living in Thailand.
On their return to South Africa in 2018 they resided in Hillcrest. It was whilst living there that he sadly passed away from an embolism.
From DPHS to DHS, to the early years, to families growing up together, Ian, Clive and Bruce, a lifelong friendship. Daughters, who to this day are friends. R.I.P. our friend.
Stuart Clark
March 7, 2019
IAN SUMNER 11/10/1945 - 04/11/2018
OBITUARY
Ian was the youngest of three children born to Mr and Mrs H Sumner of Durban. He had an older brother and sister: Doug (who also went to DHS) and Jenny.
Ian started his formative schooling at Durban Preparatory High School where his love for Cricket, Rugby and Athletics developed. In 1959 he moved on to Durban High School.
Ian’s Cricketing, Rugby and Athletics blossomed at DHS and he became very involved in every aspect of the Sporting Facilities that were available, also the culture/traditions of DHS.
Ian was appointed a Prefect at DHS in 1963. During that year Ian was selected to play cricket for the 1st XI and was awarded his Half Colours. He played Rugby for the 2nd XV and was also awarded Half Colours. He also played a number of games for the 1st XV.
A great love of Ian’s was Athletics for which he was awarded his Colours. He partook in many events but the highlight of his Athletics career at School was Long Jump. Here he broke the School record and that record stood at the School for in excess of 30 years.
After School Ian was conscripted into the Army and did his National Service at the Army Gymnasium in Pretoria. At the Army Gym he met Clive Shedlock and they became lifelong friends. Ian introduced Clive to Anne, the daughter of Mr and Mrs D G “SAS” Nourse. “SAS” was an Old Boy, School Teacher, 1st VX Rugby Coach, and a Durban High School Legend. Clive and Anne later married.
Ian followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the Insurance Industry. He later joined Gamsy Melnick Insurance Brokers in Durban. In time, Ian was offered a shareholding and the company became Gamsy Sumner Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd.
Ian met and married the love of his life, Jenny Brickell. A lady as large as life with a wicked sense of humour. They had two children, Mark (DHS Class of 1991) and Susan. Ian and Jenny were blessed with three grandchildren.
Ian continued his love of the DHS Culture/Traditions and enthusiastically supported cricket and rugby at the School.
Ian was Chairman for many years of the DHS Old Boys Trust, eventually handing over the reins in 2004.
Sadly, Jenny passed away in February 2012.
A couple of years later Ian retired.
Around the same time he met and married Irene Rudd and they spent some time living in Thailand.
On their return to South Africa in 2018 they resided in Hillcrest. It was whilst living there that he sadly passed away from an embolism.
From DPHS to DHS, to the early years, to families growing up together, Ian, Clive and Bruce, a lifelong friendship. Daughters, who to this day are friends. R.I.P. our friend.
Contributed by Bruce Hearn