Former garden centre manager, GCA Inspector, garden centre business consultant and trainer Ian Boardman died suddenly last week.
GTN Xtra understands that that Ian died suddenly at home in the night of a heart attack. He is to be cremated near his home in France.
Ian's wife, Sylvie told GTN Xtra: "It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my husband Ian Boardman had a heart attack last Thursday and died. He would have been 66 on 4th October.
"We will hold a celebration of his life later on in England and will be in touch to let you know."
Our thoughts and condolences are with Sylvie and Ian's family.
A truly lovely person who was instrumental in my garden centre winning three GCA Garden Centre of the Year awards back in the 1990's through a combination of his industry expertise, infectious enthusiasm, leadership and presentation skills - will be sadly missed and condolences to his family.
Katrine Taylor
This is such sad news and so sudden. Ian was our first judge and a big part of our GCA and development journey. Having spent many hours in his company, his enthusiasm and passion for retail was infectious and invaluable. He really was a champion for our industry. Sending condolences to Sylvia and Ian’s family.
Martin Davis
Very sad and shocked to hear of Ian's passing. His regular training sessions at Raglan with existing staff & industry newbie's was always enlightening, using his tongue in cheek humour to bring things back on track! Thanks Ian.
Our condolences to Sylvie and family.
Spencer Goodall
Shocked to read this first thing this morning. Always liked listening to Ian's presentations! Condolences to Ian's family.
Roger Crookes
This is a shock and loss for our trade, and for me personally.
Ian was always so encouraging .. I had the sense that he believed in me more than I did!
He had a passion for improving retail performance and standards in all areas of our business - thanks Ian!
Dean Winters
Such sad news. I first worked with Ian when I spent my gap year working at Byrkley Park in the 90's. He taught me so much about this industry. He was always full of enthusiasm, energy and insight in his work and for his team. We even trod the boards together in "am-dram"! Sincere condolences to Sylvie, Remy & Delphine.
Carol Paris
I am very sad to hear this news. I worked with Ian on many occasions and he was an industry stalwart & an inspiration to many.
My thoughts are with his family.
Peter Nicholson
So sorry to hear the sad news. We will always remember Ian inspecting our centre in his big floppy hat. Our condolences to all his family. Jill, Peter and the Gordale team.
Nick Terelinck
Shocked to hear this sad news.I had the pleasure of meeting Ian on several occasions right from the start of my career. Either during an inspection or one of his courses. He always inspired. I will always remember having some great discussions and laughs.
Andy Campbell
Rocked to the core on hearing this. We worked together for many years on the GCA inspection team and I learnt so much from Ian. I still smile when I think of Ian encouraging Roger and I to join him to perform "The boys are back in town" by Thin Lizzy at a GCA conference one year. My thoughts are with Sylvie and family.
Melanie Livingston
Oh bless, how sad. I always enjoyed spending time with him, he was very helpful. I think he did our very first inspection, in Autumn, in a hurricane. He kept smiling !
Malcolm Scott
A great shock,very sorry to hear,Ian was a solid point in a changing world. A conservative thinker who relied on his own experiences to make his judgement. He will be greatly missed.
Steve Myatt
Very sorry to hear this news, Ian has been an important part of our industry for many years. He was very genuine man and will be sadly missed, our thoughts are with his family.
Andy Bunker
very sad news always enjoyed talking to him he had some very interesting views
Boyd Douglas-Davies
Such a shock. Ian has been such a big part of the garden centre world for more years than I dare to remember.
There can't be many people who haven't benefitted from one of his long, image packed Best of British presentations.
Thoughts are with Sylvie today.
Former garden centre manager, GCA Inspector, garden centre business consultant and trainer Ian Boardman died suddenly last week.
Our condolences to Sylvie and family.
Ian was always so encouraging .. I had the sense that he believed in me more than I did!
He had a passion for improving retail performance and standards in all areas of our business - thanks Ian!
My thoughts are with his family.
There can't be many people who haven't benefitted from one of his long, image packed Best of British presentations.
Thoughts are with Sylvie today.