Ian James; Q.S.M Farquhar

Hi Shirley and family. I was sad to read of Ians passing. I have many memories of time spent with your family and Rotary meetings in our lounge. Ian was always so patient, quiet, reserved and gentle. I had a massiver amount of respect for him and you as well. One of the last generation of true gentlemen. I say rest in peace but I am sure there is a great Rotary reunion up there, as they all sit around with crystal glass in hand. lol. Sending my condolences to you all. Liz xx

To Shirley and family, We are very sorry to see that Ian has passed away and have known (you both) since those days when the Scandinavian club was going. But what a long and successful life he had. On a personal note, Ian was a great help to us in tracing Swedish relatives through a small booklet he was able to provide, when he was the Swedish Consul for Dunedin. This resulted in a six week visit to that fine country. I also had a strong interest in shipping through my father's seafaring days, (he came from Sweden) and Ian was most helpful in providing photos and information on some of the ships father worked on. I found Ian to be a man of few words, but those he used were always very good and to the point. We were both on the Scandinavian Club committee at the same time and I always got along well with Ian. I well recall sitting with him at a play we were asked to support. Ian said, "this is terrible, do you know how long it goes on.?" I said 1.5 hours.. Ian said, "we will think of ships". Well put. A man of his immense talents is never easy to replace in this difficult world we live in today. Please accept our most sincere sympathy in your sad loss. Kindest regards from Rose and John Gertson

Sorry to hear of your loss Shirley. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

My deepest sympathy to Shirley and family on the passing of Ian. I got to know Ian as a member of the Otago Maritime Society. Ian was a gentleman who had a great maritime knowledge and was always willing to share this with others. Ian asked me to take over his role in administering the New Zealand Shipwreck Welfare Trust. Ian had done this job for many years, helping families affected by shipwreck. It was a pleasure to know you Ian. God Bless you. Bruce E. Collins

Our thoughts are with you all today as you celebrate Ian’s long life. He had an amazing life over his 94 years. May he now Rest In Peace.

Shirley and family. My sincere condolences to you and the family. Ian will certainly be missed and his legacy will be a really great thing for all of us associated with the sea and ships. From Robert and Kyoko Hawkins Takapuna, Auckland 0620

I would like to express my condolences to Mr. Farquhar's family. I was very fortunate to meet him at the Hocken Collections. He was such an incredible contributer and supporter of our collections and was very passionate about research. I would like to extend lots of love and sympathy to his family during this difficult time. Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne

Gay and I were very sorry to learn of Ians death and we send our deepest sympathies t o Shirley and the family. Ian was a very committed and dedicated man to Dunedin and the Port . With his knowledge of the history of the Otago harbour and from his work with a shipping company he was of great value at the time of setting up the container Terminal at Port Chalmers. I am sure he must have been pleased to see Port Otago become such an important part of the fabric of the province. I apologise for not being able to attend Ian's funeral but we send our sympathy to you all .......remembering a good man. Wilson Mawhinney

My sincere condolences to Shirley and the Farquhar family at this sad time. I would have first met Ian while visiting Otago in the 1970’s on the Blue Star Line ships, with him being our port agent. In I980 I came ashore and was able to pursue my hobby collecting photographs of the Vestey Group and within a short period I was introduced to Ian. Along with other likeminded collectors, I am so grateful to Ian for being there and sharing his knowledge. In 2005 I was involved in organising a three day reunion in Wellington for Blue Star Line, these continued every two years until Covid stopped them, alternating across the Tasman. Both Ian and Shirley were regular, familiar and welcome attendees.

I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the soul of Mr. Farquhar . He has been in all matters since I first came to Dunedin. I visited Mr. Farquhar's home last year and met him, and he attended our party despite being in poor health. He is truly kind, and the face in the illustration perfectly captures his personality. It's a shame we won′t be able to meet him again, but may he rest in peace. 　

To Shirley & Family, A life that was so full. Ians contribution to the maritime history and so much more was awesome. What a wonderful life Ian had and the many years of work you have both enjoyed. our thoughts , prayers and memories are with you all.

IT WAS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT I LEARNED OF MY OLD FRIEND AND MENTOR, IAN'S PASSING. TO SHIRLEY AND FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLANCES, MAY HE REST IN PEACE IN THE GREAT SHIPYARD IN THE SKY. NIGEL KIRBY