Ian Robert Hall

I met Ian in the mid 1990 through our mutual love of fungi, specifically porcini growing in the parks of Christchurch. He was so generous with his time and responsive to questions. Later, once he had hooked me into truffles, I introduced him to Gavin Hulley, and later he introduced us to Georgette Wang, and helped the 3 of us establish our small truffiere in Waikari in 1997. Ian was always such a lovely, helpful and supportive friend and he will be really missed. Thank you Ian, the world is poorer place for his passing.

My sister Joyce, who died in 2007, was Ian's first wife. Because I live in Australia, I only connected with Ian occasionally, but these were always enjoyable encounters - especially memorable were lunches at his place in Ivanhoe, with the beautiful view over the harbor, the last with my wife Rosalie and our three children. We were hoping that Ian and Weiping would make it over to Sydney later this year, but sadly that will not happen. Rosalie and I send our condolences to Weiping, Richard, Robin and Vicky.

I did not know Ian well, I knew him as my good friend Richard's Dad. In the 90s when I was at high school (and for a few years after) I'd often end up at Ian's beautiful home down the bay. Ian and Joyce always made us all feel welcome and looked after, whatever state we were in. Often we made too much noise, stayed up too late and spent the night there. Ian didn't seem to mind. Once I sat upstairs with him, sitting in the lounge and chatting, as we looked down on that spectacular view of the harbour. Once Ian showed me a deepfreezer FULL of truffles. I didn't know at the time what a treasure I was looking at. I know now. I'll always remember Ian as a kind man with a love for truffles and his family.

I did not know Ian closely, but I feel truly honored to have known him as a teacher and a friend. He carried himself with quiet dignity and genuine kindness — a true gentleman in every sense. His academic work was marked by rigor, honesty, and deep thoughtfulness. Even from a distance, he inspired respect and admiration. Rest in peace, Ian. You will be remember.

I attended Ian's funeral service today and would have liked to have spoken. I didn't. I met Ian in my mid-30s at Invermay Agricultural Centre. It was 1987, and I had been hired to write about and publicise the work of Ministry of Agriculture scientists. Some scientists were reluctant to talk about their work for fear of giving away research details. Ian was not one of them. We broke the story of Ian's truffle research on the front page of the Otago Daily Times and together wrote and published three books, each one more detailed, the last one, Taming the Truffle, written with Alessandra Zambonelli, a definitive account of truffle research, cultivation, and history, and still in demand today. In a longish life—I'm 75— a man is influenced by many people. I would count Ian among the five most influential men in my life. He was a delightful man. I regret not speaking today, but chemotherapy over the past three years has had its side effects—severe body cramps and lockjaw, the former largely resolved, but the latter still embarrassing in social situations, and it was fear of embarrassment that stopped me speaking today. Apart from Wei Ping, I have not met the members of Ian's family. I offer you all my heartfelt condolences on Ian's passing.

Deeply sad to hear that our good friend Ian has passed on. Ian enjoyed the Karaka farm so much when him and Weiping visited as we enjoyed sharing their home with us in Dunedin. Deeply grateful to have such great friends to share special memories. Rest in peace my friend Ian. Wei ping, our hearts are with you in this time of grief. 卫萍，请带着你和Ian近20年温暖美好的记忆继续坚强地走下去。我们深爱真诚善良的你，愿我们的友谊永远陪伴你

We met Ian in 2017, he brought Weiping into our life. We became best friends. We often met them when they were back to Dunedin. We visited them in Chengdu their chinese home. Ian was a real gentleman and the love shared between them was so wonderful to see. We are sorry not be able to attend the funeral. Thanks for modern technology we were able to watch in China. Weiping, hope we catch up in China soon. Ian, rest in peace. We will remember you forever. Love Ellen and Andi.

Ian touched so many lives in so many ways. Without him, there would be no truffle industry in New Zealand - or, indeed, the southern hemisphere. Without him, I would never have become a truffle grower, and never have experienced so many interesting and enjoyable things both with him and because of him. Vale Ian, and my condolences to all your family.

Dear Ian, Thank you for all your generosity and fantastic sense of humor. We first met when I was a student just about to start my PhD at the end of the 1990s and I learnt a lot from you through the years. You were always happy to discuss, but never over-explained and rather intrigued an interest which made me search further to find the answers. I will miss our discussions. Your focused work put the Southern hemisphere on the truffle map, with New Zealand in the center and showed the way for so many that followed. We even succeeded growing truffles of Swedish provenance on the South Island. You took the time to show me some of the beautiful places in New Zeeland, which I hope to see again some day. My family and I have such happy memories of when you and WeiPing visited us in Sweden. Good bye my friend.

I first had the privilege of meeting Ian at the Spoleto Truffle Congress in 2008. Our paths continued to cross throughout the truffle world of many years, including in Italy, USA, New Zealand and Australia. Ian was always keen to discuss the industry in other environments and was most generous, in his sharing of the incredible knowledge he'd gained of so many years in this most challenging field. Ian was certainly the protagonist in the southern hemisphere truffle 'experiment', one that has now developed into such a mature industry for so many. Thank you Ian; rest in peace.

Ian is no longer with us but will never be forgotten. I met him 25 years ago; I was a young scientist then and felt so encouraged by his feedback on my work. A couple of years later, Ian gave me a wonderful opportunity that changed my life and enabled me to grow my passion further. I would not have been able to do this without his decisive input and benevolent trust. New Zealand has since become my home, and I felt so honored to have been able to contribute to the vision he had and to the work his team initiated for the good of New Zealand. We will pursue your dreams, rest in peace Ian.

Ian has left us, but he leaves behind a scientific and human legacy that will always remain in my memory and heart. My sincere condolences and a big hug from Murcia (Spain) to your whole family. I pray for your soul. Rest in peace, Ian