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Ian Cumming Obituary
Ian James Cumming, of Katonah, NY, formerly of North Salem, died on August 21, 2015. He was 84 years old.
Ian was born on February 21, 1931 in Beckenham, Kent, England, son to late James Angus and Annie (Barker) Cumming. He attended Uppingham School in Rutland, England and also Lakefield College School in Ontario, Canada during WWII. He served as a Full Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery Airborne Regiment of the British Army.
Mr. Cumming was a vice President and Corporate secretary for Gestetner Corp, based out of London, England. His work located him in many different places of the world including Canada, Europe, Indonesia, East Africa, Malaysia and Singapore.
On February 2, 1957 he married the love of his life, Jane Housden, in Old Basing, England. Together they raised their two sons, James and Ruaridh, and 27 emergency foster children in the 1970s.
Ian was a Scotsman at heart, longtime member of the Esher Rugby Football Club, playful soul and Hasher through and through. He founded the Singapore Hash House Harriers in 1962 and the New York Hash in 1978. He was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of Hash songs and passionately led crowds of Harriers in song. He could be counted on to attend major Hashing events around the globe.
Ian was the past President of the Yonkers YMCA Board of Directors and Vice President of the St. John's Riverside Hospital Board of Trustees. He was an active member in St. James Episcopal Church in North Salem. He loved rugby football, cricket, cross country running, downhill skiing, sailing, singing, amateur theater, watercolor painting and organic gardening.
Ian is survived by his wife the Reverend Jane Cumming, his sons, James of Katonah, NY and Ruaridh of Norwalk, CT, his sister Edina and three grandchildren, Max, Lila and Grace.
A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, North Salem, NY on Friday September 11, 2015 at 10 am.
Contributions to his memory may be directed to the YMCA of Yonkers, NY.
He will be greatly missed by all.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ian Cumming
September 10, 2015
I met Ian only once at a Pittsburg hashing weekend. He had had a recent hip replacement and walked with a cane, but he got around very well and had many great stories. It was a pleasure to know him. I wish you a great On-On, Sir.
Chris Chrisman
Sandra Power
September 10, 2015
Catwoman here. Ian was the example for songmeisters the world over. Plus, he was just a dog gone nice guy.
Barbara Glaser Fryer
September 9, 2015
Ian was a wonderful guy and an inspiration to all of us, young or old. Always had a smile and a quick wit. I was glad to have known him. Condolences to his family-he will be missed.
Carol Wright
September 9, 2015
My condolences to his family. Ian was such fun, an adventurous man and all around such a joy. He will be missed by many including his hashing friends of whom there were very many.
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September 9, 2015
I had the great pleasure of personally getting to know Ian back in 1996 when I was on an assignment in Connecticut. We did several hash trails together and I even got to join him on a Sunday morning foray to eat at a diner. He brightened every gathering and was never anything but smiling, happy and fun loving. It is so sad that his light has gone out but we can only believe that wherever he is now is a place to which I want to go. Bless you Ian and condolences to the family.
Lisa Ineson
September 9, 2015
My condolences to Jane, James and Rory. Ian was an extraordinary man that touched so many lives. You will be missed Ian.
Peter Wilkins
September 8, 2015
Save a place for me at the ON-IN. A life well lived.
Amanda Voysey
September 8, 2015
My condolences to Jane, Jamie and Rory. Ian was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
Ian as Song Mast on Block Island RIH3
Bill Matsinger
September 8, 2015
Your smile was infectious, your unbridled enthusiasm and extensive repertoire kept us entertained for hours, but the memories you gave us will live on forever. You will be deeply missed by all you touched. OnOn
Liam Gillespie
September 7, 2015
I will miss you my dear friend,and companion on many a road trip. You were an important part of many lives ( including mine). The world is missing one bright light.
September 6, 2015
My condolences to the family. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. May the comfort from family and friends help you get through this difficult time (Psalm 147:3).
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