Ivor Russell Stoneham

Ivor and I first met in 1979 when I was doing my veterinary farming experience on the pig farm with Rex Niner. Over the years he has been my friend and support through many rough periods.
There are so many special memories: hunt balls , posh dinners , the Last Night of the Proms, lazy Sunday mornings walking the dogs around the farm. And in the later years there were the marvellous holidays he gave my three boys.
I had made plans to come to the memorial service but sadly ill health will prevent me. I shall be thinking of you all.
There was no-one more true, selfless, kind and generous. I shall miss him and will never forget him or all the good he has done for so many.

I have only had the privilege of knowing Ivor when I bought the flat, fourteen years ago, next to him in Providence Square. A charming, interesting and lovely gentleman' - it was always delightful chatting to him. He will be sadly missed by many.

Ivor - a great friend for many years and an excellent source of local knowledge. We remember Sunday lunch time pints, a shared interest in shotguns, and his love of shooting trips. Who can forget his enthusiasm for Help for Heroes, and the garden parties at Pettings Court, his 70th birthday party and the amazing fly past. Taken far too soon, he will be sorely missed.
Dave & Sheila

Our very dear neighbor will be greatly missed. He is unreplaceable as a source of local information and our very own clerk of works'. He was kind, generous and a good friend to us all. Jane and Rob

We have lost a very dear friend.
Ivor was part of our life for over 30 years and we shared holidays and many, many happy memories.
He will be in our hearts forever

Ivor was always there for us. He will remain in our hearts and memories.

Ivor you were a wonderful man and we will miss you terribly. So very very sad. Nothing more to be said really.

7/3/18
what do I remember?
Ivor shooting in his dairy overalls - mid 80's.
Days at Birling and wonderful days in Yorks and Devon.
Lunches in the pub at Ash, Trottiscliffe, and Hodsoll Street.
Valuing sessions and rent discussions.
Always planning for the best result.
Fairness in all things.
Dinners in London.
Huge generosity.
What a great man!
Respect!! Mike Bax.

Ivor, a thoroughly decent man. The sort of chap you would go to in times of trouble. Two thoughts that come to my mind when I think of Ivor Stoneham. These thoughts are very revealing of much in human life. In days like these, when sensations, real and manufactured, come every day and life seems a welter of self-seeking and exploitation of others, it is very difficult to get the correct focus. What sort of world would it be if everybody were ruthless and rode roughshod over considerations of honesty and kindness?
I suppose what I am trying to say is Ivor kept to the "old fashioned" values. Of course this included 'bartering' maybe some wood in exchange for some electrical work or similar. In my early days of meeting Ivor I found this amusing but as time went on I thought Ivor had the right idea! His fund raising for H for H is well known and who can forget, if present, Ivor's 70th with the famous 'fly-past' - a brilliant tribute.
Although Ivor didn't make front page news and no blue plaque will be placed in his memory (but probably should) this does not mean he was not an important person. The important ones are those who go quietly about their business whilst helping where they see a need. Ivor was always interested in others around him, never projecting self-importance. But as we know, Ivor was a very important person in many peoples' lives.
So I finish where I started, we have lost a thoroughly decent man. Dear Ivor, It was lovely knowing you...
Chris Ogilvie

I have been touched by the kind and thoughtful messages received from so many people. Ivor's quiet thoughtful manner brought a sense of permanence and reliability to all who knew him and almost everyone has a story of his practical help in times of need whether it be snow clearing on his faithful tractor or fixing fuses! His love of his home and those around it touched everyone and his passing has created a massive void. Following a private Family Funeral as per his wishes, his Memorial Service will be held at St Mary's Stansted on April 13th 2018 at 11 am. Kind regards, Mark Stoneham.

Two weeks ago we lost a very dear man. Ivor and my family and I had shared so many times. We moved to Court Lodge to look after the Freisians in 1970 and left when Ivor sold the herd in 1985. We reflect on them being the best years of our lives. Ivor was always there and everyday called in at some point to check all was well. He was always available when help was needed whatever time of day. The bottle of Single Malt he always delivered Christmas morning was so welcome.
The children as they were then all have fond memories of 'Mr Ivor' and he would always pass the time of day with them when playing on the farm or in Beth's case when she was watching everything that was going on from her pram. Caroline said 'o he wasn't that old. I remembered him being lots older than you, probably because how we all looked up to him.' Since the cows were sold he always checked on our wellbeing and we had regular meet ups to discuss the past and future. To our joint venture bee keeping, the many late nights calving cows, milking in the snow, remembering other farm colleagues.
He had helped us secure a loan to purchase our own house.
We will all remember his 70th Birthday such a lovely time for everyone to share and remember, and his fete just 2 years ago and all his help for Help the Heroes. Some of us shared that lovely evening on his 71st birthday at Detling listening to Elton John.
We never got to that meal in December deferred until you were feeling better but you are at peace now and we join the many, all left to miss you. YOU have left your mark on so many lives.
We wish those that will miss him too especially his family our very best wishes.
Glyn and Jayne

The sad loss of a dear friend and gentleman, who has helped many people throughout his life.

His love of shooting with friends, his deep love and affection for the farming estate he owned and managed.

I have very fond memories of the years Ivor, John and I worked together in the mid 1980's and everyone associated on the farm during that period and beyond.

England was a better place to live in with Ivor Stoneham being alive he made a positive impact and contribution to his community and county.

You will be greatly missed.