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About

In memory of Ian

Cherished son of Allan and Sylma (dec). Loved son-in-law of Val (dec) and Jim and Jen. A great brother and brother-in-law to Ruth and Norm, Grant and Anne, Christine and Peter, Steven and Sharon, Kim and Phillip and fabulous uncle to their children.
Cherished son of Allan and Sylma (dec). Loved son-in-law of Val (dec) and Jim and Jen. A great brother and brother-in-law to Ruth and Norm, Grant and Anne, Christine and Peter, Steven and Sharon, Kim and Phillip and fabulous uncle to their children.

Career

Ian was the proud owner of Pettigrew Family Funerals. He was a loving, caring and wonderful man, a successful businessman, a respected member of the community, a proud Novocastrian and a great friend.

He was only 23 when he started working in the family business, immersing himself in learning every aspect of the business, Ian loved the funeral industry.

In 2000, he took over the day-to-day running of the business from his dad and he grew the business to the success it is today.

Ian was a visionary in the funeral industry. He always put the needs of the families who require the services of Pettigrew Family Funerals first in all his decision making. Under his leadership and guidance the company has grown to be the largest funeral provider in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area with facilities unrivalled in the state. And in May 2014 he and his wife, Leanne, purchased the business, with excitement to grow the business to provide more for the families he served.

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Community

Ian had a strong sense of community responsibility. He believed in giving back to the community and this was highlighted by being involved in many and varied community organisations. Ian was a life member and past president of the Christian Churches Soccer Association, a member of the Newcastle Cross Country Club, Newcastle Park Run and Wallsend Athletic Club. He was also involved with the Federal Park Local Committee where he was President of the Committee. His tireless efforts and commitment has assisted thousands of athletes and players of many sports to make full utilisation of the grounds and amenities available at Federal Park.

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With the combination of Ian’s sporting background and business skills he was pleased when he was invited onto the Board of Directors of the Glendale Sports Centre. Ian joined the Hunter Business Chamber where he was honoured to be elected to the Board of Directors holding the position of Vice President. Ian loved life and quietly set about packing as much living as he could into each day. He had an incredible work ethic – up by 6 am and he didn’t stop until his head hit the pillow 17 hours later.

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After his brush with prostate cancer in 2008 Ian became involved with the Cancer Council, Relay for Life raising awareness and money for ongoing research.

Ian was proud to live as part of the community of Wallsend, a proud Novocastrian, proud of his state and prouder still to be Australian. He was humble, caring and considerate of other’s feelings. Ian was polite, well-mannered and brought honour to his family. Ian was happy to share his knowledge and his time with those who asked and he would gladly seek the counsel of wise men.

Family and friends

Yes….Ian lived his life to the fullest! But as much as Ian enjoyed doing all of that his true love was for his friends and his family.

Ian’s greatest love was for his adoring wife Leanne, and their three children, Amy-Lea, Ryan and Joel. To say he was proud of them was an understatement.

Ian was blessed with many great friends although he never really understood how much people loved him until he was diagnosed with Brain Cancer in 2014. The outpouring of love was overwhelming to him!

Ian faced this battle with his usual determination and grace, facing each hurdle head on. Although Ian was given the very best of care from the incredible specialists at the Mater Hospital he sadly passed away 16 months after his diagnosis…..surrounded by his loving family and many friends, Ian slipped peacefully from this world to the next, on Saturday, December 19, 2015.

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Ian lived a happy and contented life, he was friendly and caring to all who met him, and he enriched the lives of those who called him their friend. He is sadly missed.

Throughout our lives we are sent precious souls… meant to share our journey, however brief or lasting their stay they remind us why we are here.

To learn…to teach…to nurture…to love.

Share in the celebration of Ian's wonderful life

The celebration of Ian’s life was held on Tuesday, 29th December 2015 at Newcastle City Hall. Please click on the links below to view the aspects from the celebration of his life.

Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away
Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away