The family of Ian Hannaford is sad to announce his sudden death yesterday at the age of 82. Ian had recently recovered from several bouts of ill health and was looking forward to a new lease of life and work opportunities as an architect, a profession he loved and represented with honour in SA and in Queensland for sixty years.
Ian was the eldest of four children, born and raised on a farm in Riverton. His late mother, Vera, often referred to him as ‘my firstborn’ with the pride of a woman who had produced the perfect offspring. Ian was the gold standard. He attended school in Riverton and later, Prince Alfred College where he excelled in athletics and football. He was wooed to Port Adelaide by Fos Williams and Bob McLean and played 123 games as a ruckman and centre-half forward, wearing the Number 10 guernsey. He was a proud member of the SA side that beat Victoria in 1963 and, long with his triumphant team-mates, came home a rock star.
He retired from football the year he graduated as an architect, determined to focus his energies on his career and growing family. After one year with Hassell and McConnell architects, he started his own architectural practice and immediately made his mark designing buildings, streetscapes and upgrades for Melbourne Street North Adelaide, the first Rundle Mall, the Victor Richardson gates at Adelaide Oval and many private residences. Always with an eye on development opportunities, he designed resorts and apartment complexes in NT and Qld, opening a Brisbane branch of Greenway Architects in the 1990’s and returning to Adelaide in the early 2000’s.
Ian was a loved and loyal friend and family member. He was imaginative, kind and generous, always supporting and including family members in opportunities to grow and benefit.
“Ian was a wonderful big brother”, said artist Robert Hannaford. “He was always encouraging in my early years and instrumental in my progression through life. We corresponded from the time I was eighteen until I was nearly sixty, Ian always offering sound advice.
His sister Kay agreed.
“He was my protector and my hero. We were all very proud of him, both for his outstanding achievements and for the compassionate and wise person he was”.
Ian is survived by his son Nick, daughter Rachel, grandsons Darcy, Oliver and Jesse and stepchildren Sam, Digby and Fiona and their families.
