Previous...

John Pearson (Ian) Forsyth, teacher, was born at Mangonui, Northland, on October 23, 1924. Married (1) 1949 Jean Stewart, (d),1s 2d, (2) 1961 E Frances McConnel, 2s, 1d. Educated at Te Awamutu Primary School and Manawatu College, Teachers Training College, Christchurch and Canterbury University College. RNZNVR, Fleet Air Arm pilot. Became Principal of Roseneath School 1961-71, Wilton School 1971-75, then Clyde Quay School 1976-86. Fulbright Scholar, New York 1960-61. The first President of the Clan Forsyth Society (NZ) and a JP. Died Wadestown, Wellington January 5 2003.

Coat of Arms
of New Zealand

At age 17, while at Teacher Training College in 1942, he enlisted for pilot training, aiming for the Fleet Air Arm. His training was in America and Britain and was completed at the time the war drew to a close. His final training was flying Corsairs.

After teaching at Konini School, Pahiatua, he became principal of Roseneath School, Wellington, followed by Wilton (now Otari) School, then he retired from Clyde Quay School in 1986.

Ian was a big man with a big voice and had an innovative way of introducing new approaches to educating primary school aged children. Bureaucrats and administrators got short shrift from a man of keen wit and little patience for unimaginative thinking. He was a staunch unionist fighting for teachers rights and served on the National Executive of the NZEI.

He is survived by his wife Frances and sons Stewart, Andrew, James and daughters Frances, Kirsten and Caroline.