About Ivan

Ivan Horsley was born in 1924 in Grangetown (near Middlesbrough). Tomorrow, the 27th of July, he would have been 95 years young!

Ivan’s parents were Emma (‘Lena’) and John William Horsley. His mum was a housewife. His Dad worked as a maintenance engineer on the railways in and around Consett Steelworks. He was also one of the caretakers at the original Middle Street Chapel in Consett.

Ivan grew up in Sherburn Terrace in Consett. He went school just a few streets away.

In 1942 Ivan was ‘called up’ and joined the Royal Air Force as an aircraft instrument mechanic. He spent some time at the RAF base at Boscombe Down where he witnessed early trials of the first British jet fighter (the Gloster Meteor). After basic training, he took part in the British (re) invasion of Malaysia in September 1945.

A non-swimmer, Ivan later told of his terror as he found himself wading ashore up to his neck in water carrying a full military kit, on Morib Beach south west of Kuala Lumpur. The troops had been told they should expect to be bombarded by Japanese forces. Drowning was a constant fear.  But luck was with him. The Japanese had surrendered and moved back.

After the war ended, Ivan began working at Consett Iron Company in the plate department. He studied hard to gain qualifications which would help him in his career. At the Consett Iron Company he met Jean Stonehouse. He was very clear that he would marry her from the moment he saw her. To do this he not only had to woo his future wife but also his mother in law because it was always expected that Jean would marry her childhood sweetheart.  

Jean and Ivan married in 1950 on 15th July in the Middle Street Chapel in Consett.  On their Golden wedding anniversary in 2000 they travelled to Singapore to retake their vows in the Wesleyan Chapel there. Ivan spent a lot of time there during the war and used to play the organ. The service was attended by their many friends living in Singapore and was a really special time. This year would have been Jean and Ivan’s 69th wedding anniversary.

As a married couple Jean and Ivan lived at East Law near Shotley Bridge where they had two children, Brian and Margo. They later moved to Darras Hall in 1971, staying for 41 years before moving south in 2016 to be near their daughter.

Ivan joined Burgess Microswitch on the Team Valley Estate, Gateshead in 1952. He was the production and procurement manager for many years moving into more senior roles and finally working as a consultant for the firm, supporting developments in Canada and Germany. He retired at 65. There followed many trips to the Far East, visiting old friends and making new!

Ivan maintained contact with many of the people he met when he was in Malaysia, including their children and grandchildren. Ivan and Jean both hosted doctors from all over the world because of Jean’s connections with the Freeman Teaching Hospital in Newcastle. Many went on to become world renowned cardiologists. This generosity stood them in good stead if they took ill whilst travelling in China, Malaysia, Cuba, Thailand and so on! They didn’t have call on their services, I am pleased to say.

One of Ivan’s passions was music. He was an accomplished piano player and loved singing as did his wife.  Jean and Ivan were members of the Consett Citizens Choir for fifty-three years, and Ivan was a Vice President. They took part in many choir concerts, some televised. They also performed in many of the choir pantomimes at the Empire theatre in Consett and in Stanley. These were often family affairs with Margo and Brian taking part too.  The choir appeared on the television programme Opportunity Knocks in 1971. Unfortunately, despite a brilliant performance they didn’t win. The choir also made an LP record with Owen Brannigan.

Ivan was blessed with 5 grandchildren – Emily, Jennifer, Jenna, Jeremy and Jason. He also has an ‘adopted granddaughter’ Yuan from Beijing, who spent many summer holidays with Ivan and Jean when she was growing up.

Ivan was kind, generous of spirit and principled. There are stories far and wide of his sensitivity, his humour, willingness to listen and to provide support when needed. He will also be remembered as a gentleman who owned many colourful ties (especially his Chinese ties), which he loved to wear(!)

He will continue to be an outstanding role model for his children, his grandchildren and all those who have had the good fortune to get to know him.