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| 27/10/2017
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| Kevin Ison 1948-2017 |
Kevin Stewart Ison
13 July 1948 to 8 October 2017
Kevin was a PRBA member for many years.
He first became involved in ballooning in 2000/2001 when he enrolled for an evening class in the Derby area, where Brian Trowbridge taught ground crew and retrieve skills. Like a number of Brian’s pupils, Kevin went on to join Nottingham & Derby Hot Air Balloon Club; he became NDHABC’s nominated PUT, qualifying as a pilot in 2009; and became NDHABC’s Chairman in 2010.
He attended a number of PRBA meets during the last decade. Initially as crew then later, as pilot, bringing a balloon and team from NDHABC.
Kevin was a man of many hobbies and interests. He built a narrow boat, from scratch, in his back garden (then wondered if he’d ever get it out of there); he was interested in music, particularly the 60s/70s rock band Yes; he played as drummer in a four piece band, the Keystones, which reformed in more recent years (Kevin claimed it was the only 60s band which had reformed with its original line-up); he was involved in sailing; and, of course, ballooning. According to his son, he was invariably complaining that it was not windy enough for sailing and too windy for ballooning.
When diagnosed, in 2010, with prostate cancer Kevin confided in only a few of us and gave strict instructions that it was not to become generally known. He did not wish to be repeatedly asked how he was, nor did he wish to know his prognosis or the results of any scans. So everything continued ‘as normal’ until more recently when it became obvious that his general health was affected.
Kevin was the master of the one-liner; whether for amusement, to assuage embarrassment, or diffuse a tetchy situation. He was invariably warm, friendly, positive and a pleasure to be around.
Kevin died at home on 8th October and is survived by his wife Linda, son Chris, daughter Catherine, and granddaughter. His funeral, which took place on 27th October at Markeaton Crematorium, was well-attended reflecting his many interests and his popularity.
Jan Mitchinson
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