It took me some time to decide whether or not to post this, but there are many in the CR community who know & love Green Machine (AKA Greenie)

Ian had some cardiac complications in the swim leg of Ironman yesterday and was taken to the medical tent. He was then rushed to ICU in Port Macquarie with his ever solid wife Pam at his side. The news is serious and he remains under constant supervision.

Ian needs the positive thoughts of all CRs, Westies and the sporting community right now. Please send him all your healing vibes for a full and strong recovery.

Pam (aka Mrs Chat) - we all all thinking of you both and wishing Ian every healthy thought.

Ian is an amazing athlete having just backed up from NZ IM five weeks ago, where he qualified for Hawaii. I'm sure his excellent physical fitness will be on his side and pull him through.

All the best to this dynamic duo.

To Ian and Pam, All our thoughts and best wishes are with you for a full and speedy recovery. From Geoff, Robyn, Tiffany and Ben Woodall.

Sad news indeed. Greenie and Pam are wonderfully encouraging people and I hope he recovers quickly.

My thoughts are with you and Pam mate.

Please get well Green Machine. My thoughts are with you all.

cheers PLu

I wish to add my best wishes to Ian and Pam.

Ian and I are about the same age and we have always hada good contest whenever we run the same races. Particularly the McLeay River Marathon (aka Kempsey Marathon) where the contests are usually close. However I understand that Ian has moved more to IM lately rather than just road marathons.

He had a great result in NZ gaining a spot for Hawaii. In that regards lets just wait and see what happens in the short term.

I hope for a complete & speedy recovery for you, Green Machine & lots of encouragement for Pam also. LL

Thanks Brig - I've just been on the phone to a couple of mates who work in the ICU and the news isn't very good. I'm about to take a trip up there and will pass on everyone's best wishes.

I hope to report back in with better news later today

My thoughts are with Mrs Chat and Green Machine.

I have only met them once when helping Green Machine with his bike box when they got on the train at East Hills on their way to the airport for NZ Ironman.

Mrs Chat was 100% devoted to Green Machine and I could see it was the same back from Green Machine.


thomo

My thoughts are with you Ian and Pam.

I have known Greenie for a number of years and have always found him to be a gentleman and a great competitor. I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery.

Miners :
Saw you finish last night - congratulations and well done.

What you say about Greenie disturbs me a great deal not only is he a great bloke and competitor but a real gentleman. He was super fit as he completed the NZ Iron man in 12.25 and secons in his age the 60 - 65 group. If this can happen to a fit healthy person then we should all be aware our fitness is not about the quality of our life and we just never know when a problem will occur that seems totally unexpected.

Please keep us posted if you can. Any news you can give would be greatly appreciated by me.

quick update - just back from ICU. Unfortunately, I arrived up there outside visitor hours, so Pam and the family had gone into town for lunch before they are allowed back in after 3pm. Needless to say I wasn't allowed in either.

I'll re-visit her after 4.30 to see how things are.

Our best wishes for a fast and complete recovery for Ian. He truly is a gentleman who has offered many kind words and encouragement to myself and my girls at Westies. Our prayers are with you both.

Hi all,

Message from Pam via Miners who has just left the hospital. Words to the effect:

She appreciates all the support she is getting up in Port Macquarie from family, friends and tri members from a variety of clubs.

The support from Cool Running (and Transitions) is most comforting as they deal with this difficult and serious situation.

cheers Plu

The transitions "green machine" thread is here:
http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=20856

Lets all channel some good vibes for Ian and family.

All the best for a complete recovery Ian

Lou

I have had some updates throughout the day on Ian's condition.
My heartfelt wishes to Pam.

I know the thoughts of other members of Bankstown Sports Athletics are with you both also.

Natalie

Thanks Martin

Pam very graciously let me in to see Ian last night before the presentation dinner. She's holding up really well and has a lot of support around her, and via phone. Unsurprisingly, I haven't been able to catch her on her mobile yet this morning to see how things are.

Pam wanted to pass on her appreciation to everyone in Trannies, CR, Westies and the wider Ironman and Triathlon community who were wishing them the best. She and Ian's family are very grateful of the support they've received. Simon very thoughtfully passed on those messages at the presentation dinner last night too.

Just a quick update for everyone out there who hasn't already checked in with Pam. Apparently she's been getting flooded with calls, and she again wanted to pass on her appreciation to everyone out there.

I visited Pam this afternoon and am sorry to report back that there has been no change in Ian's condition. There are a couple more tests to run before a few decisions will have to be made. Many of Ian's family are now here as well, as well as fellow IM competitors and western club members.

Dig deep Green Machine. We're all with you mate.

Some very sad news from Miners:

On transitions:



Miners also asked me to let you know this as well. He did send flowers to Ian's Mum, one each on behalf of Cool Running and Transitions.


I only met Ian twice and on both occasions he was positive, open and supportive. He is one of those people you remember. May you Rest in Peace Ian. My thoughts and prayers are with Pam, family and friends.


cheers Plu

Very, very sad news. What a loss.
Sincere condolances and best wishes to Pam, and their families.

Natalie

The most saddening news I have had for a long while.

Sincere sympathies to Pam and Ian's family.

Really I am at a complete loss to express my total shock at what has occurred. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Ian Green was the ultimate Gentleman and a major loss to us all. I am very proud to have been in his very large circle of friends.

Ian was everything we all wish we could be and such a fantastic ambassador of our sport.

On behalf of all the members at Bankstown Sports Senior Athletics Club I offer sincere condolences and sympathy to beautiful Pam and Family.

Rest in Peace Ian Green.

Tragic news. Condolences to Pam & family.

Really bad news - what can you say ?

For those who don't know Ian, here is a potted run history and his CR profile

Very sad news indeed, condolences to the Green family.

Hi
Sincere sympathies to Pam and Ian's family and friends
Even thou he was a great runner Ian always had time for slower runners in one of the blackmores marathons he wandered back up Macquarie street and watched the slower runners finish
He had qualified for Hawaii doing NZ ironman in March and was looking forward to Port Macquarie
In every marathon I ran when he was competing he said hallo and congratulated me on what I did
thank you both for your support over the years
He’ll be sadly missed by a lot of runners
Lou

PS i'll never forget the look on his face as he congratulated them as they finished
the blackmores marathon

Quote KT
Really bad news - what can you say ?

Sometimes life sucks

I am deeply saddened by the news to Mrs Chat (Pam) and her family I pass on my condolences.

I met Green Machine (Ian) just the once. I am glad I had the chance to of meet him.

By his profile showed he packed so much into his life.

thomo

Tragic news. My condolences to his family & friends.

This is very sad news.

Sincere condolences and prayers to Pam and family.

Rest in peace Ian.

Since quite a few of you have emailed me directly (thanks guys), I should just say that I'll be off-line for the next week or so. If you're keen on contributing towards a gift or tribute for Ian's family it woud be best to contact KT directly, or get in touch with Bernie over at Transitions.

Additionally, Flanman over at Trannies has come up with a novel, and very IM-relevant idea to raise money for Ian's family which will be kicked off in a week or two's time. Keep an eye over there if you're interested in being part of it. Some other ideas regarding this year's running of Ian's much-loved Macleay Marathon in June are also underway.

All my love to you Pam, and I'll catch up with you soon

Well I spoke with Pam this morning (Fri) and she has arrived back home in Sydney after being with Ian in Port Mac. She is "bearing up OK" as they say and I hope to see her tomorrow.

Arrangements are yet to be made and with Easter and Ian still in Port, the timing is unclear. She thinks it will be next week and I will keep you posted as soon as I know the details. Should someone find out before I post please feel free to post yourself.

In the meantime, Pam has asked me to pass on her heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the many well wishes and condolences posted on Transitions and the Cool Running sites as the week unfolded. She is truly touched by the breadth of support shown by so many. She has asked me also to pass on a thank you from Ian's relatives particularly his Mum Jean, Siste Beryl and her husband Doug and all Pam's family in UK.

Pam invites you all to Ian's funeral to celebrate the life of her man and our friend and hopes that many who are able to can attend. She expects it to be light hearted and expects to see a few Trannie and Cool Running Caps, or maybe something in "GREEN"

Kevin Dixon

Hi
From a Western Districts Harriers and Joggers member
The journey for greenie is over very expected but not what we wanted to hear
Unfortunately it was his time
We do what we do, but you should love what you do. Greenie did without doubt

Both Ian and Pam loved racing and the people who took part Pam completed her first marathon at 60 years of age she mostly completed in 10 km events It’s ironic that one of Ian’s last posts was about caring for each other but nothing could help him it was about a runner in a 6ft track training run a complete stranger
The port Macquarie ironman had nothing to do with the event as I said he had already qualified for Hawaii but he loved racing and being around other competitors regardless of their ability he was there just to compete and finish
Its sad and so was the waiting but the alternative was much worse unfortunately he had suffered irreparable brain damage
The Westies 10km at Mirambeena Park (Lake Gillawarna),beattys Pde off henry lawson drive Georges Hall, will still be held tomorrow Sat 7.15am
I’am sure it would be appreciated if you could turn up even if you don’t compete
Rest in peace green machine
Lou

This was a huge loss for not only triathlon and running, but Cool Runnings and Transitions. I feel sick that I was having the race of my life while his was ending. His spirit will no doubt race in KONA to take his rightly earnt slot.

I am very sadden to hear the passing of a beautiful person. The running community has lost a real gentleman, a true sports man who made running an integral part of his life.

He was a great man who was married to an equally great woman. Pam was Ian's shadow and Ian's her. Every time I spoke to Pam she was so proud of her hubby, always by his side where ever he went to race.

Rest in peace mate.

Greeny, you will be remembered.

While I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Ian, several members at the Woodstock Runners knew him quite well thought very highly of him, & spoke of Pam & Ian as a delightful couple.

He will be very greatly missed.

I'm also feeling very sad about this news.

Thanks to Miners for keeping us all informed.

AK

A very moving event this morning with the Western District Joggers 10km Handicap at Georges Hall.

This awesome club who seem more like an extended family all ran with green ribbon and armbands in Ians' memory, and Pam joined us at the end to present the winners medals. Pam - you are amazing, I wish you all the strength and support in the world.

Ians influence, friendship, and companionship on the training or racing road extends far and wide. Many funny stories, and very moving speeches from a couple of long time club members made it very clear how much he will be missed by many communities.

News will be posted of funeral arrangements by early in the week.

I've had the honour of knowing Ian & Pam for many years can vouch that they are truly the nicest couple anyone can meet in a days march. I have never heard a negative word from either. I have always admired Ians competitive spirit, long after I gave up competing myself. He was a great inspiration to all of us. He will be missed by all who have met & known him. Pam, on behalf of myself , my family & SMC committee & members, please accept our deepest sorrow for not only your loss, but all of the running & triathlon fraternity.

This is indeed very sad news.
I've only had the pleasure of meeting Ian and Pam briefly a few times at Port for the Half and Full Ironman over the last couple of years and last year up at the Macleay River Marathon.
Sincerest condolences to Pam and to the rest of Ian's family and friends.

Like others I have found the evolving news of Ian's passing very sad.

In January Ian and his group looked after one of our Striders' members who experienced difficulties during a Six Foot training run. We swapped some notes and I appreciated his balanced attitude to what was a serious situation. Quite obviously, from the above posts the running and triathlon community have lost a valuable member, on behalf of all Striders I would like to pass on our condolances to Pam as well as Ian's family and friends.

Not often i'm lost for words, but i admit i'm shocked to hear of Ian's passing (hadn't seen this thread when it was up originally and haven't had net access over Easter).
A great bloke, always good for a chat and a great competitor just not sure what i can add to what everyone else has said.
Sincerest condolences to Pam and his family and friends,

Kelvin

I've missed this thread and as always its very sad to hear of the loss of one of our fellow runners.

My deepest condolences to Ian's family. I didn't know him but had seen his posts on CR and was very much aware of his achievements such as the recent IM qualifier.

RIP

Had the pleasure to run with Ian at the Fitzroy Falls 2004 marathon. Life is so short, farewell Ian.

Miners/Goodcatch have passed on the following information on Ian's funeral service:

" The funeral will be held at Forest Lawn, North Chapel, Camden Valley Way, Leppington at 2pm Friday 13 April. All are welcome to celebrate Ian's life and there will be a wake afterwards and details will be given on the day. Please inform all members and anyone else you can think of. Also please no flowers on Friday we will be asking for donations on the day to Port Macquarie local surf clubs who saved him enabling us to say adieu"

Bridget

I didn't know him, but I read this thread and then went for a run and my thoughts were with him as I ran. Is it ok to say he died what he loved doing? It sounds like he made a positive impact on a lot of people and that's a goal all of us could only hope to achieve.

Scurry i had exactly the same thought but really didn't want to say that as every way i worded it sounded a little morbid. Had the same thoughts when Nigel Aylott died in 2004.
I suppose the fact is that death is something that will come to all of us inevitably, and there is some solace in the fact that it occured doing something he loved, but on the negative side there is the fact that he was taken at a comparitively young age.
Personally when my time comes (God willing not for many years), i'd still prefer it to be while or after racing (or at least running and active) rather than a slow lingering death as i have seen happen to various relatives over the years.
Last thing i want to do is hijack this thread, but i would like to think Ian's family and friends would be taking some consolation for these tragic events by relating it to the fact that running and triathlons (and the camaraderie involved) were a very important part of his life as well.
Despite my reluctance in recent times to attend funerals (personally think i have been to too many) i may well be there Friday as a mark of my respect for him,
Kelvin
P.S. Moderators please edit as you will, i still struggle to express my words exactly as i want on this thread as i recall Ian.

Hi
Quote Scurry 711
I didn't know him, but I read this thread and then went for a run and my thoughts were with him as I ran. Is it ok to say he died what he loved doing? It sounds like he made a positive impact on a lot of people and that's a goal all of us could only hope to achieve.

From a westies member
We do what we do, but you should love what you do. Greenie did without doubt.

He loved racing and they both loved the people who competed

he was doing what he loved and with his friends on that day

One of greenie’s posts

Quote Green machine

I find that long runs and rides in training are good times for reflections on family or friends, thinking of the good times and the bad.

I'm never lonely when I'm out training!

His last race was on 30th March over 5km on the track when once again he won the 60 yrs category in 21.06. Ian was a vital member of the “Golden Oldies” being one of its main “A” team runners when the team won the State Championships for three years in a row from 2001 to 2003.
He represented Australia as an Ironman
I know that pam would like to see your coolrunning caps on the day if you like wear your favourite ironman or club colour
Don’t edit any posts pam is reading every one, the caps and tshirts remind her of what her friends have said

I was at the Westies Club last Saturday and had breakfast with her after, we were siting down and the talk was about trailwaker and someone to replace Ian I was not surprised to hear her say You can’t do that the place is already taken I’am doing that
Pam is strong and I had just finished a marathon when she was congratulating me
When she said I’am doing the marathon next year it may have been two years but she had only completed 10km walks before.
Ian was so proud to see her finish
Only this time I was not surprised. If she decides she will finish trailwaker if not she will be by their side as crew

RIP Greenie

PS when I saw her for the first time I was wearing a coolrunner cap she smiled and said a cool runner I must say hello

I will be making a donation on behalf of CoolRunning.
Will anyone be travelling to the funeral from the CBD that is ok with car sharing ie looking for a lift ? Location approx here

Kevin, I will be going to the funeral from Bondi. Am happy to carpool if anyone (ie you or others) wants to be collected from CBD. You have my mobile/email?