Ian Sharkey

7 Oct 1950 - 22 July 2022.

Ian very sadly passed away on the 22 July 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Ian had been a member of Gateshead Camera Club on three separate occasions the first when he was a young lad and the most recent time curtailed due to COVID 19 and illness.

It was in the 1960s that Ian first joined Gateshead, at that time being very keen on monochrome photography and darkroom printing. He remained a member until leaving the area to attend University.

After Ian had graduated, courted, and married Joan he re-joined Gateshead in the late 1970s. I am extremely grateful to Ian for introducing me to photography and with his encouragement I joined the club in 1984.

Due to work commitments Ian decided very reluctantly to leave the club to concentrate on a research project involving medication for child cancer treatment (Ian was head pharmacist at the RVI Children’s Cancer Unit).

On completion of this project and after taking early retirement topped by my nagging him Ian re-joined Gateshead .

Ian did enter club competitions but was not a born competitor. His main love being the lectures and presentations from which he gained much enjoyment.

Ian was a definitive club member especially with two fig rolls and a cup of tea at interval time.

A very interesting, educated, and true gentleman. It was always a pleasure to be in Ian’s company and to listen to his views on photography in general and a specific review of the evening’s proceedings.

David Hall ARPS EFIAP DPAGB BPE3