“A really nice guy with a great sense of humour!” Tributes paid to South Holland community stalwart Ian Canham
Tributes have been paid to community stalwart Ian Canham, who will be remembered as a ‘really nice guy with a great sense of humour’.
Mr Canham, the chief executive of Weston Hills-based Broadgate Homes and president of Long Sutton Cricket and Hockey Club, passed away last Wednesday (January 17) following a short illness. He was aged 58.
Family and friends have spoken fondly about the sports-mad Arsenal and Notts CCC fan, who had a love of punk and ska music and revelled in being able to get things done to help others.
“In a professional way, he liked the fact he was able to put something back,” Mr Canham’s wife Wendy said.
“One of the things he took the greatest pride in was being able to work with the council in his role at Broadgate to be able to deliver affordable homes as he felt that helped people locally.
“That was one of his greatest achievements, he felt.”
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Away from the office, Mr Canham – a fan of bands such as The Specials, Madness, The Jam and The Libertines – enjoyed living life to the full by pursuing his passions.
“He was a lifelong Arsenal fan and unwavering in his support. Cricket-wise, he loved to go to Trent Bridge to watch Notts,” Mrs Canham continued.
“He loved going to music gigs. He came of age musically with ska and punk. For most of our family get togethers we’d go to a gig, comedy concert or sporting occasion - something we would have done together and enjoyed.”
Mr Canham – who grew up in Fleet and lived in Holbeach and Bicker before the family settled in Spalding – also used his business skills to help improve sports facilities at Long Sutton through funding bids and campaigning, most notably the hockey club’s £200,000 artificial pitch, unveiled in 2020.
“It’s probably fair to say we went from one of the more tired looking pitches in Lincolnshire to one of the best,” said son Alex, who plays for the club where Mr Canham remained a ardent supporter from the sidelines.
“The old pitch was installed in the late 80s, early 90s and so it had seen some love.”
South Holland District Council leader Nick Worth paid tribute to Mr Canham, saying that he would leave a 'long lasting legacy'.
"I have known Ian for a number of years and he has been influential with house building in South Holland and Boston,” said Coun Worth, who worked closely with Mr Canham as director of Long Sutton Community Sports Association.
"He had been a big influence on the area and he has driven Broadgate Homes. He is Broadgate Homes to me.
"From a personal perspective he was a really nice guy - he was very funny and had a great sense of humour - and I was usually at the wrong end of his sense of humour. He was great fun.
"We used to have great conversations about anything and everything.
"He will be sorely missed and I will certainly miss him.”
A statement from Long Sutton Cricket and Hockey Club praised his ‘vital leadership’ and hard work in improving facilities, adding his presence will be ‘very much missed’.
“It is with sadness that Long Sutton Cricket and Hockey Club acknowledge the passing of the club's president, Ian Canham,” the statement read.
“Ian was a man who strongly supported the local community along with amateur sports within the community.
“Without his vital leadership and input the hockey section would not be able to host opposition on the fabulous artificial pitch, and both the cricket and hockey section benefit from his tireless work in having improved facilities at the clubhouse.
“An ever present member of the crowd on the sidelines, his presence will be very much missed, both on and off the pitch by the club.
“Our condolences and support go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”
Anyone wishing to share their tributes to Mr Canham is welcome to post their thoughts in the comments below...