Dear Flo I have only just heard about Ian's passing. We were in the UK when it happened. I wanted to add my voice to the many who have paid tribute to this great guy. He was both a mentor and a friend. The summer I had as a live-in barman at the Gladstone is one of the happiest of my life. When I think of the perfect pub landlord, I think of Ian with his big smile, his no-nonsense approach and his huge heart. I am so pleased that I was able to reconnect with Ian a few years ago. He truly was a big man - in many ways! I know this must be a desperately sad time for you and the family. I hope you find some small consolation in the fact that Ian was able to positively touch so many lives in his time with us. Bless him.

Good bye my dear Ian You were such a wonderful friend. We could not be farther away from each other - N.Z. and France 18 000 kilometers! – And yet we have always been so close. The minute we met we knew right away we would go a long way together. In that time I was in charge of Chartreuse, a French liqueur, desperately trying to work in New-Zealand, with not the faintest idea of how to achieve that. You offered to take over the brand. And you succeeded right away. In very few years N.Z. became our market number one in the world. But you did much more than that. Our friendship was a unique one; straight-forwardness, honesty, wonderful times in common, tours of New-Zealand and France taken together, I owe you so many great memories. Remember the beautiful cows I took pictures of on the road to Hamilton?? You were really patient that day! To you and Flo I owe a very unique chance: feel at home on “the other side of the world”, have a real family there. Flo, you must feel so lonely now, you were such a couple, meant to be together for ever. Do believe in my deepest sympathy, shared with all your family from which I feel so close. With love from Jean-Marc Roget

So sorry to here of Ians passing being a Merivale man i have great memories of our rugby trip to Australia 1967 sincere condolences to Flo & family

We want to send our sincere condolences to the McAteer Family on the passing of Ian. ( Big Ian from NZ as he was known here). We have great memories of his visits to Ireland before and during the Clan Gatherings. When we first met him we were immediately struck by his friendly and warm personality. On his second visit with the family we could see that he was passionate about his family’s roots and obviously his immediate family with Flo always as a focus of all he did and said. He always made a great effort to meet as many people as possible and left a lasting impression on all who attended. He will always be remembered as a gentleman, a friend , a character and a loyal member of the McAteer Clan. On behalf of all the McAteer Clan we wish to offer our sympathies to Flo and family in New Zealand. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Colm and Monica.

I am so sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet man. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

So sorry to hear of your loss. It seems like yesterday we were all in Newry. Ian was a good man, and I'm glad I got to know him, and to follow you all a bit through the internet since. May the wonderful memories strengthen and sustain you.

A fittingly beautiful service, given by a beautiful family to a wonderful gentleman. Treasuring those memories of you Ian. Take care Flo, be safe, we are thinking of you on this sad day. 😢Kathy & John.😪

Dear Ian & McAteer Family, I can say that I will never forget the Legend I know Ian, he had a heart of gold, the best life stories, and really looked after me while I worked for him. I felt like part of his family who just like Ian are amazing people with warm hearts and just the best banter. Thank you so much Ian, for giving me some of the best memories of a true gentleman and friend I will never forget you. Rest In Peace & sending love to you & your family.💕🦋🌻

Beautiful service for a wonderful man.

What a wonderful service, the love you all have for Ian had me in tears while at my work computer fending off interruptions. Thankyou for providing us with the opportunity to share in this tribute. You all did so well!! Loved seeing sister Maggie Maskill representing our whanau. Much love to you all x

Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to you Flo and the McAteer family. Ian was a wonderful friend and work colleague. We have many fond and funny memories of this kind, thoughtful man. Sorry we can’t attend Ian’s farewell. Rest In peace Ian Love Julie and Dave Gibson

To the McAteer family my deepest sympathy, many a good moment was had while Ian visited the Liquor store in year 1996 ? Richard Stewart

To Flo and family, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful man. Ian first impacted my life when I was a wee boy competing in pipe band contests during the 70's. He had obtained a sponsorship for the Pipe Band Champonships which involved us participants receiving a miniture of whisky and other merchandise. I remember my father sequestering the whisky as "tax for parental supoort ervices". The support for pipe bands that Ian arranged continued for many years and is still felt today. Much later, as a Board Member and then President of the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands' Association I had the pleasure of working with Ian in the administrative side of things. He was a great teacher and role model, not to mention an absolute joy to be with. Infectious humour, never thanking himself, or anyone, too seriously. In more recent years, after he retired from an active role in the Association we caught up once in a while over lunch somewhere, always with great wine, lots of laughter and wonderul stories of the past. Flo and his family regularly featured in his stories, always with tremendous love and affection. There's no dobut he had a big heart. Ian has left a legacy within NZ pipe bands that will be felf for many years to come. Many young people continue to be impacted by that legacy even though they will never get to meet him. We in the Association will continue to acknowledge Ian's contribution and will do our best to build on the legacy he has left us. Rest in peace Mac. Iain Blakeley President Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands' Association

Ian was a special man. His smile lit up the room. I will miss him holding my hand and calling me "Darling" and my giving him a hug and asking "how is my best boyfriend". Flo and family, Bob and I are thinking of you. Take solace from the fact that Ian is resting peacefully now.

To Mac, From the first time we met at the J’Ville Lic Trust in 1980 I knew there was something xtra special about this man and for a young aspirational liquor rep silent mentor was an apt description. From that day until we were last together in 2012 Mac was always an influence and presence in my life through the liquor trade and family connections. How well I remember a trade race day on the Waitemata when rough seas saw me partially disappear over the stern only to have Macs arm reach out haul me in and say”go get the next round Steelo” Thanks for reaching out Mac and now it’s time for you to tickle the ivory’s upstairs. Go well my friend , go well. Fondest love and best wishes to Flo, Michelle and Family. Steelo and Val.

Our thoughts are with you all. Ian was a huge presence in a gathering and enjoyed life and most of all spending time with his beloved family. The memories of the family holidays in Fiji will stay with you all.

To Flo and the family, So sorry to read of Ian’s passing. I have great memories of our times together in Tawa and Tawa College days. Sending love, sympathy and prayers. Ina

We are very sorry to learn of the passing of Ian. Our thoughts go out to Flo and family at this very sad time. Many memories of Mac as such a great friend and work colleague. Sorry we are unable to get through to celebrate the life of Mac and see him off. Russell and Annie Cowles

I am so very sorry to have learned of Ian's passing. He was a great friend of mine although I haven't seen him for a while. His help with running the Corps of Drum Majors was invaluable. I will miss his smile and knowledge and most of all his cuddles. God Bless Sandra xxxxx

My thoughts go to the family, Flo and Patrick. Mac was a man who left a huge impression on me. I think of many times in the spot room at Allied, as well as the Northcote Tavern. One of the best characters that I was lucky enough to know. The world will be a little emptier without Mac. I wish I could be there to see Mac off, but I will have one for ya Mac

Our deepest sympathy Flo and Family. Ian was a great friend and terrific personality , he will be missed by us and many. Sorry we can’t be with you . Love Johnny Mac and Jo