Passed away peacefully at BUPA Aged Care Mildura on Friday, May 23 2025 aged 90 years. Dearest and beloved husband of Dorothy. Much loved father and father-in-law of Tim and Sue, Jon and Mandy, Kate and Kim, Richard and Nick, Alexander (dec), Elizabeth and Trent, Alison and Fergus. Cherished and adored granddad of Emma, Brooke, Curtis and Wyatt, Prudence, Alexandra, Georgina and William, Oscar, Calum and Evie, Tobias and Matilda, great granddad to Henry and Alfred.
Family and friends of the late Mr. Ian Horbury are respectfully informed that his funeral service will be conducted at the Chapel of McGlynn Hunt Funerals, 38-40 Madden Avenue Mildura, Monday 2 June 2025 10am.
Tributes
Tracey Simmons
Heartfelt condolences to the Mrs Horbury and family! Mr Horbury was my principal at Merbein High School all those years ago ! I remember sitting in his office telling him I was leaving school in year 10 to pursue a floristry career ! He wished me all the best and 38 years later I’m still doing what I love! Thank you Mr Horbury for your guidance, you shall be forever remembered, regards Tracey Simmons, Mildura Flower Studio 🌸
Cherie And Robert Wolfe
Wonderful memories of teaching with Ian at Red Cliffs in the late 60s.
Max Fehring
On behalf of the classes of 1957 and 58 of the Cohuna High School, we would like to offer our deepest condolences, sympathy and respect to Dorothy and the Horbury family for the passing of Ian Rodger Horbury.
Cohuna High School first opened in 1956, with Ian arriving very young to see the teacher in 1957. He quickly became a very active teacher, taking on the roles of sports master, as well as teaching English and maths. The school experienced rapid growth, with class intakes of 80 or more in each of the years 1957 and 1958.
Ian quickly realised that there was a lot of skill in our school football team, blending all of the talent, which later saw some of them become VFL professional footballers, forming a formidable team that was hardly ever beaten by surrounding high schools. He also instilled a love of English and Maths, which many of the students at the day are very grateful for, as he provided a valuable insight into the importance of learning and knowledge through his teaching method.
Quotation
My life is my University: I hope to graduate with distinction. Louise May Alcott.
Cohuna High School, in its infancy, was privileged to have people like Ian Horbury bring life and a meaningful school culture to the School as a place of learning and enjoyment, which still prevails today.
Ian became a founding member of a group that established both men’s and women’s basketball in our community. Ian was one of the few people who understood the rules and principles of the game, which is so important, and developed the many teams that participated in the sport.
In 1959, the arrival of Dorothy Smith, a fellow teacher, was about to change Ian’s life forever. Their relationship bloomed and developed, as we all know, and has continued to flourish, with them dancing together, raising a wonderful family, providing guidance, life principles, and love, all within the tightly knit Horbury family. Ian, along with Dorothy, became a very integral part of the wider community, contributing in numerous ways to its development and well-being.
For those of us who have known Ian, it was an enriching experience; he was a good listener, gave sound advice, a caring personal supporter, and just somebody one could count on in all situations. His love of jazz and support for the many members of the jazz community are also legendary. Hopefully, now he can join Louis Armstrong as they listen to the song “What a Wonderful World”.
As one of his students, Ian provided an excellent learning experience, which has been highly beneficial in my own life’s journey. Ian Horbury graduated with honours and distinction, a distinction shared with the Horbury family and many friends and acquaintances.
This set of words says it all,
I expect to pass through this world, but once
Any good that I can do
Or any kindness that I can show
Let me do it now
Let me not defer or neglect for
I shall not pass this way again
So, once again, Ian, thank you for opening up our young teenage minds at the time, allowing us to share and understand the world in which we are about to embark on our life journey. Your efforts will be remembered and appreciated for the gift of giving as a teacher, opening doors and creating opportunities for us all.
Quotation
It takes rain and sunshine to make a rainbow, an unknown author.
Life has some moments that were challenging and not so pleasant to experience, with Ian, along with the excellent support of Dorothy, was able to continue through and endeavour to bring sunshine to such moments as they occurred. Sometimes, due to nervousness about a school exam or an upcoming sports event, Ian would guide his students through to the other side.
What you will be remembered for, Ian, is the many rainbows that you created and that we were all able to enjoy.
Thank you on behalf of the class of 1957 and 58,
Ian Roger Horbury will be remembered always and never forgotten, leaving so many stories and great moments to cherish. Our school reunions will not be the same without your attendance. Hopefully, you have many more reunions as you complete your journey into the place of rest.
Max Fehring
Class student of 1958
Lloyd Newstead
Ian taught me Maths in Cohuna in 1960/61. He also taught me how to play basketball. I very much appreciated his contribution on both counts. I am glad that he lived such a fruitful life.
Ashley Bland
A great bloke, teacher and Jazz man, cheers to a life well lived.
Ash