Passing Of Ian Outram

With deep sadness, The KZN Breeders have learned that Ian Outram, ex-chairman of the KZN Breeders Association and fellow breeder, sadly passed away on Wednesday morning.

Ian Outram was a man held in the highest regard in many spheres, his quiet yet strong character and his sense of integrity earned him respect in the tough corporate world, having been a very successful businessman.

His support and passion for the breeding industry in KZN was unwavering as was his devotion to the KZN Breeders Club of which he was a past chairman, but for a much longer period he was very active behind the scenes with his contributions as a director and in running the administrative affairs of the club. He would always bring a calm and balanced view to the many trials and tribulations that the racing and breeding world presented from time to time.

His knowledge and character was greatly appreciated during his tenure as a director at Gold Circle as well. In recognition of all he contributed to racing and breeding he was awarded the Anita Akal industry award at the annual KZN Breeders Awards when he stepped down last year.

Ian was passionate about his community and again his modest character meant most people never had any idea of how much he contributed in this regard. He was a long standing member of the Mooi River Farmers Association where he again was able to offer sound opinion on many matters.

One of his major contributions to the community came in assisting many of the local schools in their administration and securing of funds for the general upliftment of education standards for the local children and on many an occasion going so far as to run several of the farm kids to and from school on a regular basis.

Ian’s other major passion was for nature and the outdoors, an avid birder and naturalist he found in Deirdre a partner with whom he could share this passion and together many days were spent on trips all over Africa enjoying what was on offer, from the mighty Zambezi and its abundance of wildlife and doing battle with the renowned Tiger Fish to the many different parts of Kruger National Park down to appreciating the annual spectacle of the Namaqualand flowers. The mention of any of these would always bring a twinkle to his eye.

We thank you Ian for all you have done, you will be sorely missed.

The funeral will be held at the Hilton College Chapel at 11.00 on Monday 30th July.

– Obituary kindly provided by Warwick Render