Ivan Stiff (2 Mar 1949 - 28 Sep 2024)

In loving memory of Ivan Stiff who sadly passed away on 28th September 2024.
Today we gather to remember and celebrate the life of a remarkable man - my dad, a man whose warmth and kindness touched countless lives across the communities of Onehouse, Newmarket, Burwell, and the surrounding areas.

My father was the kind of person who made the world a better place simply by being in it. He lived his life guided by an unwavering principle: that there was always enough to share, even when by conventional measures, there wasn't. Whether it was tending to his beloved allotment plots, where he grew the most magnificent asparagus anyone had tasted, or serving as chairman of the Burwell Sports Centre, he put his heart and soul into everything he did.

Many of you knew him from different chapters of his life - as the farmer who understood the rhythms of the land, as the talented table tennis enthusiast who helped organize countless competitions, or as the gardener whose produce became legendary in the community. He was a man who could make something wonderful grow from the smallest seed, whether that was a patch of asparagus or a connection with a neighbour.

But perhaps his most remarkable quality was his selflessness. Even when times were tough, he would quietly donate to children's charities, believing that there were always others in greater need. He was a dedicated member of the local litter-picking group, demonstrating that no act of community service was too small to matter.

Anyone who knew my father knew they could count on him, completely and without question. His word was his bond. Whether it was showing up early to prepare the sports centre for a table tennis tournament, tending to his allotments rain or shine, or his commitment to community service, he approached every responsibility with unwavering dedication. He didn't just show up - he showed up on time, prepared, and ready to give his all. This reliability wasn't just about punctuality; it was a reflection of his character and his deep respect for others. When my father committed to something or someone, it was absolute and enduring. He taught us that loyalty isn't just about being there for the big moments - it's about showing up consistently, day after day, and putting your whole heart into whatever you've promised to do.

As his child, I learned my most important life lessons not from his words, but from watching how he lived. He showed me that kindness isn't just an attitude - it's an action. He demonstrated that you can always find a way to help others, even when you're struggling yourself. His 'can-do' attitude taught me that the only real limits in life are the ones we place on ourselves.

During difficult periods in my life, my father's love took the form of quiet, unwavering support. He knew exactly when to step back and when to step in, providing stability and care in the ways that mattered most. He took care of the fundamentals - ensuring there was always a roof overhead and food on the table - even when it came at a personal cost to himself.

One of the many charming quirks he's left us with - and I say this with great affection - was his inability to throw anything away. As I've been going through his belongings, I've found myself faced with the same dilemma he so often encountered: how can you throw away something that still has value or might, just might, be useful someday? In fact, I now find myself staring at hundreds of perfectly good pens he had gathered over time, buried among heaps of thoroughly mundane possessions, unable to part with them, and realizing just how much of him lives on in me.

In his passing, he's left us with a community full of people whose lives are richer for having known him. But more importantly, he's left us with the example of how to live a life of purpose and kindness. His legacy lives on in the gardens he tended, the communities he served, and the lives he touched with his gentle spirit.

As we say goodbye, we can take comfort in knowing that the seeds of kindness he planted throughout his life will continue to grow and flourish in all of us who knew and loved him. And every time we see a well-tended garden, or taste homemade soup, or witness an act of quiet generosity, we'll think of him and smile.

Thank you, Dad, for showing us how to live with grace, generosity, and an ever-ready willingness to help others. Your kindness will continue to ripple through our communities for generations to come.