In addition to the English and German languages, Ian and I shared another:that common to Scotland and Northern Ireland, which many claim as a dialect but enthusiasts call Ulster Scots and claim language status for it. As well as having a blether with me, Ian could announce on a Friday 'I'm away for my messages' in the knowledge that I was the only person around who knew what he meant.

When Ian first arrived in Sheffield he lodged with Hildegard and at once searched for a flat of his own, which he rapidly found with his usual efficiency. I helped him to find furniture and a man with a van to deliver it. No time was wasted: he had new classes to prepare and he had to hit the track running. Needless to say, he was up to speed in no time.

He quickly adapted to the other varieties of English and German he had to deal with in his teaching  and later became involved in the work of a technical company in Sheffield, not at all his area of expertise, but he came to appreciate what it was to run a business, and this experience was beneficial to him.

Not only was Ian very diligent and conscientious, he also had a dry sense of humour and could deliver a verdict on music or speech with acuity, but without rancour. He was greatly missed when he left for London.