Andy Hemsted has kindly written the following eulogy to one of Orienteering’s true gentlemen; we are very grateful.

Ivor Noot

Ivor Noot: An Appreciation of his Orienteering Life

After a long fight against myeloma, Ivor Noot died peacefully on April 13th.

Ivor first went orienteering in 1981, but at first there were more successes for the children than for Ivor or Paulette. However, with time Ivor became more and more competitive in his age-class, especially when he started using a thumb compass. In 1993 he won M50L at the British Championships and at the JK, and over the subsequent years he won more titles.

In 1992 Ivor was selected to run for England, and over the next few years he was in the team on many occasions. He was always honoured, thrilled, and slightly nervous, to run in that red and white O-top. His out-going nature meant that he encouraged everyone, newcomers as well as old friends. He was the perfect team member as far as the Team Managers were concerned; he often helpedĀ  England to victory with good runs in the VHI, and in the Interland teams his infectious personality made him popular with the youngsters.

He enjoyed travelling, and often orienteering was part of his trips abroad. His fluency in French meant that he was very fond of the events on the sand-dunes of Les Landes, and he also loved the Swedish 5-Days and the World Masters events.

In 2004 there was a vacancy for an England Vets Selector, and Ivor was the obvious man to ask, with his wide circle of orienteering friends and his considerable experience. Once again he was honoured to be able to help English Orienteering, and his wisdom in matters of selection will be missed.

The many, many orienteers of all ages who knew Ivor remember him as an enthusiastic and loyal family man, club member, and competitor, and offer Paulette, their children Reuben, Sarah and Rebekah, and their families every sympathy.