We are very sorry to notify you of the passing of Ian, who taught German at the School from 1970 to 1993.

Ian passed away last month at the age of 93 years. His daughter, Sarah, has informed us that his funeral will be held on Thursday 26th March at St Philip's Church, Dorridge at 1.15pm. The service will be recorded and can be viewed here.

We are conscious that some people who knew Ian during his time at the School may not be in contact with us and we would be very grateful if you could pass on this information to those that you know. 

As is usual practice, we would like to place an obituary for Ian in the 2025-26 OI Journal. If you know of any stories or memories which you can pass on to us so we can put them together for the publication we would be most grateful. Please address any contributions to me through oldipswichians@ipswich.school

Sally Webber
OI Chair

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Ipswich School played a big part in the life of our family as my 3 siblings and I all attended the school (my brothers Andrew Waters and Stephen Waters in the 1970s, and my sister Philippa (Pippa) Dore, nee Waters from 1985-1987), as well as Dad teaching there – so we all have very fond memories. My brother-in-law, William Dore, also taught at the school and is where he met my sister (when she returned from university to play in the school orchestra)!

Ian's Daughter, Sarah Sasse (OI 1983-85)

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Sorry to hear of the death of the late Ian Waters. He taught me German at school for both O level and A level between 1984 and 1988. He was passionate about his subject and particularly about German literature in the A level course and taught the subject well. He organised the very successful German Exchange to Gymnasium Eppendorf in Hamburg in combination with Ipswich High School, which alternated between Lent and Summer holidays and gave Suffolk country teenagers the experience of living in a major European city with many happy memories. I remember he was a very proud alumnus of Jesus College Cambridge where he took A level students to see the German plays. May he rest in peace. 

Bruce Finch (OI 1977-88)

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I'm sorry to hear Ian's passing away. I knew him a lot when I taught at the school. He was such a nice man. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Gerard de Negri (Former Staff 1978-1983)

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Whilst I have not been in contact, I was sorry to hear this and my thoughts are with his daughter. I was in her class and a friend. 

Adrian Walker (OI 1974-85)

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A wonderful, inspirational and exacting teacher! Learners of German will remember “TMP” (Time - Manner - Place) scrawled over our stumbling attempts at getting the order of sentences correct. And the cry of “use your brains!” echoing down the corridor. May he rest in peace. Bis später, Herr Waters

James Anderson, The Rev’d James Anderson (OI 1984-91)

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Very sorry indeed to hear this, but thanks for letting us know. Ian Waters was a brilliant teacher of German. It was due to his inspiration that I ended up living and teaching in Berlin and translating German philosophy. I wrote to him via Ipswich School a few years ago about it, thanking him, and he sent me a lovely handwitten letter back (ach, die guten alten Zeiten!) about his life after leaving Ipswich School and his children and grandchildren. Die Sonne scheint [noch] aus einem wolkenlosen Himmel … 

Michael Beaney (OI 1966-77)

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I am very sorry to hear of Ian’s death but glad he led such a long life. He taught me German at O, A and S level and was the most engaging and enthusiastic of teachers. Perhaps also something of an inspiration for me, although I never saw him again after my time at university (where I read law). I have never forgotten him. I like to think that Ian would be pleased to know that this former pupil still takes German lessons and has just submitted his PhD thesis on modern German art in the Weimar period! Ruhe in Frieden, Ian, und herzlichlen Dank für alles.

James MacLachlan (OI 1968-74)