It is with a heavy heart that we have to report the sad passing of Ian, a true legend of Scottish and British skiing.

Ian passed away peacefully, after a short illness with his family by his side on 3rd January, 2024.

 

Ian hailed from Dundee where he served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Bonnar Long.

He was a very keen cyclist from an early age and he ran his own bike shop in Aviemore for many years.He could regularly be seen on the bike all around Spey Valley from Dalwhinnie to Nethy. 

Ian also excelled on the ice rink, playing ice hockey for the Dundee Rockets and later for the Aviemore Blackhawks. As regards skiing, Ian first set foot on Glenshee, working hard to get on the racing circuit.  

Father to ski legends in their own right, Alain, Noel Baxter, and also to their sister Lucie Hendry (Baxter), an accomplished horsewoman, 

Ian was also known for his kind nature and his sense of humour, loved by many & cherished dearly. 

 

At this point, I would like to make mention of Ian's (and Lorna's) wonderful parents, Chick and May Baxter. You could not find a more loving, caring couple. It was they who introduced Ian to all his sporting pursuits, supporting him in every way possible. 

Chick & May also taught all the grandchildren everything they know about sports! Alpine & XC skis were put on Alain, Noel, Lesley and Nancy as soon as they could walk and then, along with Lucie, it was off to the Ice rink to get to grips with another set of edges! They were a much loved wonderful couple.

 

May's brother was Bobbie Birnie, which I think you will all agree makes for a very interesting family tree! 

Sporting excellence has to be in the genes. Bobbie too was a lovely guy. He was one of the Ski School D'Ecosse originals. A pioneer in the development of skiing in Scotland. A beautiful skier to watch, and an even better skier to ski with! He was also a highly respected senior Trainer/Assessor for B.A.S.I. Bobbie also ran the 

Ski Hire up the hill for many years.   

When the British Team turned up on Cairngorm to do the B,A,S,I., after much deliberation, it was eventually decided the man to be their Trainer had to be "the Birnie"! 

Konrad Bartelski, Willie Baillie,Stuart Fitzimmons and Alan Stewart were a few of his charges. I would not go so far as to say he ran rings around them but he most certainly gave them a run for their money!  

 

In the mid to late 60's Ian's racing career took off with a vengeance, winning just about every Cup, Quaich and Salver there was to be had, He became Scottish Ski Champion in 1969. The Instructors Race on Cairngorm was always one of his favourites. On a few occasions the race was his only skiing for the season & still, much to everyone else's disgust, he'd win it with style!

 

Ian worked as a ski instructor for Ski School D'Ecosse, Cairdsports, Coylumbridge and Ski Rd Skis Ski Schools. He also worked with many Ski Clubs helping them establish their in-house instruction programmes. During the autumn period Ian quite often worked for Hans Kuwall at the Hillend Ski Centre as an instructor & a race trainer.

 

In 1970, Ian became Manager/Trainer to the British Espoirs Squad, training in Meribel, Val d'Isere & Chamonix.

 

Around this time, Ian was invited to become a Trainer where he served the Association for over 30 years. He very soon moved through the ranks to become a Senior Trainer/Assessor, He also represented B.A.S.I. at several Interski meetings. He was a member of the Demo Team 

 

Ian was one of the original Cairngorm ski community and stood out as one of the best home grown skiers Scotlamd has ever produced, Although second generation, he was very much regarded as one of the pioneers of Scottish Skiing & Racing

 

A true legend and a mentor to so many.

 

Our condolences go to the family and to all his 7 grandchildren.