Hobart businessman and father of four Ian Reed remembered as devoted, kind and fun-loving

Hobart businessman and father of four Ian Reed has been farewelled in a moving funeral service where he was remembered for his kindness, integrity, wit and generous soul. SERVICE >>

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HOBART businessman Ian Reed has been remembered as a devoted husband and father, a generous soul known for his kindness, hard work, integrity and wit.

The father of four was farewelled at a packed funeral on Monday afternoon, with family and friends unable to travel due to Covid-restrictions joining the service online.

Mr Reed, 44, died at the Royal Hobart Hospital on July 15 after a sudden illness.

The well-known businessman worked in commercial real estate and in the hospitality industry.

He was remembered by his family on Monday as dependable, confident, and capable.

His wife Alice Claridge farewelled her husband with a passage from author A.A. Milne.

“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together … there is something you must always remember,” she said.

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart … I’ll always be with you.”

The service heard stories from Mr Reed’s family and friends of a man who enjoyed life to the full and who was dedicated to his family and to serving others.

Ian Reed. Source: Supplied.

Daughter Tahlia said she had struggled to find the words to express how much her father had meant to her.

“My dad was someone who held his family with such high importance and would do absolutely anything for any of us,” she said.

“He was there for people when they were at their lowest but also their highest. He refused to ever leave a job half done.

“And he took pride in the beautiful home he had made for us as a family to have so many amazing memories in.

“Although we cannot create new memories with dad, we all have so many amazing existing memories that we must continue to share so that he can continue to live on because 44 years is nowhere enough.”

Ian’s father David Reed said he was proud to see his son’s career flourish as he worked at Strahan Village, Diamond Island Resort, Blue Skies Restaurant and at Knight Frank.

“He generated a huge respect for his ability and his success from his teammates, colleagues and clients.

“Leading by example: his bubbly personality and his smile were infectious, he was admired and loved by everyone. Genuinely a great bloke.”

“I am so proud of him because of his enterprise, his reach, his ability to touch each of our hearts. Just look at the sea of faces around you.”

And celebrant Christine Howard said many people would be affected by Mr Reed’s passing.

“Ian was loyal to his family, his friends, those who needed extra help in life and the wider community,” she said.

“He was a friend for life with a big and generous heart, determined, and an enabler who encouraged others, was unfailingly kind and the epitome of a good and practical friend.”

“To his family, he was their world.”

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