FORMER mayor of Settle, long term volunteer with the Yorkshire Dales National Park, long-distance walker and fell runner Ian Robinson sadly died in the summer, just weeks after his 82nd birthday.

Described by his wife, Jill, as her 'rock, soul mate and adventurer', Ian and Jill, who were married for 37 years, moved to Giggleswick 20 years ago, as they had always loved the Yorkshire Dales and completing many challenge walks in the area.

Settle provided the couple with all their needs - a library for Ian and a swimming pool for Jill; as well as access to gorgeous countryside and a small friendly market town providing excellent services.

"We involved ourselves in the community and events to get to know people," said Jill. "Ian worked a couple of days a week in ‘Practically Everything’ for Tom. He was asked to go on the town council where he launched into projects- disc parking, street lighting, allotments, swimming pool, library, and Christmas lights switch on. He was elected town mayor and served two terms doing his best for the community, he always had time to listen to everyone and a smile.

"When the library was threatened with closure Ian worked with a group of people to keep it open, and became chair of the group working to set up Settle Community library.

"As a Yorkshire Dales National Park volunteer for nearly 20 years Ian worked on drystone walling, practical work repairing rights of way infrastructure, bridge maintenance, path surveys, sculpture trail at Hawes, tree planting and much more. This work was so important to him and me, it was putting something back into our gorgeous countryside that we had always enjoyed walking and running.

"Ian loved the outdoors exploring and adventures in UK and abroad, he was a very competent long distance walker, we completed many challenge events and national trails walking 80 percent of the UK coastline. We joined running clubs in Garstang then in Settle competing in fell and road races, Ian also enjoyed cycling locally. He loved travelling, reading and history, belonged the NW history group at Lancaster University and wanted to find more out about everywhere he visited."

Ian worked for the prison service, progressing from officer to governor by hard work, innovative ideas and conscientious professional approach, he loved his work and achievements.

Jill said: "This led to many moves around the country with each promotion, from our home area of East Yorkshire to Suffolk, then to Garstang in Lancashire before returning to Yorkshire when Ian retired, he was a very proud Yorkshireman.

"Plans paused as Ian fought two types of very serious cancers, determined nothing would stop him, he fought and made a brilliant recovery due to fitness, life continued – this year something totally different that he couldn’t fight.

"Ian had a very dry sense of humour always making the best out of every situation he made everyone smile and laugh, gave me strength, confidence, I miss him so much as do all our friends but we celebrate and enjoy his many achievements and what he did for many in his lifetime."