It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of the beloved Husband, Dad & friend to many, Iain Stoddart on 17th November 2024, aged 59 years.

Iain was taken from us too soon when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in July this year and sadly lost his battle, surrounded by family at home. He fought so bravely, and held it together for longer than most people would have been able to.

Born to George & Margaret Stoddart in June 1965. Much loved Husband to Louise, Brother to John & Annette, Father to Nicole, Tara, Joseph & Naraya. Uncle to Alexander. Son in law to Susan & Alan and much adored friend to many. 

Iain absolutely loved life and from the get go was never satisfied with sitting still. He was so determined to prove people wrong and never one to take the easy option. Even from his younger career, he took on 5 paper rounds instead of 1. As a young man he adored his bike and cycled around Buxton with his friends, staying in youth hostels. He loved adventure and new experiences. 

Iain was always a very bright child and passed his 11 plus going on to Hindley & Abram grammar school and from there went on to become a CIPFA chartered accountant working for the NHS. He had an unwavering dedication and work ethic and devoted his life to public service over a 40 year career. He was a much respected and well liked member of the NHS finance community. 

Iain worked his way up from Junior Accountant all the way to the top of his profession as CFO in multiple organisations, along side this his expertise was in turn around and financial improvement. His last role to date was System Financial Improvement Director for the Black Country ICS. 

Not just satisfied with his role as CFO, he also started a property business with his wife Louise, called Landis Property Partnership, where they put into practise Louise’s skills of design and Iain's skill set for regenerating un-loved dwellings into high quality properties for tenants. 

He always gave his all in everything he did, even taking on a huge derelict project and turning it into a beautiful family home. He took on a lot of the work himself, a skill set that was learnt from his beloved grandfather John Cooper Eccleston. 

Iain had a well travelled life and embraced adventure. He visited China on 2 occasions staying in Hong Kong & Foshan, where he trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu. Training with his Sifu Billy Davidson and master Samuel Kwok, where he was appointed a permanent member of the Wing Chun athletic association in 2008, under the late president Ip Ching, who was the great Ip Mans son. (His most famous student being Bruce Lee)

Not just content with training on land, he also enjoyed an active life under water, where he qualified as a Padi open water diver in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Iain was in his element at the vast array of aquatic life, and so became a certified open water diver in the beautiful red sea. Training in the under water eco system that is home to 300 species of coral, 2100 species of fish, some of which are found no where else on earth. 

As well as his hobbies, many will know of Iains great love affair with Manchester United. Having been a season ticket holder of the red devils for many years. Iain followed the team and was there in 1999 Barcelona Nou Camp where he watched United win the treble. In Iains last few weeks he took his son Joseph to his first ever match,  enjoying the game with his wife Louise and Joes best friend Isa. The Carabao cup match between Man United and Leicester City was a thrilling last game for Iain in the Theatre of Dreams were United won 5-2. 

His passing has left a void in the hearts of family and friends and many more who’s lives were touched by him. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Iain is survived by his wife Louise, and 4 children, Nicole, Tara, Joseph & Naraya. He will be terribly missed by all of us, forever. 

The celebration of life for Iain will be held at Howe Bridge Crematorium, Lovers Lane, Atherton, Manchester, M46 0PZ on Monday 2nd December at 10am following with the wake  at Bolton Golf Club.

Family flowers only please. 

Donations can be made in cash at the crematorium or via the below link to Wigan & Leigh Hospice.

https://www.wlh.org.uk/donate/