Ivor died peacefully on 25th July 2025. Beloved husband of Stephen, much-loved and only brother of Mary, loving son-in-law of Herbie and Margaret, dear son of the late Myra and Davy Harper and dearly loved brother-in-law of Phillip and the late Brian (Chopper).
Donations may be made to N.I. Chest, Heart & Stroke and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA N.I.). Please make any cheques payable to ‘Norman McBriar & Son’ Funeral Directors, 37 Saintfield Mill, Saintfield, BT24 7FH.
Janet Pilling remembers…
In 2000 Ivor came over to Scotland to judge at the SCDA Gleneagles event and persuaded several Scottish drivers to make the trip over to Baronscourt. We were very new to carriage driving, doing a bit of stewarding and loving it so we went along to support. There I met Gordon Bell and came home with Gypsy, my ❤ pony. Bless you Ivor, you are responsible for so much happiness.
Eileen Cornish remembers…
I was one of the Baronscourt drivers from Scotland who made the journey over the water. It was lovely to be on the estate as my daughter had a house there, while in her first Vet post in Newtownstewart and Omagh. We had such a fun time that we returned the following year. Unfortunately, on arrival at the event the pony I was driving pierced my foot with her new shoes, and I landed up in Omagh A and E having the foot stitched up. I was determined to compete but was supposed to keep the foot elevated, so with it in a surgical shoe and a bow made from the same ribbon as my hat, I drove the dressage test as best I could while keeping the foot up the front of the guard rail of the carriage! Ivor was judging, and made special mention of my co-ordinated hat and footwear! He was such a kind, positive judge in his comments, and always noticing the things that others may miss.
I didn’t see him for many years but was at the RDA Championships at Hartpury, running the Carriage Driving phase, when a voice from the next table outside the student refectory, suddenly said – I recognise that voice – what are you doing here! I had no idea that he was there to judge the International Ridden Dressage classes, so I immediately asked for him to judge the Carriage Driving the following year.
Ivor judged at the SCDA Townfoot event last year and he was so well received. He and Stephen and their 2 Jack Russell dogs stayed with me – what a fun weekend it was for all. They then went off to see Roslin Chapel, with Ivor protesting that he wasn’t keen on architecture, though Stephen was – however he appears to have enjoyed it once he was there!
RDA Championship memories from the CD Team and Drivers…
My team of CD volunteers are remembering him as a very kind and helpful judge for our competitors, and as a group, we all found him a true gentleman to work with, with a sense of humour that matched ours. Earlier this year, he was instrumental in encouraging the only Northern Ireland RDA Carriage Driving Group to take part this year. We all missed him not being there, but he had told me only a week prior to his operation, that he fully intended to recover and be there next year. We all treasure the memories we have of him at the Championships.
Such a huge character, it was a pleasure to spend time with him. Please send my regards and sympathy to his hubby.
Oh, I am so very sorry to hear this news. Lovely guy. Pass on my sympathy to Stephen if you are able.
Oh, that is very sad news. I really enjoyed working with him. Such a kind judge.
That’s really sad news; I remember him at Hartpury in 2022. My sympathy for you having lost a good friend, and his family for having lost him.
