A TRIBUTE

The sudden and untimely death of Ian Godwin, the bands Bugle Major, on Friday 27th June 2008 during the Iserlohn Musikparade, Germany left us (the band), family and friends reeling. We had just finished the first days concerts and parade when Ian suddenly collapsed. We had paraded though the packed streets of Iserlohn down towards the large market square, where the previous bands had already gathered. As we came down the main street we played the British Legion March to announce our arrival into the square. The sound was fantastic, the narrow streets and the tall buildings made perfect concert acoustics and the crowd clapped and cheered. As we waited for other bands to arrive, once we were in the square, Ian turned around and with a massive cheshire cat grin said "that was bloody brilliant, that was just the best ever" Ian was doing what he loved and some comfort can be taken by his family and friends that he was certainly on a high that day with our achievements and was very proud of the status the band now holds.

"For all of us, it is still unbelievable, what has happend!!!
Unfortunately I had to leave the stadium, when you played in the final, so I could not say "Good Bye". Please, send all members of the band best wishes.

Best wishes, Sven"

"I have full of joy pursued your appearances in Iserlohn within the last four days. I found particularly your high professionalism mated with your spontaneity very refreshing. The common open-air concert with the Italian musicians on Sunday evening will stay with me, as memory for a long time. Much inhabitant of Iserlohn would be pleased to be able to welcome you in Iserlohn in future. We look forward to the meeting with the friends from Europe every year. My whole sympathy is for your painful loss. My thoughts and prayers belong to particularly the relatives of your deceased friend within these days. With great respect we bow to your deceased friend. In a joyful expectation on the next meeting I send you the sincerely yours greetings from Iserlohn.

An Iserlohn citizen

"I heard the sad news about Ian Godwin when I arrived in work on Monday. I had only known Ian for the two and half weeks we worked together in Hitchin before he left last Wednesday to go to Germany with the band. Nevertheless, I was shocked to learn that Ian had passed away so suddenly. Please accept my deepest sympathies. I am sure you all be deeply affected."

"I was very sad to hear of Ian's untimely death, and I wonder if you would be so kind as to pass on my condolences to his family. I was fortunate to have worked with Ian at various companies over the past 8 years.  Like many who worked with Ian, I particularly enjoyed his sense of fun and joy of life.  Ian was a character much loved by everyone at work, having an approachable and understanding nature, whereby he commanded respect through his professional ability.  Ian will be sadly missed"

"I have just been made aware of Ians death and would like to pay my respects to Ian who I have known since school days.... Please pass on my condolances to his family and friends."