Obituary: Don Ion

Don Ion was well known in theRotorua community. PHOTO/FILE

Rotorua's iconic coin and stamp collector Don Ion has been remembered as a man who stood for what he believed in and fought for the underdogs.

Mr Ion died last Thursday after a short battle with cancer.

At the time of his death, Mr Ion was the longest-running stamp dealer in New Zealand. He was listed as being a dealer in 1952, when he was just 17.

Lois Ion, Mr Ion's daughter, said her father's passion for stamp collecting
started early.

"Dad is known both nationally and internationally as an authority and specialist for stamp and coin collecting. It was his life-long passion and it was only in his hospital bed that he was nowhere near a stamp."

"He started trading at primary school, he was a member of many clubs and associations during that time, and was a member of the New Zealand Coin and Stamp Dealers Associations."

Ms Ion said her family moved to Rotorua in 1969 when her father decided to "take the plunge" and buy a stamp and coin shop in Arawa St.

"Dad saw it as a hobby that brought comfort to those that were immobile and sick, it was educational, a great distraction from worries. A picture on a stamp or coin not only took you to those places, but made you inquire as to why those images were on there in the first place."

Ms Ion said her father always fought for the underdog.

"His legacy will be known for that; a battler for those less fortunate."

Mr Ion also had a passion and was "quite an expert" on the 1835 Declaration of Independence flag which he proudly flew from his Old Taupo Rd address. Ms Ion said her father had a long association with Kahukura Pirates and Sub Union Rugby and he considered it one of his greatest achievements being a major influence in organising touch football in Rotorua in the 1980s.

At Mr Ion's funeral, Ray Katting described him as "an icon" in the Rotorua and Bay of Plenty touch scene.

"He had a vision of where the sport could and would go and it went to the top." Mr Katting said Mr Ion had "left us with heavy hearts" and left the world with all his knowledge.

Ms Ion said her father was a man of integrity and innovation.

He is survived by his wife Eleanor, children Barry, Murray, Denise and Lois and grandchildren Jason and Jessie.