Ian was based in the UK and became a Master of Wine in 1962. He celebrated his 60th anniversary as an MW in 2022. Ian died peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Ian’s career was destined to be in wine and spirits, since his family owned a wine business, William Forsyth Ltd. in Oldham. He first spent time at Rigby and Evens Ltd. from 1955-56, a wine and spirits merchant which became part of the inspiration behind the name of the Beatles song ‘Eleanor Rigby’. He then joined Sichel and Co in Burgundy, France for a short time, to which this interest and expertise in French wines may be accredited. After this short stint, Ian worked under Hay and Son, a wine and spirits merchant and whisky blender based in Sheffield before eventually joining the family wine business in June of 1957.

This paved the path for Ian to gain his title as Master of Wine in 1962. In 1970, he joined J.B. Reynier Ltd. as Sales Director, specialising in Burgundy and the Loire.

Then, after a brief spell with Yorkshire Fine Wine, Ian set up his own business working in association with Eldrige Pope, Laymond and Shaw, and The Wine Treasury.

He retired in 2001, after which he has dedicated as much time as possible following Lancashire Country Cricket Club.