We are very sorry to share that our esteemed Life Governor, Ian Howard, passed away on Sunday 31 October, aged 98.

“The Y in Australia has lost a giant upon whose shoulders stand many inspired young people, thanks to his generous and long-standing co-sponsorship of our one and only annual staff scholarship award,” said Ben Hubbard, President, Y Australia.

Named in his honour, the IC Howard/Y International Service Clubs of Australia Scholarship Award commenced in 1989, and each year since has enabled a Y employee to further their research or study with the $5,000 scholarship.

At just 21, Ian served in the Royal Australian Navy, surviving D-Day, and quickly establishing himself as a leader. When post war he returned to Australia, newly married, with not a cent to his name, he started making furniture. Ian grew into a renowned leader in the field of furniture manufacture and design, founding Aristoc Furniture in mid-century Melbourne, then Herman Miller Australia, and finally Co Design, the preeminent commercial furniture company in Australia in the 1970s.

In his spare time, Ian volunteered for the Y, helping establish a superannuation fund for YMCA employees, which helped ensure thousands of YMCA staff, were able to retire with dignity, after a life of service to the Y.

“We are so thankful for Ian’s significant contribution to the Y over many decades, and offer our sincere condolences to his family, who have so generously shared Ian with us.”

Ian is survived by his three children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren

We will advise of arrangements for a celebration of Ian’s life, when details are available.

Watch an interview between Ian Howard and last year’s IC Howard Scholarship Recipient Leon Tan, of Y Victoria. (From 4.05 onwards)

Photo caption: Ian Howard presenting the IC Howard Scholarship Award to 2018’s recipient, Lachlan Graham.