Former colleagues have paid tribute to former Charity Finance Group (CFG) chair Ian Theodoreson, who has died aged 67.
Theodoreson’s death was announced this week after he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy five years ago.
Besides chairing CFG, previously called the Charity Finance Directors Group (CFDG), Theodoreson was chief financial officer of the Church of England for nine years and latterly chaired the board of finance for the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
In a blog published posthumously by his family on Sunday, Theodoreson wrote: “If you are reading this it is because I have died and my family has worked out how to post this final blog on my behalf.
“I’m sorry I won’t be around to share any more of my erratic journey with muscular dystrophy, and I am sorry too that I haven’t even come close to writing the book so many of you urged me to write.
“I’ve spent my life living by the disreputable motto of ‘never do today what you can put off doing until tomorrow’, but a time was bound to come when there was no tomorrow left.
“I have lived a good life, blessed and supported by the greatest wife a man could hope for and inspired by four stupendous children who are the finest gift that Sally and I will leave to this world.”
‘Much more than a founder’
CFG chief executive Caron Bradshaw said: “Ian was much more than a founder of CF(D)G, a former chair and a finance professional.
“That tells you some of the things he did, not who he was. Ian was a shining example of leadership. Thoughtful and calm. He listened to understand what was being said, not just to reply.
“He could change his position with ease and without fear, when it was the right thing to do. He was strong, canny, fun-loving and wise.
“Full of integrity, generous with his time, a man full of love who found supporting others a natural part of leadership.
“In time, we will properly mark Ian’s life and legacy, but for now we give thanks that we were blessed with his presence.”
‘Someone with such phenomenal intellect’
Bath and Wells bishop Michael Beasley said in a statement that Theodoreson had been “a wonderful encourager, supporter and counsellor into the life of our diocese”.
He added: “Ian steered our diocese through the Covid pandemic and was an inspiration not only to me, but to [diocesan secretary] Jenny Hollingsworth, his bishop’s staff colleagues, the diocesan finance team and many others.”
Hollingsworth said: “The knowledge that I would be working with someone with such phenomenal intellect and experience was a great boon to me in my joining Bath and Wells and I was always very grateful for his very dry wit and sense of humour, even when dealing with the most challenging issues.
“I have no doubt that not only will we benefit from his work in restructuring diocesan finances, but so will future generations as we strive to grow our churches, transform communities, and continue to be a Christian presence in all our communities.”
