Tributes have been paid to a devoted former deputy headteacher and schools rugby stalwart who "helped countless children fulfil their dreams." Ian Milne, who sadly died on Friday, November 10, aged 79, dedicated more than 50 years of his life to Swansea Schools Rugby Union in various roles and was a founding member of the Neath and Tennant Canal Trust. Since his death, tributes have detailed Ian's "unwavering dedication" to schools rugby and other causes close to his heart.
The father and grandfather from Swansea was a former deputy headteacher of Newton Primary School and spent decades as the secretary of the Swansea Schools Rugby Union. Retired headteacher and Swansea Schools coach Keith Day - who Alun Wyn Jones credited as his most influential coach - worked alongside Ian for many years and described him as "one of life's good guys."
"I obviously got to know him because he was secretary of the schools union for over 30 years," said Keith. "You will not hear anybody say a bad word against him and he was never one to seek the limelight himself. He just did all the background stuff. When some of the lads would struggle with finances to go on tour, he'd be the one organising in the background making sure they would go. He was a great man." You can get more Swansea news and other story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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"He was the ultimate enthusiast. A lovely, lovely guy. Totally reliable and not only was he totally dedicated to Swansea Schools rugby and to his own school, he also followed the players after they left us. He rang me up once to tell me there were more ex-Swansea schoolboys on Sam Warburton's Lions tour to New Zealand than there were Scottish players. Obviously, he was around when players like Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Biggar and Lee Halfpenny passed through Swansea Schools," said Keith.
A tribute from Swansea Schools Rugby Union, which was posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, said: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Swansea Schools stalwart and teacher Ian Milne. With over 50 years of unwavering dedication to coaching and administration of schools rugby he helped countless children fulfill their dreams including representation of Wales as well as the British and Irish Lions. His kindness and passion for helping others will forever be remembered. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."
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Swansea Schools F.A. also took to the online platform to pay tribute to Ian and said: "There are very few who give up so much of their time but always look out for others above themselves. Mr Milne was clearly one of a kind, and will be missed."
Ian's daughter, Becky Milne, 53, said her father's death had come as a shock to many people as he was always such a fit man. "He did a lot of birdwatching and he was a marathon runner in his time. He got stir-crazy if he was in the house for more than one day. Everyone always laughed - his standard uniform was 'Max Wall' trousers, a rugby shirt, a baseball hat and trainers. It's all you ever saw him in."
"He was always on-the-go, he was full of life and he helped everyone. He was so committed to the community. My mum [Ian's late wife Jennifer 'Jenn' Milne] and dad were both dedicated volunteers. He was a deputy headteacher and a lot of people said he was one of the best teachers."
"He was my rock really. I suffered a brain hemorrhage ten years ago where I lost my vision and speech. Mum and dad were always there for me. I'm a single parent and have a son who is 20. He's always been there for us. What I'll miss most are his twinkly, smiley eyes. He always had a joke on his tongue. He was so fun-loving. He was also a very educated and cultured chap. He loved Dylan Thomas poems."
As well as his commitment to rugby, Ian was passionate about the restoration and development of Neath and Tennant Canals. Chairman of the Neath and Tennant Canal Trust, Gareth Hughes, 76, said: "Ian was the founding member. He and another teacher took pupils to the canals and were concerned about the state they were in. For the best part of 49 years, he was then the secretary of the trust. He was pleasant, sociable, jovial and unassuming but more than anything he was committed to his pastimes including the canal."
