A LOVING father and keen runner who completed 300 Andover parkruns has been remembered.

Andover resident Ian Griffin died at the Countness of Brecknock Hospice on Friday, April 29.

Ian was born on August 12, 1947, in Fulham but was raised and grew up in Putney with his mum, dad and four sisters Heather, Anita, Denise and Tam.

Even in a house full of girls he was very much a typical boy, always out messing about in the mud, hammering nails into wood and climbing trees. He also loved to play football and was a huge fan of Fulham football club.

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Andover Advertiser: Ian Griffin, right, with daughter Laci

When Ian finished school, he had a few jobs one of which was working for a greengrocer.

He went on to marry and have three children, two daughters, Faye and Karen, and a son, Matthew.

Ian moved to Andover when he was 26 to work as a production line manager at Britax, where he stayed until his retirement. It was here that he met and fell in love with Evelyn and the couple married in 1997.

His daughter Laci said: “He was an amazing husband and dad in so many ways. If it wasn’t for his guidance, reassurance and love I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

“He had the biggest heart and I’m so lucky I had him to always be there for me - from the highs to the lows. For everything in life, he was my person, not only my dad but my best friend.”

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When Ian retired, he decided he wanted to be fit and joined Andover Running Club, completing 300 Andover Parkruns over the years – his last one on March 2, this year. Ian also completed the London Marathon three times.

“He was unbelievably happy and proud of himself, and we were all so proud of him that he achieved something that at one time he couldn’t imagine doing,” Laci said.

“He also joined Dawn Breakers where he completed many six-week challenges and the Dawn Breakers silver club. We always used to joke that he was fitter than I was. He often teased me about that.

“All of these places over the years and the runs he took he made some amazing friends along the way who he really cared about and would have done anything for.”

Ian was also a fan of decorating and gardening and had “the ability to turn a garden that looks like it has no hope and transform it to a garden that is beautiful and full of life”.

Laci described her dad as “the best grandad” to her children Charlie and Gracie.

She added: “Dad's love was unconditional and this is something I will cherish from his character - and take with me forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”