Ian grew up in Palmerston North, attended Palmerston North Boys High School where he was the head prefect and captain of the rugby team. He left home at age 18 accepting a scholarship to George Williams College in Chicago, now Aurora University. While in Chicago, Ian met Enid Hosein, originally of Trinidad and Tobago, at a church dance. They married in 1964.
Ian earned bachelor and master degrees from George Williams College before moving on to the University of Illinois where he earned his PhD. His post-doctoral studies took place at Harvard School of Public Health. He later joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee working at the Oakridge National Laboratory. Two years later, he joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska, where he taught and conducted research for over 50 years. His primary areas of focus included adolescent health, health education and public health. He was loved by his graduate students for his caring, mentoring and interest in their backgrounds; many remain friends today.
While at Nebraska, he took a 2-year leave to join the World Health Organization and was stationed in New Delhi, India. He served in Thailand, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
In 1997, Ian was named the Wesley C. Meierhenry Distinguished Professor by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Ian possessed an unquenchable desire for intellectual and cultural adventure. His personal and professional life took him to more than 83 countries and territories around the world where he always made a point to learn local customs and understand people’s traditions, including a hearty appetite for local cuisine and delicacies.
Ian and Enid were well known for their ballroom and folk dancing. They were members of the UNL Faculty Dance Club and International Folk Dancers.
Family members include his wife of over 55 years, Enid; sons and daughter-in-law, Sean Newman, Brian (Johanna) Newman, Stuart Newman; grandchildren, Sophia, Ethan and Hannah; Great Grandchildren, Brennan and Everet; and Nieces and Nephews.
Ian is preceded in death by his parents and sister Cathrine.
Memorial Service 4:00 PM Saturday (2-12-2022) at First-Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street.
Livestream found at roperandsons.com/livestream
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be directed to the Lincoln Food Bank.