Lasting fascination with history: Vale Associate Professor R. Ian Jack

Ian Jack joined the committee of the Blue Mountains Association of Cultural Heritage Organisations in 2006, as an inaugural member and had been vice-president up to March this year, when he was elected president.

Ian was also president of Hawkesbury Historical Society, vice-president of The Friends of the Paragon, had been a member of the NSW Heritage Council and was the longest serving president of the Royal Australian Historical Society.

He was senior fellow and archivist at St Andrew's College, University of Sydney. He was a passionate historian, historical researcher, heritage specialist, industrial archaeologist and an accomplished musician. He was previously associate professor of history, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, head of the department of history and chair of the Board of Studies in music, at the University of Sydney.

Ian Jack generously gave his time to speak at events and to share his research. He will be remembered for his tireless work for heritage, not only in the Blue Mountains, but in the Hawkesbury, Lithgow and many other areas of NSW, where there was heritage to be found.

Ian Jack was an enthusiastic researcher and luckily due to his passion, he took pleasure in recording his research, along with images. He has left some unfillable gaps, but a remarkable legacy. His contribution to researching, advocating and protecting heritage was enormous. He was a quiet, thoughtful, polite gentleman who enjoyed a good laugh. He will be sorely missed.