Died: 2019
Originally from: Porto

Ian Symington, a leading figure in the port trade for almost 50 years, passed away in September 2019.

Born in 1929 in Porto, Portugal, Ian was educated in England at the Oporto British School and the Downside School. Following his military service in the Seaforth Highlanders in Scotland, Ian returned to Portugal in 1949 and joined his father and uncles in the family port company where he remained until his retirement.

Following World War II, the port trade and the Douro vineyard region dwindled and sales plummeted. Many port companies closed during the slump. Along with his cousins, Ian began rebuilding the company and focused on developing the port markets around the world. Subsequently, in the 1960s, sales improved.

In 1983, Ian was appointed President of the Wine & Spirit Benevolent Society, a charity for those less fortunate in the wine trade. After his presidency, the charity's Chairman commented, Ian's "someone who is regarded with so much affection by the trade."

Ian and his wife Cynthia were renowned for their generosity and warm welcomes. As a result, their relationships and friendships with customers were strengthened. The couple had three children, Susie, Nicky and Johnny, and Johnny joined the business in 1985. Eight grandchildren followed (one of which, Vicky, joined the business) and one great-grandchild.