It is with great sadness that we report the untimely death of Ian Sloss on 9th August 2010.

Ever the competitor, Ian passed away doing something he loved after taking part in the London Triathlon on Saturday 7th August in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) as part of an LSC Group team.

Ian joined the RAF as a Halton apprentice in 1963 aged just 17, after realising that the RAF would let him follow his passion for swimming. A few years later he went on to RAF College Cranwell, emerging as an Engineering Officer. Over the next 37 years his RAF career took him far and wide and he gained experience on a number of airframes that were iconic during his period of service, from the Vulcan, his favourite, to the Tornado.

As a Group Captain Ian served as Station Commander at RAF Locking, and was promoted to Air Commodore where he served as Chief Executive of the RAF Logistics Support Services Agency. A competitive swimmer and water polo player, during his career Ian also served as Secretary, Deputy Chairman, Chairman and President of the RAF Swimming Association.

Upon leaving the RAF in April 2000, Ian joined LSC Group to assist LSC engage with the Air domain, and during his time with the company served in a variety of roles, from Head Of Sales to informing the development of capability in the business. Latterly, Ian was fundamentally engaged with FLIS, and was recently leading our engagement with the fledgling Military Aviation Authority.

Ian leaves a wife, Viv, children, Fiona, Nicola and Philip, and the most special person in his life in recent years, his grand-daughter Rosie. A wonderful man, Ian was held in the highest affection and respect by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

If you want to donate in Ian's memory all proceeds will go to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), a charity Ian fondly supported.