A TOUCHING tribute has been paid to a popular Weymouth musician who was never afraid to share his views.

Ian Sedwell died in Dorset County Hospital earlier this month following an illness his family say was “bravely borne”.

His family and partner of eight years Jane say they want to thank all the well-wishers for their lovely comments on Facebook since his death. They described Ian as a “highly motivated individual, eccentric, witty, funny and caring”.

Ian started guitar in his last year at Weymouth Grammar School and as a student he ran various folk clubs before heading to America when he graduated.

Having played a number of gigs up and down the east coast and spending time recording in a Philadelphia studio, Ian then put aside his music careers to come back to the United Kingdom to do a Ph.D in mathematics.

However, he continued with his folk music in a minor way, moving around the Midlands club circuit in the 1980s.

Ian came back to his birthplace, Weymouth, in 2000 and picked up music again, starting from scratch.

His family said: “He did play in Weymouth from time to time but most of his gigs were out of town.

“He often attended open mikes to support friends. Singer/songwriters John Martyn and Jackson Browne were two of his favourites. These Days, a song written by Jackson Browne at the age of 16, is one of the covers Ian has often played.

“Ian wrote numerous songs, one of his most popular songs was It was Real.”

Ian also used to discuss politics on Facebook, topics which were followed and commented on by many.

Another side of Ian’s life, one which showed a side of him that cared deeply about his work as a local community, was his work as a governor at Dorset County Hospital and he was remembered by fellow governors during a short silence at the beginning of their last meeting.

The family concluded their tribute by saying: “Finally - goodnight Ian.”

His funeral was held on Wednesday. If anyone wants to give a donation in his memory, they are asked to make one to Cancer Research UK.