Sue Stayte has sadly died, following her long battle with cancer.

She was highly respected by everyone who knew her and worked with her.

In memorium: Sue Stayte

Sue joined the Institute of Park and Recreation Administration (IPRA), at first full time, then part-time while her two boys were young. She played an active role in IPRA when it was a training college for parks professionals and remained closely involved with the organisation as it progressed towards the amalgamation of four professional bodies that resulted in the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM) in 1983.

She came back into full time employment in 1987 first as PA to the director, but soon moving to focus on the promotional activities of the Institute, in particular its conference and seminar programme.

This led naturally to the formation of ILAM Services (ISL) as a separate company able to focus on the profitable activities that supported the growth of the Institute after it achieved charitable status in 1989.

As its marketing and operations director and later managing director, Sue was the driving force that built up the company without which the Institute would not have been able to develop the wide range of events and services that it offered to members.

Wherever Sue went, she would be recognised and warmly greeted by members. She had a sense of fun that carried members and staff through some difficult times. Her longstanding dedication to the Institute and its future commanded respect from everyone.

Sue accepted her illness bravely and adopted a positive outlook that made things much easier for her friends and colleagues who will now feel her loss deeply. Pam Pheasant

Work colleagues and friends mourn a great loss to the industry:

add your thoughts and comments to the Book of Remembrance for Sue Stayte by emailing [email protected]

“Thanks for all your efforts on behalf of ILAM to improve the services other people benefited from and to raise the standards of delivery in our industry – matched with a sense of fun and compassion! Sadly missed!” David C Watt

"Sue, you will always be remembered simply for being Sue. Always there, always helpful and professional to the fingertips. Remembered from my student days at the "Grotto" ('66) and for your friendly face after my treks down from Scotland as the Regional Secretary in early ILAM days."

Brian Atkinson

"Sue will always be remembered by Grotto students, in particular the members of Course 40, for the help given as we survived long cold winters in a very drafty annex. Sue brought fun and warmth to IPRA and ILAM members who now touch all corners of the world in may different roles in both parks and other service sectors. Our warmest wishes to the family and to Sue "Thanks for all your efforts" you made a real difference to so many." David Coventry - Course 40 student 1978

"Whenever you met Sue she was busy but always had time to listen and take on board what members suggested. She always had a twinkle in her eye and you could see how much she enjoyed working for the benefit of the institute and I always sensed she cared for what she did she will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting her."

Teresa Parish

"I heard of Sue's death with great sadness. Whenever I think of the old ILAM days, I naturally think of her. Her energy, commitment and good humour, often in difficult circumstances, were an example to us all. She had a great enthusiasm for ILAM and, more importantly, for life itself. She was just a genuinely good person and I know that she will be hugely missed by those closest to her." Gordon Bates

"Sue gave unstinting help to me both in ILAM affairs and personally and you knew when you asked for help you would get it. Her friendliness and commitment was such that it was not only her job that she contributed to, but part of herself as well"."

David Mitchell

"I was so saddened to hear of the death of Sue. I remember Sue particularly from her earlier days with ILAM and was fortunate to meet her at a number of conferences in more recent years. She was a dedicated professional who also had a great sense of humour. She will be sadly missed and certainly hard to replace. My condolences to her family." Barry Jayes, MISPAL Dip I.P.R.A.

"I was shocked and saddened to receive the news about Sue. She gave so much to the Institute and the wider leisure profession and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her."

Rod Giddins

"Sorry to hear the news – Sue game me an opportunity to become involved in the broader aspects of leisure – my regard to her family." Yanek Kowal

“I was privileged to know Sue over a number of years and then had the honour and was delighted to work with Sue as Chief Executive during 2005/6. Sue was a delight to work with always positive and optimistic about the future of one professional body now ISPAL and her outlook on life. A great passion for delivery quality services and understanding the needs of the membership. She will be sorely missed and my thoughts are with her family and close friends.”

Iain K Hook

"So sad to read the news. Sue was a lovely person who I had known since my days as an IPRA student at the Grotto. A great advocate for Parks, she will be missed by all who knew her." Richard Welburn