It is with great sorrow that the ITF has to announce that Ingrid Köhler, German Interpreter and Translator, died on 11th October in Guy's Hospital in London, following a serious illness. She was only forty-nine.

Over the two decades since February 1986 when she started with us, Ingrid’s contribution to the ITF and the wider trade union movement was enormous. Her skill in the interpreting booth was matched only by her sincerity and her commitment to the trade union cause. Her ability to interpret directly from nearly all the European languages spoken by ITF delegates, coupled with her energy, enthusiasm and personal support for union issues, was unsurpassed.

Behind the scenes, Ingrid was often closely involved in key negotiations – such as the talks that resulted in the settlement of the TGWU’s two-year dispute with LSG Skychefs in 2000. Never averse to a pint of bitter after a branch meeting, Ingrid put in dedicated service as chair of the TGWU’s 1/128 branch.

Characteristically stoical, and extremely positive in her last months after her diagnosis with cancer, Ingrid impressed us all with her dignity and humour. We will miss her.

Messages of condolences can be sent to the ITF: hannah_joan@itf.org.uk.

Ingrid's funeral took place at Honor Oak Crematorium on Friday 19 October.

Messages of condolence

Dear colleagues and friends of Ingrid in the ITF, Ingrid was one of my oldest friends. Having spent our years of study together, we shared many precious and formative memories.I got to know her on our first day on university and still remember her standing there in the middle of a crowd of freshers with her then long auburn hair, corduroys and poncho and that little smile on her face. Apart from the length and colour of her hair Ingrid has not changed much since these days. She maintained her ideals, values and integrity more consistently and undeviatingly than anybody else I know. She was unselfish, generous and always prepared to help. I admire her a lot for her optimism and her strong will and determination to cope with the inevitable which she retained even during the last days of her life when her illness had already weakened her considerably. I still find it hard to understand that she is no longer there and miss her a lot. Illi Reusch, translator for the ITF, Germany

The Language Team at the Tokyo Office would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Ingrid's family and colleagues in your loss. We always enjoyed working with Ingrid as part of the ITF Language Team. Our thoughts have been with you continually since we heard the sad news. We are so sorry. Hiroko and Takako, ITF Tokyo

This is sad news. I also associate myself and the whole ETF TEAM in the expression of our deepest sorrow. Eduardo Chagas, ETF

On behalf of everyone in Amman office, please pass on our condolences and deepest sympathies to Ingrid's family and colleagues in the Languages Unit. Regards, Bilal, Baker, Chiraz, ITF Arab World

Dear David, It is very sad indeed to lose the sister at such a critical moment in our working life as a continent. We shall share this sad news with other friends she knew. May her soul rest in eternal peace Joe Katende, ITF Africa

Dear David On behalf of the Ouagadougou office personnel and affiliates in the sub-region, please pass on our condolences and deepest sympathies to Ingrid's family and colleagues in the Languages Unit. Nazi, Assita and Denis, ITF African Francophone Office

Brothers and Sisters, I am sending my personal and that of my unions' condolence to the demise of our comrade Ingrid. In the ITF's meetings that I attended, I always meet Ingrid with a ready smile, she will be missed. Our prayers goes with her, may she rest in peace. Sincerely, Edgar P. Bilayon, BKM-PNR-ITF

Ingrid, for me, is and was the best friend I could've ever had, in every respect - just the one you'd wish for!  Words can't describe how much I miss her...   Ich hoffe, dass es dir nun sehr, sehr gut geht, wo auch immer du jetzt bist!   KB, ITF