2013, Grandma and Grandpa’s farm Densmore KS
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I first met Ian shortly after Tony and Martha moved to Arizona. He was about 1 at the time. I always remember him running around the motion capture stage at Rainbow like a lunatic (in a good way) and laughing about how similarly he and his Dad walked.
Having worked closely with Tony for many years, I got to see Ian grow up, both figuratively and literally.
One memory I particularly treasure was his utter determination to make my baby daughter laugh. We were at Tony and Martha's house for the afternoon, shortly before we left Arizona. My daughter was only a few months old, but Ian wouldn't quit until he got the most ridiculous and infectious belly laugh out of her. I wish I had that on video...
In many ways that desire to see people happy and help where he could was indicative of who Ian was as a person.
I literally cannot imagine what Tony, Martha and Valerie are going through, but our thoughts are with them.
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I never got to meet Ian in person, but I was introduced to him by his close friend Trevor, and played games online with them a lot. Ian always went hard, figuring out the best way to play the game, no matter what kind of game it was. Yet at the same time, he never lost focus on just having fun with his friends. He REALLY loved a particular game wherein a 4 man crew would man a ship in space - he built up the best ship out of any of us and dubbed it the "Upgoer", colored in blue, white, and orange. He always piloted and always managed to make the mission go smoothly while simultaneously making us all laugh. And whenever anyone messed up, he always knew what to say; when to be encouraging, and when to poke fun, and he always called out a good play.
Even having never met him in person, and only even knowing him for maybe a year and some change, I felt incredibly close to Ian. I could have real, deep conversations with him that I couldn't even have with other close friends. He gave me advice, good advice, and I gave him advice too. I'll never not lament his loss, and I really wish I could have met him in person, but I will also always have an endless supply of memories and jokes from him that will always make me smile. My condolences go out to his family and close friends.
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Tony, Martha and Valerie,
You will always miss Ian, but he will always be with you in the memories you keep, the stories your family tell, the laughter you share, and the love you all hold for Ian. May those good things help heal the hurt in time. And, may God's love get you through your darkest hour. God Bless you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Paula McPherson
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2007, Desert Springs School - 4th Grade
Ian holding a cow's eye for the classroom dissection
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2007, Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ
Ian with his 4th grade class on their Grand Canyon trip
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It was a joy having Ian in my fourth grade class. He was one of my memorable Ely Scholars. He was always so attentive in class and eager to learn. Whether it was acquiring new academic knowledge or doing the hands-on activities/crafts, Ian always put forth his best effort and took pride in what he accomplished. It was so rewarding and a joy to watch Ian learn.
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My thoughts and prayers are with during this difficult time.
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