Ian would tell stories about teaching but the best stories were about the kids. None of his stories was at the expense of the kids; if anything, they would be at his expense. Teaching taught Ian. He learned as the kids learned. Every day had to be a challenge - but fun and interesting. His classrooms provided kids a haven - at least that is what he said he tried to do. Each child could be an individual. Conformity was never a requirement. How could it? Ian did not conform.

Ian adopted people and people adopted him. He became people's son, brother, uncle, father - but most of all a friend. There was nothing like opening the door to see him standing there (with his wide grin), and be caught up in whatever his plan was for that day. He had the biggest laugh, the largest hugs: his courage was limitless. Everybody wanted to be around him, for his capacity to see the potential in people was uncanny. He could find something good in everyone. He saw things that other people missed.

We all have our stories and memories of Ian. Keep sharing his stories and the stories of him.

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