Ian Michael Griffin
1971 - 2000

"Free to soar the heavens"

an was born in New York City and grew up in Larchmont and Pound Ridge, New York. He went to New Canaan High School where he was active in many community activities including theater, fund raising for Muscular Dystrophy, establishment of a teen center and Young Life. He then matriculated at the University of California at San Diego and graduated with distinction in Urban Planning.

He studied and learned and understood
He created and charmed and entertained
He was tenacious
He had unbelievable patience
His sense of humor seemed endless
His sense of irony was deep

From his early years Ian always had an interest in science, especially astronomy where he was fascinated with black holes. He constantly read and researched a broad range of subjects. While attending the University of California, San Diego, Ian became a docent at the Scripps Aquarium in La Jolla, California. He enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of marine life and taught both visitors and docents alike to make educated observations.

Ian then went to San Diego State University in pursuit of his doctorate in Geographical Information Systems. His illness interfered with his ability to carry on with his studies and Ian returned to San Francisco to be with his family. His keen interest in computer technology provided Ian with the skills to offer Web site design services and he quickly became everyone's personal consultant on all things computer related. He also became an avid collector of music and beautiful artworks.

Ian was a devoted and loving son and brother and a caring, generous friend who never complained about his situation in life. A few months before he died, he became interested in Celestis and downloaded the information from its Web site. We talked about what a wonderful concept it was and when Ian died unexpectedly soon we knew exactly what he would have wanted us to do. In his journal written nine years ago he left us a message concerning his wishes for his legacy: "When I finally pass away, I hope I leave one of happiness and hope. That the love I feel for those around me lives on much longer [than] I do."

The pain of losing you is tempered by knowing that you can now
Pursue your soul's desire unencumbered by earthly bonds
Thank you Ian for sharing your precious life with us
God speed.

The Parents of Ian Griffin

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