Ian Austin Williamson

Obituary Ian Austin Williamson passed away peacefully but way too soon on the morning of May 22, 2017, at his home in Irvine, California. Born in 1973, Ian graduated from Tustin High School in 1992 and then from Colorado State University, in 1997. After college, Ian returned to the Tustin/Irvine area where he became an incredibly gifted and talented teacher at Utt Middle School and then Tustin High School. He also coached the cross-country team and led the Science Olympiad program. He touched the lives of thousands of young people, inspiring his students to learn more about science and encouraging them to share his positive attitude. He married Jehann Joy Elsemri in 2001, and, in 2014, welcomed his son, Kieran, into the world. Ian was diagnosed with melanoma almost 11 years ago. He grabbed onto to life with all his might. In these past years, Ian committed himself to long-distance running, completing many marathons. In 2013, the year of the bombings, he completed the Boston Marathon in his own personal best time. He honed his teaching skills and won Teacher of the Year Awards. He held onto childhood friendships and made many new friends. He loved his California and Colorado roots - even giving his students extra credit when the Broncos won. His smile and positive attitude welcomed people into his life. Ian is mourned by the many students he taught and coached. He is missed by Jay and Kieran in Irvine, CA, his parents, Cindy and Drew Williamson, in Fort Collins, his brother, Ryan Williamson, in Loveland, his grandmother, Dorothy White, in Fort Collins, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved in-laws. Whether running a marathon, teaching his students, playing games with friends, or holding his family close, Ian said "I Will! I will be strong. I will fight. I will be inquisitive and whimsical. I will create, encourage, and nurture. I will find joy." Ian shared his indomitable spirit with all he met. To honor his legacy, his family has established The I Will Fund for Science Education to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) initiatives in the Tustin School System. The Tustin Public Schools Foundation will administer the I Will Fund for Science Education. Donations in Ian's memory may be made here: http://www.tpsf.net/i-will-fund. SERVICES Celebration of Life Saturday, June 10, 2017 Tustin, California , Read More Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Ian Austin Williamson