| Graduation Year | Class of 2004 |
| Date of Birth | Aug 12, 1986 |
| Date of Passing | Sep 17, 2017 |
| About | Ian K. Simensen Obituary Ian Kendal Simensen passed away September 17, 2017 in Mercer Island, WA. He was born on August 12, 1986 in Portland, Oregon to Randy and Lerese Simensen and grew up in Vancouver, Washington. He spent his childhood enjoying music and sports and became a staunch fan of the Denver Broncos at the early age of eight. In high school his family moved to Auburn, WA where he attended Auburn Riverside High School and it was here that his musical talent with the trumpet began to evolve. Ian excelled academically and especially enjoyed all things band and playing league soccer. After high school, Ian attended the University of Washington and graduated in 2009 with a major in Music Education. Ian also received his Master of Music degree from American Band College. His favorite memories of college were of his Husky Marching Band friends and experiences. In 2009, Ian moved to the Skagit Valley to teach band in Anacortes, WA. Ian's love of music and unbridled enthusiasm helped him turn the Anacortes band program into a thriving, competitive and award winning program. He won the Walter A. Brodniak Cultural Education award in 2013. Ian believed the arts as a whole connected us to ourselves and each other. In 2013, he met his beloved companion Meggie whom he loved and lived with until the end. Together they enjoyed adventures all over the world, taking their friends' dogs for walks, playing practical jokes on each other and friends, enjoying countless hours playing games, sports, and attending concerts. Together there was not an ounce of love or life wasted. Ian was diagnosed with brain cancer in August 2016 and fought valiantly for the next 13 months. Throughout his illness, he continued to enjoy spending time with his family and friends, rooting for the Seattle Sounders and the Denver Broncos, playing games and taking pictures with all his visitors. He passed away on Sunday, September 17th, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Throughout all of these experiences Ian collected many friends and special memories. People were drawn in by his charismatic personality and ability to have fun. Ian will be sorely missed by all, but his legacy of family, friends, fun, and music will live on in all of those who were blessed to know and love him. He is survived by his parents Randy and Lerese, brother Randal, sister in law Crystal, niece Randi, nephew Cooper, and his companion Meggie Lavelle. A celebration of Ians life is planned for October 14, 2017 at 2:00 in Brodniak Hall, Anacortes High School 1600 20th St, Anacortes, WA 98221. An open house reception will follow at the Eagles Club, 901 7th St, Anacortes, WA 98221. Anyone whose life was touched by Ian is welcome to stop by to share memories, friendship and music. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Ian Simensen Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Anacortes Scholarship Foundation 2200 M. Avenue Anacortes, WA 98221. |
