Ian Bailey died on April 4, 2023.
Alyzabeth wrote two letters to Ian, one in 2020 (Shannon asked for Ian's friends to write a letter), the second in 2022 (a teacher asked those who knew him to write it).
08/18/2022 Dear Ian,
I do not know where to start when I say that you have had a large impact on my life. Ever since I got to know you in elementary school, I can say that my life is infinitely better with you in it. I remember doing fun experiments with you in Mrs. Rauth’s 5th grade science class. It was awesome to meet someone who shared my enjoyment of Star Wars. Since then, you have been one of my closest friends. Thank you for inviting me to go with you to Galaxy’s Edge, it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I miss seeing you at school everyday. You are always polite and kind to everyone you meet, and it is such a good feeling to be your friend. I always enjoy seeing and talking to you. I hope others will get to know how brilliant you are as a person and a friend.
Your friend, Alyzabeth Morgan
08/18/2022 Dear Ian,
I do not know where to start when I say that you have had a large impact on my life. Ever since I got to know you in elementary school, I can say that my life is infinitely better with you in it. I remember doing fun experiments with you in Mrs. Rauth’s 5th grade science class. It was awesome to meet someone who shared my enjoyment of Star Wars. Since then, you have been one of my closest friends. Thank you for inviting me to go with you to Galaxy’s Edge, it was an amazing experience that I will never forget. I miss seeing you at school everyday. You are always polite and kind to everyone you meet, and it is such a good feeling to be your friend. I always enjoy seeing and talking to you. I hope others will get to know how brilliant you are as a person and a friend.
Your friend, Alyzabeth Morgan
11/17/2020 Sunday was a day of rest, all of us a bit tired. AA worked on her science project, writing all the different parts that will go on the display board.
Since AA had not seen Ian in a few weeks and really didn't have a chance to visit at his party yesterday, we called to see if he wanted a visitor. We spent the afternoon catching up with parents Shannon and David, while AA and Ian played video games. We learned that at the party Ian said a funny, made it up about not "roasting his Mom" as you're not allowed to burn trash or ''you can't burn trash". I guess it was pretty funny joke as he said his Dad told him which in reality his Dad had not. We learned they collected snacks and toys to give back to the hospital, to families who need to entertain kids during hospital visits. Next up is Ian's Make a Wish Disney trip, we are looking forward to sharing that adventure with them.
Ian's Mom, Shannon asked AA to write a letter to Ian, about having a friend with cancer. Here is her letter to Ian:
Dear Ian,
Before I start, DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR ANYTHING THAT I MENTION! NOTHING IS EVER YOUR FAULT! (Unless it actually was)
I can’t begin to imagine what you went through. I do know that you are a very strong person who has made it through a very rough patch of your life. When I first heard you had cancer it was on a Monday at lunch, I believe that it was the Monday after the Sunday that you had found out. I was sitting with Matthew L. and Matthew M. at the usual table we sat at. I had assumed that you were sick, since you very rarely missed school. When I first found out that you had cancer from Matthew M, I almost didn’t believe him, but there was a part of me that thought the worst. When you made the announcement to the entire 6th grade class I remember walking to Mrs. Dougherty’s classroom filled with dread and anxiety about what was happening. I was standing in the back of the room watching you tell everyone and people were starting to cry, I’ll admit that I was crying too, even though I was trying not to. I know that if I was in your position I would not have wanted to announce the news to everyone.
It was spring break and Noah, my mom, and I was coming back from hiking in The Ravines state park. We had stopped at your house to say hi. Noah and I ended up playing Minecraft with you for awhile. You were losing most of your hair, and I think you shaved your head that night. I had fun that day, (although I still don’t forgive you for killing all the baby pandas and kittens). It was nice seeing you since you were missing so much school.
The first time me and my parents went to visit you in the hospital it was sometime soon after your surgery. We played Jeopardy together, and then you had to do your PT. It was hard and painful for me to watch as you moved and stretched your leg. I remember you saying that you would kill your mom because of what she was doing. (And I’m glad that you didn’t follow up on that.)
June was when we officially became rising 7th graders. One of the only things that made me want to cry during the 6th grade promotion was when you played Perfect on the piano. It was beautiful, and very touching. I am glad that you were able to make it.
Thank you for inviting me to your home, and out with your family multiple times. I enjoyed coming over to your house and playing video games and board games with you, going to see Toy Story 4, and just being with you in general. I really missed you at school that last half of the year, and I wish we could have gone to school together for the next two years. I can’t wait until we have more adventures together.
Before I end this letter, I wanted to ask, do you remember when we first became friends? It was in 5th grade, in Mrs. Rauth’s first period science. We were made to sit together because she didn’t want anyone to sit alone. I think it’s cool, and I am proud to say that I was the first member of the original squad from 4th grade (Tyler, Abby, Owen, me, Jane, and Connor) to become your friend.
Your best friend,
Alyzabeth
Since AA had not seen Ian in a few weeks and really didn't have a chance to visit at his party yesterday, we called to see if he wanted a visitor. We spent the afternoon catching up with parents Shannon and David, while AA and Ian played video games. We learned that at the party Ian said a funny, made it up about not "roasting his Mom" as you're not allowed to burn trash or ''you can't burn trash". I guess it was pretty funny joke as he said his Dad told him which in reality his Dad had not. We learned they collected snacks and toys to give back to the hospital, to families who need to entertain kids during hospital visits. Next up is Ian's Make a Wish Disney trip, we are looking forward to sharing that adventure with them.
Ian's Mom, Shannon asked AA to write a letter to Ian, about having a friend with cancer. Here is her letter to Ian:
Dear Ian,
Before I start, DO NOT APOLOGIZE FOR ANYTHING THAT I MENTION! NOTHING IS EVER YOUR FAULT! (Unless it actually was)
I can’t begin to imagine what you went through. I do know that you are a very strong person who has made it through a very rough patch of your life. When I first heard you had cancer it was on a Monday at lunch, I believe that it was the Monday after the Sunday that you had found out. I was sitting with Matthew L. and Matthew M. at the usual table we sat at. I had assumed that you were sick, since you very rarely missed school. When I first found out that you had cancer from Matthew M, I almost didn’t believe him, but there was a part of me that thought the worst. When you made the announcement to the entire 6th grade class I remember walking to Mrs. Dougherty’s classroom filled with dread and anxiety about what was happening. I was standing in the back of the room watching you tell everyone and people were starting to cry, I’ll admit that I was crying too, even though I was trying not to. I know that if I was in your position I would not have wanted to announce the news to everyone.
It was spring break and Noah, my mom, and I was coming back from hiking in The Ravines state park. We had stopped at your house to say hi. Noah and I ended up playing Minecraft with you for awhile. You were losing most of your hair, and I think you shaved your head that night. I had fun that day, (although I still don’t forgive you for killing all the baby pandas and kittens). It was nice seeing you since you were missing so much school.
The first time me and my parents went to visit you in the hospital it was sometime soon after your surgery. We played Jeopardy together, and then you had to do your PT. It was hard and painful for me to watch as you moved and stretched your leg. I remember you saying that you would kill your mom because of what she was doing. (And I’m glad that you didn’t follow up on that.)
June was when we officially became rising 7th graders. One of the only things that made me want to cry during the 6th grade promotion was when you played Perfect on the piano. It was beautiful, and very touching. I am glad that you were able to make it.
Thank you for inviting me to your home, and out with your family multiple times. I enjoyed coming over to your house and playing video games and board games with you, going to see Toy Story 4, and just being with you in general. I really missed you at school that last half of the year, and I wish we could have gone to school together for the next two years. I can’t wait until we have more adventures together.
Before I end this letter, I wanted to ask, do you remember when we first became friends? It was in 5th grade, in Mrs. Rauth’s first period science. We were made to sit together because she didn’t want anyone to sit alone. I think it’s cool, and I am proud to say that I was the first member of the original squad from 4th grade (Tyler, Abby, Owen, me, Jane, and Connor) to become your friend.
Your best friend,
Alyzabeth
Joshua 1:9:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Obituary:
Our beautiful son, Ian Dane Bailey (EE), age 16, passed away peacefully at home on April 4, 2023 safely held in our and his two brothers’ arms. Ian was born in Jacksonville, Florida, the eldest child to his parents David and Shannon Bailey. Ian was preceded in death by his cousins Michael (Mick) Eberhardt and Zane Harris.
Ian’s uncanny sense of humor and his innate ability to make others laugh made all who met him feel at ease. He exuded politeness and effortlessly demonstrated the most unselfish love to all who knew him. His ability to love and see all people without predetermined thoughts or expectations was irrefutable. Ian was not a child of worldly possessions, as the greatest gifts to him were his bonds formed with family and friends. Given a choice between a personal gift or time with others, he always chose the latter. While battling osteosarcoma for four years, he never wavered in his poise and continued to put those he loved before himself. His concern for the well-being of others always outweighed his own. His desire to protect his parents, brothers and everyone else was prioritized over the pain inflicted upon him from his cruel disease. Our son lived his life to the fullest and always encouraged everyone around him to do the same. He navigated troubled waters with a smile on his face, grace in his heart, and the courage of 10,000 men. Ian was an exemplary scholar whose 4.75 GPA tied him for the #1 ranking at Fleming Island High in a class of over 460 students. As a member of Fleming Island High's prestigious AICE program, Ian earned an Outstanding Cambridge Learning award for his performance on his 9th grade exams and attained the Clay County School District’s highest score on the European History exam out of over 225 students. Ian was also inducted into the nationally acclaimed National Honor Society for his outstanding academic achievements. Ian is survived by his parents (David and Shannon Bailey), his brothers (Lincoln and Owen Bailey), his grandparents (Gary and Deborah White, Lawne and Karen Bailey), his Aunts and Uncles (Kristen and Greg Harris, Gary White Jr., and Leigh-Ann and Craig Roy) and cousins (Zach Harris, Jaden Roy, and Caleigh Roy), as well as other cousins.
Ian’s life so beautifully exemplified Matthew 6:19-21; “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” After Ian’s first relapse, Ian chose to participate in a clinical trial stating, “Even if I don’t survive this, at least I have contributed to science to help find a cure for this disease.” In lieu of flowers, we are asking for monetary donations to be able to write a check in honor of Ian to Fourth and Gold, a local non-profit organization started by one of his nurses to fund childhood cancer research. 100% of donations will go directly to this organization. Venmo info is: David-Bailey-283, and for verification 2768. You may also donate directly to Fourth and Gold on his behalf. Thank you for helping us to honor our son and his desire to further and advance childhood cancer research.
Please join us in celebrating our son, Ian Dane Bailey’s life, Monday evening at 6:00 pm, April 17, 2023 at Sullivan Hall at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 7190 Us-17 S, Fleming Island, FL 32003. All are welcome.
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