Ian James Cary, 32, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on June 15, 2020 at his home in Zigzag, Oregon. He was the beloved son of Paul and Susan Cary and the beloved brother of Laura (Cary) Wilkinson and her husband, Tyler Wilkinson. He also leaves his paternal grandmother, Margaret Cary, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and was predeceased by many other relatives.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was a 2006 graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School and a 2010 graduate of The University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies. His childhood love of nature first began on his family’s farm, and continued to grow through frequent skiing and summer trips to Rangeley, Maine. In 2010, Ian followed his dream to move to the Pacific Northwest. As a conservationist, park ranger and eventually, wildland forest firefighter, he was able to fulfill his true calling; preserving wildlands and protecting the surrounding communities.
Ian began as a volunteer intern for the Zigzag Ranger District’s Interpretive Education Team. Between working, he gave guided snowshoe tours to both national and international tourist groups, including two former dignitaries, who were heads of the National Forest Service in Washington, D.C. His love of the Timberline Lodge continued as Ian gave historic interior tours over the years. He then went on to work as a park ranger at Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State. In 2013, he began his career as a wildland forest firefighter racking up over 354 shifts on 70 wildfire incidents across seven western states. Ian was a certified Type 1 Firefighter, timber faller, and lead chainsaw operator. He recently qualified as a Type 5 Incident Commander and was a helicopter crew member trainee. In 2018, Ian’s team received a certification of appreciation from the Willamette National Forest, U.S. Forest Service for their heroic courage during the Mendocino Complex Fire, the largest recorded fire complex in California history.
In addition to Ian’s heroic career, he had a love of history and thirst for knowledge. His passions included skiing, snowboarding, fly-fishing, hiking, and wood whittling. He was an accomplished drummer and guitarist and a gifted artist, writer, and photographer, as well as an exceptional pool player among other talents. He truly put his heart into everything he touched.
Countless friends and family members have expressed his unique ability to bring out the best in everyone. He was one of those rare individuals who would light up any room he entered. Ian’s greatest contribution lay in his deep love of family, friends, co-workers, and those he was destined to meet. He was personally invested in each of their lives.
On July 15, 2020, the National Wildland Forest Service Zigzag Ranger District hosted a virtual memorial that was attended by over 125 family members, friends, and coworkers honoring his legacy. Anyone who wishes to view the memorial service can follow the link listed below. Ian will live on eternally through the lives he has touched and the memories that we share.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a private Mass held. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that contributions be made to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation in his name at www.wffoundation.org.
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LINK FOR RECORDED VIRTUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD ON 7/15/2020:
https://youtu.be/QZykoRWTxnM
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