Lasting Memories

Ian Garrett Sears
April 6, 1986-July 17, 2017
Portola Valley, California

Submitted by Lowell Sears

Ian Garrett Sears, 31, of Portola Valley, took his own life July 17, 2017, at his mother’s home after a long brave struggle with depression and anxiety.

Ian was born in West Hills, California. He graduated from Sacred Heart Preparatory in Atherton, where he played varsity soccer. He attended Cañada College, the Academy of Art University, and Case Western Reserve University. Ian was a wonderful loving son, grandson, nephew and cousin.

A writer, painter, and filmmaker, he had a truly gifted way with animals. His interests included social psychology and political science.

Ian is survived by his mother, Cindi Sears, his father Lowell Sears and his step-mother Merijane Lee, all of Portola Valley; his cousin Samuel Chaknova, cousin Daniel Chaknova, Daniel’s wife Mandy Sunderland Chaknova all of Redwood City; his aunt and uncle Helen and Jeff Chaknova of San Carlos; and his grandmother Isabel Sears of Orinda, California.

From Patt Nelson Hochhalter
Feb. 23, 2018

With an impish grin and that twinkle in his eye, young Ian greeted me at the front door when I worked for his parents. When the work was over, I deleted the file except for a picture of Ian with his 2nd dog, Miles. Ian's light will never fade.