Ian Halliday

1969 - 2015

Ian A. Halliday

Entered into his Rest on December 15 at Stanford Hospital at the age of 46. He died of complications from hemophilia. Ian was born June 17, 1969 in Boston, Massachusetts and moved to Palo Alto with his family in 1975.

He attended Palo Alto High School, graduating in 1987. He continued his education at Foothill Junior College and studied political science at Cal State Long Beach where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

An avid athlete, Ian taught swimming and lifesaving and managed the adult recreation swim program at Rinconada Park. He later was a bank teller for Bank of America in Palo Alto.

As many of his friends can attest, Ian had a life long passion for cinema. He studied the artistry of filming, followed the works of several of his favorite directors, and developed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the business. Movie reviews meant little to him. Instead he wanted to see what a favorite actor or performer did in a new film. Over time he assembled a library of DVD's of the best performers and directors whose work he admired. That library of more than 800 titles has been donated to the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto for the enjoyment of its residents.

Despite the lifelong struggles with hemophilia and acquired HIV and Hepatitis C, Ian always was a fighter and survivor, never giving in and always looking at the bright side of life.

His Requiem was celebrated at St. Ann Chapel in Palo Alto followed later by a Committal service at Alta Mesa Cemetery.

Ian is survived by his parents, Katherine and Jack Halliday, his brother Hank (Karen) of San Marcos, California, and six first cousins.

Donations in Ian's memory may be made to Project Open Hand, 730 Polk Street, San Francisco, California 94109.