Ian Flanders

Ian W. Flanders Oct. 20, 1986 - July 21, 2015 LAPORTE - Ian W. Flanders, lovingly dubbed "Ian Capitan" by his mother, Traci, was born on October 20, 1986 with a thirst for adventure. He began the first fourteen years of his life developing the audacious nature that became one of his defining qualities. Ian, with his mother Traci, stepfather David, and younger sister, Kendall by his side, spent his early years in Indiana trekking through the woods, playing ice hockey on the lake near their home, snowboarding through the hills of Ski Valley and nurturing a love for animals -- especially dogs. Ian picked up his adventures when he and his family moved to North County San Diego, California in his early teens, where he parlayed his fascination of the natural world into rock climbing, highlights being the successful scaling of El Capitan and a solo climb of the leaning tower in Yosemite National Park. His identity as a climber soon evolved with the discovery of a newfound passion: skydiving and BASE jumping. Ian began his professional life as a registered sleep technologist (RPSGT), transitioning into a clinical sales position with Philips Respironics. Ultimately though Ian developed his passion for BASE jumping into a full time career. Backed by several high profile clients, Ian retained several high profile clients such as North Face, Yeti Mountain Bikes, and KFC. Jumping sent Ian globe-trotting across Western Europe, South Africa, Mexico, and Singapore, growing a fondness for Switzerland and Italy especially. On a local level, Ian spent his time in Orange County, traveling in his van with his beloved Great Dane, Zeela, slack-lining in nearby parks, and sky diving in Oceanside, a favorite spot that was close to home. His energy was contagious -- spreading to all who came in contact with him. He inspired with his courage, provided comic relief with his goofy sense of humor, and reached hearts with his loyalty. Ian was vibrant with life, so much so that he could not be contained; no obstacle or person or injury could hold him down long enough before he took off soaring across the sky again. Almost ten years of awe-inspiring feats in the world of extreme sports all led up to the ultimate jump at the International Culture and Nature Sports Festival in Turkey: a wingsuit jump over a canyon at the depth of 900 feet. Ian successfully completed this unprecedented jump on July 21, 2015 as part of the first wingsuit jump in Turkey's history. Although Ian's final jump ended in inexpressible tragedy many take some solace with the knowledge that Ian died doing something that he loved, while others firmly hold on to the hope discussed in John 5: 28, 29. Ian is survived by his mother Traci, stepfather David, and sister Kendall. Ian's extended family includes his great-grandfather, Bill Troxell, grandparents, Sherie Schroeder, and Tom & Vicki Troxell, and his aunts & uncles: Leslie & Damon Schroeder, Tyro (spouse Tiffeny), Nathan (spouse Kate), Andy (spouse Janey), Bethany and Megan Troxell, numerous cousins, and his biological father, Bill Flanders and sister, Heather Kruger. Ian was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ray and Nellie Barcus and Arlene Troxell, grandfather, Harry Schroeder and grandparents, Marion and Ralph Flanders. In lieu of flowers the family has decided to erect a memorial plaque in Yosemite National Park as it was one of his favorite places to visit. If you would like to contribute to this effort the family has set up the Ian Flanders Memorial fund through LaPorte Savings Bank.