Another loss for our community

McCOLLISTER Ian Thomas McCollister, 22 days before his 8th birthday. Son of Mindy (Tate) McCollister of New Albany and Chad McCollister of Westerville. Little brother of Ally McCollister. Died at home Saturday, March 11, 2006, after battling brain cancer for 3 years and 8 months. Born April 2, 1998, Ian was a first grader at New Albany Primary School. Everyone that ever met Ian fell in love. He inspired so many people, old and young, with the true meaning of courage and strength. Ian loved his sister most of all. He also enjoyed dirt bikes, playing baseball, his game boy, music, Spiderman, Power Rangers, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Ian admired his special buddie, "Big Anthony" and the New Albany Football Team. Ian is survived by his parents and big sister; grandparents, Arlo and Jan Tate of Marysville, Frank and Marilyn Debelius of Johnstown, and Scott and Shirly McCollister of Zanesville; aunts and uncles, Jamie Tate, Josh and Judy Shelton, Michael Debelius, Dan Debelius, Stephanie and Doug Neff, Kevin and Lori McCollister, Kelly and Mike Alfman, Matt and Jen McCollister; cousins, Lauren, Megan, Regan, and Jordan Neff, Eric, Ryan, and Casey McCollister, Ashton, Morgan, and Parker Alfman, Emma McCollister, Jessie Shelton. Ian was a brave, courageous, strong, kind, outgoing, loving, feisty, opinionated little boy who was wise beyond his 7 years. He is best known for his smile and the happiness he brought to those that met him. We are extremely blessed to have been able to have Ian for the time we did. We wish to thank: the entire Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic and J5 staff that so lovingly took care of Ian; Dr. Scott Elton and his staff, Dr. Randy Olshefski, Suzanne Scott, RN, Suellen Murphy, RN, and Micah Skeens, RN for their vast knowledge; the entire PT/OT department; and Tammi Young-Salami PhD for her guidance with Ally during this difficult time; the families of the New Albany High School Football team; all the families, teachers, and staff of the New Albany Primary and Elementary Schools. A Celebration of Ian's Life will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, March 15, 2006 at the New Albany Church of the Nazarene, 6000 Johnstown Rd. in New Albany.