On March 4, 2023, Ian Charles Romaine left his earthly body to live forevermore in the presence of his greatest hero, his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ian passed away after an 11-month battle with one of the most aggressive terminal brain cancers that afflict children today, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). However, cancer did not for one second define his identity. He was first and foremost a child of God and a follower of Jesus, having placed his personal faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ when he was 6 years old, and he declared it before the church and unto the world through his public baptism when he was 7.

Ian was born on November 15, 2014, in Salamanca, Spain and was the biggest baby the pediatrician had ever seen. He was a chubby and sweet baby who grew into an amazing little man. Some would say his life was cut short, but those who knew Ian would quickly raise an objection and say the impact and legacy of this gentle, adventurous, yet cautious boy has rippled far broader and touched more lives than most adult men could ever dream. He impacted all he came in contact with because of his overwhelming generosity and thoughtfulness of others; he was always giving his toys and candy away to strangers and friends alike. Ian would proudly state that he wanted to be a soccer player when he grew up and loved playing many sports, building legos, playing video games, swimming, riding his bike, and being outdoors.