Here is a note from one of Ira's teammates: "Over the past five years, I was blessed to be able to call Ira my friend. We were teammates in both baseball and football for three years at Kalaheo. We also played summer baseball together for a couple years, giving us the opportunity to hang out a lot more. Out of all the wonderful memories I have of Ira, the one that sticks out the most is of our collision in the outfield one game his senior year. He was playing center and I was in right when a deep fly ball was hit into the gap. We both gave chase with all we had. I was lucky that he had good peripheral vision, because at the last minute he saw me and tried his best to slow down. We still collided, but by him slowing down we both were able to get up injury free. That moment was a perfect example of how great a teammate and friend he truly was. He always looked out for others before himself. He was quick to offer help when it was needed and never failed to cheer me up when I was down. He brought smiles to thousands of faces over the years, and he will continue to do so through memory. I can't thank Ira enough for the friendship he showed me, and I know he is in a better place right now, walking hand in hand with the Lord. Ira, I will never forget you. Rest in Peace my Brother. Love, S.

Ira with his older brother, Jackson and his younger brother, Nathanial and sister, Heather

The following is the text of Ira's last Father's Day Card to me, 1998:

Dear Dad,

Thank you for everything and for having a Mom as caring as Grandma. Even though things didn't turn out the way we would have liked them to, I still feel that you have succeeded as a parent and always as a father.

Everyday I try and do things the way I think you would. I hope to be just like you with all the wisdom you possess. As I am learning more and more, I am beginning to understand the logic in the way you see things and even in the belief of a religion. I have not yet quite discovered the religious part of my life but I totally agree that we should count our blessings and be grateful for the life given to us. All we can do is try our best to live the best life that we have.

I don't think I ever told you that I loved you since you would tuck me into bed when I was a little kid. You rubbing my head and back as I fell asleep is probably my fondest childhood memories. Just because it's hard for me to say these things, don't feel that I don't think them.

I hope everything is going well in New York for you and our family. I love you and I hope you had a Happy Fathers Day. I am thinking about going to visit during next year's spring break. Love, Ira

Here are some notes that were on a sympathy card given to me at the hospital at the time of Ira's passing: "I can't put into words how much Ira meant to me and how much he taught. I'm extremely grateful to him and everybody who brought him up and molded him into the incredible person he is. I will take him with me forever and live in the loving, generous spirit like he would have wanted. I'm forever grateful for having him in my life. I love you Ira." - B. "I will always remember him for one thing - his smile. He always was smiling. In my classes he was so incredibly smart and athletic, he killed us all at any sport. The last time I saw him was when he said goodbye with his usual smile. Thank you so much for such an incredible kid." Love, C. "I remember about 2 weeks ago he told me that he used to be a bully in grammar school. I could only laugh in disbelief. The Ira that I knew was so peaceful, caring, and happy with himself and everyone around him. In the water or playing soccer, or jamming or eating in the cafeteria he was always happy, even when everyone was complaining of lacking something. Although he is so young, I feel there was a completeness to his life and the love that he brought about in us and between us has and will change us forever. Ira, I remember your smile so clearly. Know that I love you and will never forget the good that you brought to us." Love, S. "To me Ira's love for all those around him and for life, was something that I always admired. When he smiled it was like a huge beautiful harmony had just been unleashed. I always wanted to get to know him better to figure out how he remained so peaceful and loving. You had an amazing son and no words can express the beauty and love that he spread when he would kindly look at you in the eye and smile. I will always remember his smiling. Have strength, my prayers are with you." J. "Ira has always been the coolest engineer I know!! He never worried about anything, and he was always making jokes. Every Friday he would come into class and say 'Aloha Friday'. I will always remember how cool he was to everyone. I'm going to miss him, but I'm sure I'll see him in heaven." C. "I don't think I can sum up in this limited amount of space Ira's unique traits that made him liked by all. He is everything that people aim to be like - kind hearted, intelligent, sincere. Someone who knew who he was. I will miss his smile. He and your family are in my prayers." Sincerely, L. "Our love and aloha is with you right now. Ira will be missed more than you know. He will live forever in our hearts. Please take care of yourselves." L. "Ira is truly a great friend and has touched many of us. He will continue to touch us forever. We will greatly miss him. He will live on forever in our hearts." J. More notes from a sympathy card: "Ira was the most positive person to touch me here at USD. His enthusiasm for life grows on people, and he made us all smile - he still does. I will never forget how much he has influenced me. It makes me proud to think that I was blessed to know such a special person. I love Ira so much. Best Wishes, M." "What is one to write on a piece of paper about Ira? I have his portrait in my mind and smile each time I think of him. Je vie en toi, mon amis. O." "Ira was my favorite person to have lunch with. He always used to make fun of me! It was the coolest... He was special. K." "Ira could walk into a room and not say a word and people would still know he was there. He was so relaxed and calm, ready to just make sure people are having fun. I know I will never forget Ira, and the love he brought to so many people. A." "Ira's spark and smile will be with us always. My prayers are with you. A." "Ira was always a wonderful friend to everyone! Always positive and willing. Now that he is with God, he will be an angel and guardian to us all. Thank you for your wonderful son! We all love him and both of you. If you ever need anything, please call us. Love, A." "Cards aren't fun, can't express real feelings, I can't write anything more than anyone else wrote but I know that your son was one of my closest friends. I loved him and always will." "Your son was one of the nicest people I've met. He was fun, sweet and cared about everyone. My thoughts go out to you. T." "What could I say about Ira that you don't already know. He was one of the sweetest, nicest, peaceful people that I knew. He was always such a gentleman. I am fully honored to have known him, and I will always cherish the memories I have of him. My prayers and thoughts are with you always. C."