Ira wrote in his journal - "Follow My Song" My guitar is my best friend. Allies to keep me company when I'm alone in the massive world. Let them think what they want to but don't you change to how they want you. Be your own person since only yourself knows. Find the beautiful world that you are looking for. I will help you along the way, only when in need and only when you can begin to change. The life we live is only done once, so the way you choose should contain some thought. Do you ever feel like an angel that has already experienced heaven, sent upon the Earth to help someone's burden? I hope we all feel that we are doing good for others - feeding wood to the fires - mine and yours.

As a young child, Ira enjoyed tree climbing, soccer, baseball, football, bodyboarding, and creating stress for those around him. He was a tough little kid who never felt sorry for himself.

Ira's favorite number is "23". Here is a note from his high school baseball team:
"On the baseball field or off, Ira was always the same - whatever happened he never seemed discouraged. He kept moving forward and working to achieve his goals, whatever they were.

Ira was admired by his teammates. On the field he never complained. Whenever the coaches made us run, most players whined, but Ira was consistently the first one to line up at home plate. You could tell the difference between Ira and the rest because Ira was the guy always giving it 110% and going hard every time, working to improve his game and help our team. He gave us confidence, encouragement and the ideal example to follow. We'll miss Ira and we are thankful for the chance to have known such a person.

Number 23 is love and will always be remembered by the Kalaheo Baseball Team as an outstanding ball player and a great friend."

Here is a note from one of Ira's baseball coaches:

"I had the privilege of coaching Ira in baseball during his 11th through 15th years. He was a skilled ballplayer who made the all-star teams as a catcher in each of those five seasons.

The thing I remember most about Ira is that he was disciplined, well behaved, humble and just a joy to coach. Even at that early age you just knew he would be a winner in everything he pursued. I have some distinct memories of Ira. One, is his classic "poke-hit", being a line drive right up the "box". He always seemed to come through when we needed the crucial base hit. Second, was the way he would signal the defensive play to the infielder with his hand to the helmet, chest and belly on a "man on 1st & 3rd base" situation. We were not always successful but we ALWAYS had the confidence that the play would be properly executed. Third, was the game in which Ira was on the receiving end of a violent collision at home plate. Ira's front teeth were knocked loose but he did not shed a tear, complain, or become upset. He was forced to sit out the remeinder of the game but he stayed in the dugout cheering on his teammates. Finally, the distinct and mischievous smile that he always seemed to have on his face. If you did not know any better you would think he was up to something. Like the time they were trying to douse me with water after the last game of the season. I will never forget that smile.

It had been several years since I had seen Ira on a daily basis but whenever we would see him he would always stop and chat. Those moments made all those years of coaching worthwhile. You just knew that he appreciated it. The last time I saw Ira he was working a 7-Eleven during summer vacation. I do not recall specifically what we talked about but I will never, ever forget that smile.

When I first heard that Ira had passed away I felt cheated because I knew we had lost one of Hawaii's finest sons. He would have surely grown up to be an upstanding member of our state and would have given back to the community by coaching the many sports in which he excelled. Then I thought, just as we chose the best players for our all-star team, heaven must have needed an all-star.

Ira, thank you for being a part of my life and the things that you've taught me. I will never forget you." Coach D.

This letter was written to Ira's Grandmother:

Dear Ira's Grandma: I met Ira at the beginning of last year. We became good friends easily. We would play soccer, and surf together all the time. After leaving my family and friends behind and coming to school, Ira was one of my most solid friends. He was so content and had such a positive, mellow attitude towards everything that it made a new life at school for me a lot easier and a lot happier. In talking with and watching my friends, they noticed the same strength and happiness in Ira. He touched all of our lives and brought us closer together.

The night before the accident I saw Ira and __ playing tennis. They had already worked out and played basketball. I asked them if they wanted to play beach volleyball and they did. We played until dark, laughing and playing hard with __, __, __, and I.Then we went and ate at the cafeteria. We had such a great time.

The next evening I stopped by Ira's room on the way to the cafeteria. Ira was his usual happy self. Then we started to skate down the hill and the accident happened.

I still don't know exactly what happened or why, but I somehow know that Ira had reached a place in life that none of my friends had. Our friend __ said that Ira was like a flower that had fully blossomed. We had a big circle ceremony with all the people that knew Ira. Many whom I had never met. Each told of their stories and thoughts and the impact Ira had made in their life. It seemed Ira's warm heart and contentedness had touched so many people so deeply. I think there are few people who have done so much good to so many people in such a short time. Ira died with no enemies. I could not think of one person who disliked him, and that is something amazing. I will miss him, and always remember the fun we had, the things he taught me, and his good and happy soul. I thank you as his Grandma for helping to mold such a beautiful person, that I got to know in my life.

Thank you for writing and please keep in touch. Love,.