Ian Vazquez and family fundraiser

I (Otto Vazquez) and my mother (Kelly Otto) lost my brother Ian Vazquez on December 25, 2021. 

 

I have started this fundraiser with the intention of raising money for my mother to assist with the cost of the funeral services, the unexpected expenses, and also to give her the opportunity to heal without the burden of financial stress. 

 

Ian meant everything to us. He was not only my brother but a true best friend, a partner in crime, a shoulder to cry on, and someone to laugh until you cry with. 

 

As far back as I can remember there was always an unbreakable love for one another. Before he even could talk, making me smile was one of his greatest joys. He used to sit in his little high chair, face covered with whatever his meal was, and make faces at me till I spit out my food laughing. 

 

When we were teenagers, Ian did a lot of soul searching, probably more than most kids that age. He really tried hard to find what he loved. And when he found something that sparked that flame of passion, he never let it go. 

 

It went from making pretend radio DJ segments on GarageBand and playing with Hot Wheels cars to mastering his first keyboard synthesizer and upgrading the bejeezus out of his FC RX7 and Mitsubishi Starion drift cars. And eventually led to winning multiple Madison Area Music Awards and purchasing his prized Possession, his Toyota MR2, imported from Japan.

 

He never boasted about his accomplishments; he was always humble. That was Ian. A quiet but consistent pursuit of his passions.

 

Though he’s moved on, the things he taught simply by being himself will live on.

 

And in ways, he’s still here with us. In all of our acts of kindness, he is with us. And in every moment we reach for our own passion, he’s here with us—and always will be.

 

Thank you, Ian.

 

I love you.