Ian P Weikel

West Point, 1997

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by LTC William Boice, WP '88 (Mentor/Friend) on April 25, 2006:

I feel like we've lost a child, a brother. Today, I know we - family, friends and Soldiers - have lost so much more and the kingdom of heaven has gained a bright shining star - a kind and compassionate leader. Ian only saw the good in life and fought for that good. The Lord decided that Ian was needed by his side. I'm having a rough time accepting that right now, but know I will have the explanation soon enough when our short time on this earth is through. My family spent a wonderful year and a half at West Point with Ian and Wendy, watching and mentoring them as they grew in their relationship with God, each other and the Army. My fondest memories of Ian at West Point are the times he would run off the Pitch in his Rugby uniform with his shoes tied together and dangling off a shoulder, smile on his face and covered with mud. He attacked what he did with vigor, and always with a smile. Or, when he'd show up on a weekend with a friend or two in tow, just wanting to hang out and talk with us about what was going on in his life. Of course, he'd be there to eat too, but he truly wanted us to share in his excitement of rugby, or a weekend with Wendy, or questions about being a Lieutenant. Our kids would crawl all over him and Wendy, and they both took interest in our children. Through talks over the phone or e-mail, meetings at Ft. Carson, or in Iraq, Ian and Wendy truly cared about others before themselves. They served others selflessly and always stood out as examples. Wendy and JT - We have been truly blessed with our time on earth with Ian. I am honored that my children know such a hero and that he can watch over us now. I imagine there was a heck of a reception for Ian, and look forward to seeing him again. He is a friend, and much more...

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