Darian "Ian" Forough

"Darian “Ian” brought joy to our lives from the get-go, he was fiercely independent, incredibly hard working, and always set high bars for himself. He won an award in elementary for the most honest student in school. Growing up, this level of honesty was sometimes hard for adults in his outer circle to mitigate, but those who were close to him admired him for it. With talents and interests ranging from music, chess, cars, and reading, while growing up he aspired to be a “mechanic and an artist”.   Ian was a humble and modest person who would give the shirt off his back to those in need. As a young child he often gave away his allowance or food to homeless people he encountered in our travels. Anytime he bought a meal and saw a hungry homeless person, he ran out and shared his meal.   Again, being the fiercely independent young man that he was, he always worked full-time and at times held two jobs to put himself through school. Ian attended Running Start at Bellevue College while in high school. Inspired by a history teacher, he attended the UW to become a history teacher. However, being the pragmatic person that he was, he didn’t want to graduate with an enormous debt and so shifted his life plans. Ultimately, his love of cars and childhood aspirations took him to the Auto Body Program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.  His hard work at LWIT was rewarded by two scholarships that further encouraged his path.   The perfectionist that he was, Ian spent hours practicing masking, taping, and prepping cars in our driveway!  Always helpful, he took care of all of our home improvements and repairs, did all of his own car maintenance and was my go to for any car related questions. He usually ended his evenings after a very long day of work playing guitar softly in our living room. He enjoyed playing chess online with his best friend and he is missed terribly by those who love him deeply. It brings us much joy to honor Ian through the Darian “Ian” Forough Memorial Endowment to support other students attending Lake Washington Institute of Technology."

- Arzu Forough, Ian's Mother    

"I really can't put into words the kind of love I had for you Ian Forough. You were so much more different than everyone else I met in Kirkland. Brutally honest and you had a sense of wrong and right like no other. You always did what you wanted. You never let anything you desired go unreached. I've never met someone that abruptly dedicated. I still remember how any idea you had you would materialize immediately. Your knowledge was unfathomable, such a smart and wise man for your age, no one could ever argue with you about anything. No one could ever help but to admire you or be intimidated by you... everyone loves honesty until you’re honest with them and you were the best example that I can think of in a human being. Being your friend was definitely complicated, that is why calling you my best friend was a true honor. You played the guitar like no one I've ever met, I'll never forget you man. You can be sure there will forever and always be a place for you in my heart. Thank you for being with us. Thank you for being a part of my life. Can't wait to see you again brother."

- Onandy Vargas, Ian's Closest Friend

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