Ian Francis Metler

Ian showed courage and strength-of-character with a selfless dedication to his loved ones.

<em>Send us a river, like life soft </em> <em>and wide so we might float </em> <em>on down and sit on by </em> <em>your riverside.</em>
Send us a river, like life soft and wide so we might float on down and sit on by your riverside.

February 20, 1976 — March 20, 2025

Ian Francis Metler, born February 20, 1976, passed away at home on March 20, 2025, after living with cancer for the last six years of his life. He will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends and the Vashon Island community. Music, the forest that surrounds his yurt, the waters of the Salish Sea and most importantly his family formed the backdrop of Ian’s life. He was a jack of all trades and a master of many, bringing a creative energy to a unique and inspiring life.

The woods surrounding his home and time spent with his family brought Ian the most joy. From teepee to treehouse to yurt, Ian always lived close to the land. Together with Maria, his wife of 18 years, he shared a commitment to a simple life and created an island oasis within the complex vegetation of their forest, a respite from the often harried pace of modern life.

Ian’s interest in music and the arts began early, launched by his solo performance of Country Road with red kerchief, cowboy hat, and freckled nose at the Burton Elementary School’s third grade program. Later he attended the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences, where his talents in the arts were recognized with the award for exceptional achievement in music, drama and the visual arts. As a founding member of the band, Troll’s Cottage, Ian shared his voice and lyrics and developed lifelong friendships.

Ian marked his life through song, and his melodies became a soundtrack for many people’s lives. Ian felt at home on the water and had a deep appreciation for the waters of the Salish Sea and Pacific Ocean. An excellent sailor, he shared his knowledge and inspired younger boaters as an instructor and coach at the Seattle Yacht Club. Throughout his life he spent countless hours on sailboats, powerboats, kayaks, surfboards, dinghies and anything that could float while exploring the waters throughout Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico and the Caribbean.

He was also a skilled craftsman, designing and building in ways that were inspired by his natural surroundings and his incredible ingenuity. He was a loyal friend who inspired others around him to live their lives the way they wanted to, not how others thought they should. He was a loving son (and son-in-law), a supportive brother (and brother-in-law), a respected nephew and cousin, a dear husband, and a fun uncle. He was an excellent father who made the best lunches for his children and taught them they were each other’s “most important things.” He glowed with pride watching his son Alden compete in swimming, lacrosse and rowing, or seeing his daughter Naida create art and develop her personal creativity.

Throughout his life, and especially in the final months, Ian showed courage and strength-of-character with a selfless dedication to his family, friends and neighbors. Despite the extreme physical hardships of his disease, Ian never stopped helping those around him. More than anything, he found joy from his children, especially during his trip to Paris with Naida and watching Alden compete at Nationals with his crew team. He will be deeply missed by his beloved family, friends, and the Vashon Island community.

Ian is survived by his wife Maria, children Alden (15) and Naida (13), his brother Stuart and his parents Cindy and Dick.

A celebration of life is planned from 4:00 – 6:00 pm on June 22, 2025, at the Coop on Vashon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ian’s name to The Coop on Vashon (Venmo @Christopher-Anderson-954 or mail checks to 15245 115th Ave SW, Vashon, Washington, 98070).