ForeverMissed
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     Ian M. Carlson, 30, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at his residence. Surviving are his parents, Matthew Carlson of Peoria and Dena Gilfillan of Brimfield; one sister, Sarah McCallister of Dunlap; grandparents Larry and Carol Gray of Peoria; an aunt, Carrie (Jeff) McWhirter of East Peoria; a cousin, Dustin Jordan of Peoria, and two cousins formerly of Dunlap, Todd (Christine) Nee of Scottsdale, AZ and Michael (Chris) Nee of Long Beach, CA. He is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins in Michigan, Colorado and Arizona. He was the loving uncle of Aniston McCallister and August McCallister, of Dunlap, who adored him and couldn’t wait for his visits.

     Ian was a graduate of Richwoods High School and ICC. While in school, he played football and rugby, and made several trips during the summer months to Europe and the UK. After college, Ian moved to Chicago where he worked as a photographer’s assistant. He also worked as a waiter and bartender at various restaurants in downtown Chicago and the North Side, including the sports bars in Wrigleyville. An avid reader, artist and musician, Ian also painted wall murals and sold several of his paintings in Chicago. He always enjoyed inviting friends over to sample his excellent cooking. After eight years, he moved back to Peoria in 2019, last working at the Bullpen Sports Bar at Landmark.

     Known for his quick wit and entertaining personality, Ian will be greatly missed by family and an extended list of friends he made in Illinois and around the country. He’ll long be remembered for his infectious smile, his loving nature, his respect for strangers, and the glowing personality he always brought to gatherings of friends and family alike.
    
    
A Celebration of Ian’s Life will be held at a later date.

     Memorial contributions may be made in Ian’s memory to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

     Arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue, in Peoria.
May 9, 2020
May 9, 2020
Dena,
I was so very sorry to learn about Ian's passing. I remember such a sweet little guy at Hines, and can only imagine how you are feeling right now. Know that you, Sarah and your families are in my prayers. I hope that you will find peace as time goes on. Sending you a warm hug during this very sad time. 
May 7, 2020
May 7, 2020
Dena
I am sorry for the loss of your son. This is the hardest experience you will ever have. Your mom and dad are right behind you. I will pray that you will adjust to this ordeal, but it will not be soon. Feel free to come to my house and we can talk and you can walk in our pasture.  

Love Larry Hammer
May 5, 2020
May 5, 2020
Dear Dena, Matt, Sara, and family,
We're so very sorry to learn of Ian's passing. We have so many memories and stories of Stephanie babysitting, and all of the little adventures. Losing a child is unthinkable. Our hearts ache for you. You are in our thoughts, and we wait for the day when your memories bring smiles in place of tears.
Steve and Edie
May 5, 2020
May 5, 2020
Ian: Your kind spirit and bright smile were infectious. You could connect with people in a way that made them feel heard and valued. I am going to miss hearing your bass blaring Spark Master Tape as you pulled into Bear’s driveway, the pow wows we had in the kitchen over grilled cheeses, and the raging bonfires we shared over the past few months. Your presence in our lives and in this home brought a sense of completeness and peace. It is not the same waking up without you here. You had such a positive impact on Bear’s life spiritually and creatively. Your friendship was a true gift. I am so grateful to have met you and spent the time with you that I did. Even if it was for a short bit of time.

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May 9, 2020
May 9, 2020
Dena,
I was so very sorry to learn about Ian's passing. I remember such a sweet little guy at Hines, and can only imagine how you are feeling right now. Know that you, Sarah and your families are in my prayers. I hope that you will find peace as time goes on. Sending you a warm hug during this very sad time. 
May 7, 2020
May 7, 2020
Dena
I am sorry for the loss of your son. This is the hardest experience you will ever have. Your mom and dad are right behind you. I will pray that you will adjust to this ordeal, but it will not be soon. Feel free to come to my house and we can talk and you can walk in our pasture.  

Love Larry Hammer
May 5, 2020
May 5, 2020
Dear Dena, Matt, Sara, and family,
We're so very sorry to learn of Ian's passing. We have so many memories and stories of Stephanie babysitting, and all of the little adventures. Losing a child is unthinkable. Our hearts ache for you. You are in our thoughts, and we wait for the day when your memories bring smiles in place of tears.
Steve and Edie
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