He was my 6th grade band teacher for a little while before his passing. He was an amazing person and tried his hardest to help us all. We all loved him and miss him very deeply. Love Gabby Mason his former band student

I miss him every day still and it hurts me to think that he has been gone for so long but I am glad that he is now with god  and he is probably playing the piano and  teaching the kids and adults the art of music

Ian,
Through all the years you were there with your love, friendship, music, laughter. We love you and miss you❣️
Love and memories always,
Sharon Larocque

I met Ian after my father passed away in 2011. He was sweet, funny, intelligent and just an absolutely amazing soul. My twin daughters who now attend Porter Ridge HS mention how his energy is still remembered. We were all lucky to have known such a beautiful individual 🤍

Hi Mr.faires, I know I'ma a little late but it's kai from 6th grade band (clarinet)! I'm sorry I didn't get to see you, I've moved away and so as school,I've always talked abt you to my mother which she found..a little weird, I'll always miss the crazy stories you told us,and I'd die to see you one more time. I love you, and stay safe up there

Although I only had Mr. Faires for one year, band was my favorite class that year and Mr. Faires was my favorite teacher. I will always miss him and I hope he is resting well.

I have not seen Ian in such a long time, probably sometime around 2000, post high school around a holiday or reunion at Robinson Presbyterian Church,  but I have a strong memory of him as a true light in the world, and my best memories of him are of course playing music with him. He always held the ensemble together whether it was choir, hand bells, or the "little big band" we threw together for the church BBQ talent show. Ian, I regret not staying in touch and knowing more about your wonderful life after Charlotte, but I feel sure that you shared your light with all those who knew you, and I hope that they each keep their own found memories of you and continue to share them as the world has to go on a little less bright without you with us.

Our daughter, Jennifer, went to Appalachian with Ian. He was so much fun. We brought him home one time when we picked up Jennifer. We laughed all the way home and had so much fun with him. My condolences to his family and friends. He was the best!

Doris & Richard Lowery
Jennifer Huff

I took this picture before our 9th grade promotion from JT Williams Junior High. Ian was always smiling. I’m going to miss my friend.

I offer my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Ian. His impact, both as a colleague and through his music instruction, will be remembered fondly. Sending prayers for strength to family and friends in need of comfort during this challenging time.

Mr. Faires, I will never forget the lessons you taught me throughout high school outside of the band room. You built my confidence and helped me feel welcomed when I walked in that first day of band camp. Thank you for all the laughs, the come to Jesus moments when we needed them, and most importantly being a mentor to not only me but my sisters as well. I hope you’re much happier in a place that rejoices with the sound of the music you play. You took a little bit of light with you and we will miss you so much down here. This isn’t goodbye, it’s “I’ll see you later”💜

Will miss your infectious smile and laugh.

Love ya Brother, RIP

I'm a middle school student at Jay M Robinson where Mr Faires taught before he passed. He was an amazing guy and he was always caring for all of us. He used to always say "Don't act like you ain't got no sense." It was my favorite quote from him and he will always be remembered.

Ian…forever loved❣️
“In the rising of the  sun and it’s going down, we remember them.
In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter, we remember them.
In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring, we remember them. 
In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer, we remember them. 
In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn, we remember them. 
In the beginning of the year and when it end, we remember them.”
From a Hebrew prayer

Ian you left a hole in my heart but happy to know I’ll see you again.  Blessings and prayers for your family.  Many memories!

Mr. Faires,
You were the best band teacher I have ever had. You always found a way to put a smile on our faces and took the time to find fun things for us to do. I will never forget how you could light up everyone's faces with your stories even during online school.

I always looked forward to band and percussion ensemble, and it was the highlight of my day. You were the one who helped me love band, and I still do to this day. 

There were so many memories made that year. April Fools Day, all of the concerts and performances, and even the little stories you would tell us in between practices. Whenever I hear your "favorite" song, Canon in D, I will always think of you. 

Thank you for helping me and so many others become the people we are today. I hope we can all carry the light that shone in you.

Ian Faires was a man who refused to give up on me even when I wanted to give up on myself. My first week of band camp my freshman year was horrifying. I had gotten braces over the summer and could no longer play the trumpet the same way. I told myself that would be my first and last week of high school band. Somehow the all knowing Ian Faires found out. He sat me down and showed me the baritone. Six months later I was first chair.  Two years later I was baritone section leader. Two years later not only was I playing baritone but I was also playing tuba. Six years later I worked in an assisted living facility conducting bell choir practices with memory care residents. He was my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. I will never forget taking two bands a semester, eating lunch with him everyday in the office, and watching YouTube videos. His favorite was the Saturday Night Live Mom Jeans sketch. He changed my life that first week of band camp freshman year. He had so many students but he managed to make each one feel seen and important. I will forever be grateful for him

An unparalleled mentor, band director, and friend in Christ. Ian’s influence resonates eternally, shaping so many lives with wisdom and musical brilliance. Your laugher and smiles with be missed at SOJ for many years to come. 

Rest in peace sweet friend. 

Love the Zielke’s

It was such a joy to get to know Ian at our Christmas family gatherings in Colorado Springs. We looked forward to seeing him every year along with Rebecca and Don. He brought such happiness and fun to the celebration. He was truly the life of the party! When he first played our grand piano, we knew we had discovered another great musician in the family. But more than his career as a musician, he was a deeply caring and wonderful person. God gave us all a gift in knowing Ian. 
Jerry, Lynn, Bryan & Corina Hurst

Mr fairies was my favorite teacher of all time.He was the most caring teacher a person could ask for.He is now by the side of god in heaven,may god bless his soul and his family🙏

Mr Faires thank you for sharing your passion with so many. We had some amazing times as the Band of Pirates.  You  made us family… you will truly be missed 💜🖤💜 We are PR…

From middle school to high school, your love of music had a huge impact on my life. Thank you for the great memories.

I'm so sad to hear of Mr. Faires passing. He was at MHS in early 2000's while I was there. He had positive energy and a kindness that all students loved. I will always remember the dreaded arm circles at band camp lol. Sending my condolences for his family <3

Thank you so much for sharing your love of music with my family, years of students, as well as, the whole Porter Ridge community. Your visit to the US Marine Corps base in Hawaii while I was stationed there meant more than words can say. It was very special seeing familiar faces while being deployed so far away from home.   You made so many unforgettable memories for so many students, you will always be in our hearts. Rest in peace.

Mr. Faires was my high school band instructor. When I first moved to NC, I hadn't played the flute in years and was hoping he could help me find a sense of purpose being in a new state and not having any friends. Mr. Faires told me he didn't have the time to teach me from scratch, but instead of sending me on my way he took the time to get to know me, and suggested that I contribute to the band in a different way. He told me to check out the color guard, and years later I found my best friend for life who was also in band, and went on to participating in my college color guard for 2 years. I don't think he ever knew the contribution and impact he made to my life, but I will never forget where it all started. Mr. Faires was truly one of a kind, and thank you for all of the good you've poured back into your students, and your community.

Mr. Faires, It is incredibly hard to put into words what you meant to me, and so many others. You believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. You were not just a band teacher. You were a leader, mentor, motivator, and friend. You comforted us when we cried, and celebrated us when we succeeded. I will be forever grateful for the bond we shared, and the memories I have to look back on. You truly treated me like a daughter even after I graduated, and I owe my music career to you. You will always be in my heart. I will miss you forever, but I know you are watching over all of us from heaven. I love you, rest in paradise Mr.  Faires.

I knew Ian years ago when I worked with him at The Fresh Market . We would talk about life, love, and music - the photo is one where we played a small set for a group of Fresh Market friends at a party (about 2007). I will always remember how much fun and positivity he had and how he would work to embarrass you (and make you laugh) pretty frequently. I lost touch with Ian over the years, but hearing about his passing brought back many great memories. Condolences to his family.

A friend and notable collegue. We spent many a football Friday Night Lights evening together for over a decade. He on his podium, and I up on the pressbox roof. His drive, love, and enthusiasm for his craft was unquestionable. He will be sorely missed.

Thank you for all of the wonderful memories you gave us Mr. Faires. You are the best teacher I have ever had, you inspire optimism and light everywhere you went and you have truly touched so many lives. I will not forget the memories and life lessons you have taught me, you will live on forever in our memories. May you now find eternal peace and light

Praying for you all during this time. Ian was a great person and will be missed by many. Thank you for producing Ian!

This was my first and last grand champion in the Band of Pirates and I am so glad that I got to receive this with Mr.Faires as the director. He managed to help so many lives by just existing and being his bright and amazing self. He was always there for me and pushed me to be the person and musician that I am today. I hope to continue to keep his memory alive by continuing to make music and make people smile because that's what he did on a daily basis no matter what was going on. We love you Mr.Faires and may you rest in peace

While he was no longer my band director my senior year, he still was still family and always will be.

My sincerest condolences to Ian’s family and friends. I had the privilege of being band buddies/ band leader with Ian all through high school.  To this day I’ve yet to meet someone as pure hearted as Ian.  Fly high buddy… “BAND-HORNS-UP!”

Joining the band of Pirates was the best decision I ever made. Thank you Mr. Faires for the amazing memories and molding me into the person I am today. Rest in peace 🪽💜🏴‍☠️

Truly a one of a kind man and the one person that encouraged me to stick with piano even when I didn’t want to. I will miss him terribly!

This was the last time I’d get to be under his instruction—right before he moved out to Colorado. I still remember how heartbroken we all were to hear that he was leaving. Him and Mrs. Tomberlin were the only way I got through my days freshmen year.

Mr. Faires was one of the few people throughout my schooling that could put a smile on my face without even trying to. He was one of the most supportive instructors I’ve ever had and can still remember how excited he was that we got a superior this day!

Mr. Faires was one of the greatest people I have ever met in my life. He always ensured everyone was included and had a great time during and even after band class. As a seventh grader, I started going to Jay M. Robinson Middle School in the middle of the school year in 2021. As soon as I entered band class I immediately felt welcome and included in the JMR family with Mr. Faires' caring and upbeat personality. He always knew what was best for his students, I remember when he recommended that I start playing the baritone saxophone for the band. To this day, I enjoy playing the instrument every chance I get. Even when the band wasn't able to go and compete in MPA, he still ensured that the band still had a great time performing at other school events. One of the most memorable events we had was when we played for rising 5th graders during their visit to JMR, inspiring a whole new generation of musicians. Another memorable moment was when the band commissioned a piece called "Fanfare for the Extraordinary Woman," when Mr. Faires insisted that the piece be composed to honor the unrepresented female composers and conductors in the music community. More importantly, though, Mr. Faires didn't only help us become better musicians, he helped us become better people. He taught us how we could do almost anything that we put our minds towards. He showed us that even during the darkest of times, you can still find hope and happiness in the future, and that there is still good in the world. Whenever I saw Mr. Faires, he was always in a happy mood had a smile on his face, and was always willing to help us and others around him. I remember when he took the position as the chorus director when the school needed one. I will never forget what Mr. Faires has done for me and many others and how many people he has inspired. I will always remember him as more than just a teacher but as one of the greatest friends I could ever have. Thank you for everything, Mr. Faires.

Mr. Faires was the best band teacher I've ever had and he was always there for his students, and he knew how to cheer us up. to be honest, if he wasn't there for us I don't know if any of his students would even have a comfortable space in school where they could be themselves.
Rest In Peace Mr. Faires, I love you, and all of us do.

I loved having you as my band director for 7 years. You were always there when I needed help with my trumpet and always pushed me to do things when I didn’t believe in myself. You are a blessing and I will cherish all the memories we have together. Once a pirate always one ❤️

This picture is when he came to surprise his class of 2019 from Porter Ridge after our graduation!

Rejoicing with heaven that the Lord has called Mr. Faires home. We grieve, and will miss him, but we also rejoice that he is no longer suffering. We rejoice that he can lay his gifts to the Lord and enjoy Him forever. His impact on my life was very great, he helped cultivate my love for music. Thankful for the many moments we shared just hanging out in his office during fourth block “class”, the laughs we shared and the stories we told. He not only impacted me, but my entire family. He will be missed by all of us. We are PR!

I came across this photo and thought you might enjoy seeing him in action! He was a good guy and he will be greatly missed.

He use to let me sneak away from the tech booth and hang out in the band room. This is a moment from when we all just played slide whistles for 20 minutes straight.

Fair winds and calm seas. Live in your new peace. I'll see you again someday day and I can't wait to get another one of those big bear hugs you always gave.

Mr. Faires meant so much to so many of us. As a kid that was prone to panic attacks and fought getting moved to Porter Ridge tooth and nail; the idea of leaving all of the friends I had grown up with at Shiloh and Sun Valley was daunting and scary. I didn't want to leave.
Mr. Faires personally came out to SV to meet those of us in the band that would be joining his program. I remember thinking there was no way he could be our teacher. He was barely older than us. lol
Stepping into a new school with a teacher that was right there, ready to help merge this giant amalgamation of kids from 3 different schools was the saving grace someone like me needed. I needed Mr. Faires to help show me things were going to be ok. And they were. He made sure of it.
He put all of us into a band program that helped forge lasting friendships. And his friendship was chief among them. For 3 years, I had the privilege of being a part of his band program and watch him grow as a teacher. Watch him navigate life just the same as us and help us deal with so many pitfalls and hardships. He knew how to be a leader, a friend, a troublemaker, a goofball. Anything and everything. That's the beauty of being in a band program. The bond you form under the blaring sun of a summer in a hot field that smelled like the chicken farm down the road. Running the same section of music and marching "one more time", in order to make sure it's right. It can't be beat. It can't be broken. Those are memories that can't be beat.
I asked him to speak at my Eagle Scout ceremony because I knew, even then, that I wouldn't be the person I grew to become without him. Without his guidance and leadership.
He was our Superman. A literal hero to all of us.

Mr. Faires was one of the nicest teachers I've ever had and he would sympathize with us unlike any other teacher. You made me enjoy band very much. Thank you. Fly high 🕊️🕊️

I will always be thankful for all Mr. Faires did for Ben & Jayna. He was tough on the kids to be the best they could be but his support and love for them was always apparent.
RIP.  You will be missed. ✝️🖤💜🖤

Mr fairies gave me his epic username and thus vas very important to me bcuz I played Fortnite with him and he was nice to me I love daddy faires may he 🪦RIP you will always be in my heart.

therealtopg

Mr. Faires was one of the most cheerful people I have ever met. Whenever I didn't have a great day, he would be the one to make sure that I felt okay. There was never one day in band class, where we all left without a smile. Every Friday the class would get a "Fun Friday" and it was always so fun to talk with him while some of us were practicing our music or playing gaga ball in the pit. I may have met you during virtual learning, but the class had memorable moments, especially when he muted students because they were talking too much. He is a very talented musician, but it was hilarious watching him play the saxophone. I had him for the percussion ensemble class and it was so much fun learning how to play music on trash cans. His activities might be very confusing or odd, but they were always fun to do. Whenever he would tell his story, I would be so impressed and it was always intriguing. When it would get close to our concerts, I remembered him always saying “Again!”, especially with “The Great Locomotive Chase”. It was a bit difficult at the start, but with his help we definitely made it. There were so many memories that our whole class shared with him that we can always remember, but the main thing is his impact on us. He has helped me so much to become a better person and especially, optimistic. If there would be one sentence I could say to Mr. Faires, it would simply be “Thank you for everything you have done for me.”

Here is one of our band concerts and hope that all the joy from this moment will continue to last.

Thank you for the incredible musical traditions that you built at Porter Ridge High School. Your impact continues and will not be forgotten.

Mr. Faires was one of the best people I have ever met. He was passionate in everything that he did. He made sure that he made everyone smile. He laughed, had fun and taught us all.

My most fond memories are walking into class one day to help out the 6th graders and I jokingly introduced myself as Mr. Faires' best friend. He jokingly agreed and for the next few minutes we could not stop laughing. His sense of humor was unmatched and i'll miss that the most about him. The other time was when we would play Careless Whisper, Epic Sax Guy and Shreksophone in class so much that he had to "ban" the songs from being played. We annoyed him a lot, but he took it lightly.

In addition to being the amazing person he was, he was one of the most talented musicians I have ever seen. He knew how to play every percussion instrument, majority of brass and some woodwinds. He was someone who could play music amazingly and taught people to be better than him. He would teach and learn from the students who played the instruments he wasn't the best at. 

He was more than just a teacher but an amazing friend. He was open to try new things, like teaching chorus and he took our input wholeheartedly. His class was a place to have fun and learn at the same time. We miss you already Mr. Faires.

P.S. Try and learn the Alto Saxophone up there, It would make us eternally happy to hear Careless Whisper from you one day. Just like how we did in class.

Mr. Faires, you did more than teach music. You taught manners, respect, and life lessons. You have positively impacted the lives of many and none of us will forget you. Thank you for everything you have done for the band program and for your students.

Ian, I had the honor of being your Senior English teacher at Garinger High- and then saw you grow into an award winning band director at my favorite “rival” school, Porter Ridge High. I was further blessed to eventually serve as Assistant Principal at PRHS during your last season as director. 

Your boyish sense of wonder for music, your students, your family and friends only proved your close connection to God. You were a bright spark- and you will be missed. Continue to shine brightly in the Heavens…

I was only his student for 4 years but he was also a mentor. When I was having trouble with anything I knew I could go to him for help. He was always there for his students. He will be dearly missed

You were the best teacher I ever had and you will be deeply missed Mr. Faires

I had him when I was a student and we used to bicker everyday on the smallest things. Whenever I would come back to the school he would always be happy to see me. He always had a smile on his face and wished the best for everyone.

Mr faires was my band teacher. he was the best teacher in the whole school and the only one we could actually talk to about real life problems. he was the best and most fun band teacher ever and he shared his love for music with all of us. RIP mr faires 🕊️🕊️

And continued to support me even 4 years after graduation at my wedding. Ian was not just a great teacher and mentor, he was a friend and a part of the family. We will miss him dearly. See you again!

The best teacher. Always supportive, kind, and truthful.

I would very much like to share the message from my son, who was a student of his recently at JM Robinson, from 6th to 8th grade, through Covid, and was inspiration to him to pick up an instrument on the saxophone… I am forever. Grateful to you, sir, for the inspiration you were to him, and his friends and fellow students you inspired, in the art of music … please rest in peace

“Mr Faires was one of the best teachers anyone could ask for, even though he got sick a good amount of times, the times he was there were some of the best days ever. He would tell us to leave any problems we had out the band room and just have fun in here and then he would ask us if you want To to pick that problem back up after class or just leave it there. He was the one who asked me to do a solo, teach a student how to play the alto sax, and recommend I go to all distract. Mr Faires was the one of the best people ever he would comfort you if something was wrong and if I could live by one thing he said it would be “Don’t act like you ain’t got no sense”. I hope he is in a great place playing the piano and me every student he ever had will always miss him. Thank you Mr Faires.🥲”

you meant so much to me even though i only had you as my teacher for one year.  that year was a very special one.  the one thing that i always liked about you was your energy.  my prayers are with you & your family.  i miss you.

Mr.Faires was a great teacher he was kind to everyone and made us always laugh in class and we could always count on him if anything happend to us.

Mr Faires was a very good teacher and person to me. In the hallways, we would always exchange hellos and be on our ways. This news is sad to me and I wish him all the best in the afterlife. Thank you, Mr Faires,  for everything.

Mr.Faires was a great teacher and a friend to me and my classmates. He always made us laugh and told us stories about his childhood. And taught us so much in 1 hour. Hes been there for me even when i was down he would tell ask us whats the problem. He always was kind to everyone and made us laugh daily. I wish him the best.

Rest in peace to Mr. Faires. I didn’t have you as a teacher but u met you a few times and you were wonderful

OBITUARY

Ian Matthew Faires

September 26, 1977 – January 12, 2024

McEwen Funeral Service-Mint Hill Chapel

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