Do it like you mean it!
Ian’s Story
Ian McBeth served as a C-130 pilot with the Wyoming and Montana National Guard and as a pilot and Fire Captain in the private sector fighting wildfires.
Ian's childhood was quintessential of two small high plains ranching communities: Gordon, Nebraska and Wray, Colorado. Ian would have hated the word ‘quintessential’ but it means the pure and essential essence of something and really sums up his childhood in a few words. So there Ian. These environments fostered a deep love of animals, respect for people, and a reverence for hard work. As a standout athlete at Wray High School, Ian received 11 of 12 varsity letters in football, wrestling, and track. He was a mainstay of the 1993 State Championship Football team on both offense and defense and was a perennial placer in the state track meet in the 1600 and 800-meter races. Ian was known as much for his humor and hijinks as his toughness, determination, and skill. This theme would follow him throughout his life.
After high school, Ian enrolled at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, WY where he acquired the title "The Instigator”, a nickname that could likely be used in every chapter of his life. While at the university, Ian continued to run track, earning WAC Academic All-Conference and several academic honors, graduating with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management. Equally as important, he was the main character in many, many late night escapades with friends.
Ian's love of adventure, appreciation for hard work, and respect for duty led him into military service. Enlisting in the Wyoming Air National Guard in 1996 as a construction specialist, he was later commissioned and served as navigator and then C-130 pilot with the 153d Airlift Wing in Cheyenne. In 2013, Ian joined the Montana Air National Guard in Great Falls; becoming a pivotal part of the 120th Airlift Wing’s conversion from F-15 jets to C-130s. Over his career with the Guard, Ian completed multiple combat deployments including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known to be a patient teacher who held his fellow airmen to his own high standards, he will be most remembered for his remarkable competence as a pilot, teacher, and evaluator; his incredible humor; and the near-constant twinkle in his eye.
One of many amazing family adventures.
Ian passed away January 23, 2020 in New South Wales, Australia while doing what he loved -flying and helping others. Ian's death has reminded us of his passion for life, his love of animals and the outdoors, his incredible devotion to his family, and the dogged determination with which he faced any challenge.
The Ian McBeth Foundation seeks to honor Ian’s life of service to others and his pursuit of personal growth, adventure, and laughter. The foundation views higher education and training as a catalyst for change in the persistent pursuit of personal and professional growth and aims to support the core communities that were important parts of Ian’s life including the Montana National Guard, The Wyoming National Guard, and the community of Wray, Colorado. These communities were integral parts of Ian’s life and the support his family has received from these communities since his death has been incalculable. The Ian McBeth Foundation seeks to find ways to collaborate with these communities to provide service to others.