OBITUARY
Ivan Eriksson
July 7, 1933 – September 17, 2018
ERIKSSON, IVAN
(85 years)
With extremely heavy hearts, we announce that Ivan passed away peacefully with family by his side at McKenney Creek Hospice in Maple Ridge on Monday September 17, 2018. Ivan is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Joanne, his children Brent (Leigh) and Nancy (Mitch) and his grandchildren Erik, Alexander, Teagan and Braydon. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Selma, and many special friends. The Glen Pine GEMS held a very special place in Ivan’s heart, and with his family.
Ivan graduated from John Oliver High School in Vancouver in 1952, and entered Teacher’s college beginning a long and rewarding teaching career in 1956. He loved teaching and coaching, beginning in the Surrey and Maple Ridge School Districts then spending the balance of his career in the Burnaby School District, primarily at Kensington and Cariboo Hill Secondary Schools.
Ivan married the love of his life Joanne, in 1954 with whom he worked extremely hard to build a solid and contented life. His children Brent and Nancy arrived in the early 1960’s completing the family he’d always dreamed of having. Ivan’s love of sports and physical activity was lifelong! He excelled in basketball in high school and baseball during his twenties, particularly with Collingwood Legion. Ivan thoroughly enjoyed coaching both of his kids in any sport they played, and gave unselfishly of his time coaching both school and community sports teams. Even after his official coaching days had ended, Ivan always attended his children’s and grandchildren’s sports events and activities, where he was often asked, and always willing to help out.
In his retirement Ivan continued to be extremely active in volleyball, and pickleball as well as organizing and playing slo-pitch. Ivan left an indelible mark on all who played with or against him, earning respect as a humble, caring, skillful and dedicated leader and participant. Ivan was also an avid gardener enjoying time in his beautiful yard. He loved and appreciated nature and the warmth of the sun, anywhere and anytime.
A celebration of Ivan’s life is planned for Saturday October 27, 2018 from 1:30 – 4:30pm in the Centennial Room at the Dogwood Pavilion, 1655 Winslow Ave, Coquitlam, BC. Please feel free to wear your favourite sports team jersey in honour of Ivan’s lifelong love of sport.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the BC Renal Agency via Canadian Kidney Foundation (BC and Yukon Branch).
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ivan Eriksson 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: port-coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique
