Ivan’s Obituary
Ivan Pius Schell, of Peace River, Alberta passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2020 at the age of 86 years; he was surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Ivan was born on September 28, 1933 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. His family moved to Last Lake (Brownvale area) when he was 12 years old, and he left home at 15 to work as a dishwasher in Fairview. At the age of 20 he moved to Peace River and married his sweetheart Eva, and together they raised five children. Of all things, he was the proudest of his family.
He was a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He often told his children that family events were the best of all times, and he absolutely loved playing with the little children. He found great joy in cooking for his family or building something for them, he was a master of many trades. He enjoyed camping, fishing, cooking, playing cards, gathering with friends and community events. One thing he always told the family is, “Work is not hard, it’s fun. Your working years are the best years of your life!” His first volunteer opportunity was chopping wood for the neighbors at the age of 10. His first job was chopping wood and starting the fire for the schoolhouse, he was 12 years old, and he loved getting there before everyone else.
His career consisted of several oilfield related ventures. He partnered with his brother John to form a welding company called Schell Welding, and they built brush cutters and portable bridges. He worked as a welder for Shell Oil on the West Coast Transmission, the Trans Mountain, and the Inter Provincial pipelines. Eventually, he became a pipeline inspector, and oilfield construction consultant. He retired in 1989, and very shortly after that he started what he called his “second career”, cooking at the Seniors Centre.
Much of his retirement was spent helping people, including many years volunteering for the Peace River Senior Citizens Club. He spoke often of all the good people in his life, and said, “Volunteering did just as much for me as it did for the community.” He will always be remembered as a family man and a generous volunteer.
Ivan is predeceased by his parents Valentine and Rosina, and his stepmother Margaret (Micheal) along with his siblings: Valentine, Simon, Phillip, Rose, Adele, Walberga, Kathleen, John, Joseph, Peter, Paul, Albert, and Barbara. He is survived by his wife Eva and his children: Kenny; Sheila (Kenton, deceased) and her children Sandy (Kirsten) and Christine (Jordan); George (Cindy) and their children Shawna (Darin), Kelly (Tammy) and Adam, and their grandchildren Kyla, Matthew, Cole, Kiara, Kaylee, Ethan, and Ty; Cindy (Bill) and their children Holly (Cody), Stephanie (Andrew) and Brooke (Zack), and their grandchildren Griffin, Bentley, Gabriel, and Crew; Darlene (Barry) and their children Shaleyna and Kianna.
The funeral for the late Ivan Schell will be held on Saturday, September 5, at 1:00 pm at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, with Father Emmanuel Ekanem officiating. Internment will follow immediately at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Chapel of Memories Funeral Home.
Due to Covid restrictions, the funeral is by reservation only. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Peace River Senior Citizens Club (Attention Treasurer), 10301-101 St. Peace River, T8S 1K7.
A Memorial gathering for Ivan will be held on July 17, 2021. If you wish to be invited, please contact the family if you wish to be invited, please contact the family by calling (780) 916-5992 or (780) 624-4060, or by emailing sheilaphimester@gmail.com .
The family is thankful to all of Ivan’s friends and extended family for every smile, handshake, and helping hand, and everyone that touched his daily life. In Ivan’s words… “Family and friends are the most important thing, and there are so many good things in life.” From the family… “We are so thankful for the time we had with our dear Dad and the long, meaningful life he led.”
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September 28 1933 August 23 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ivan Pius Schell September 28 1933 August 23 2020..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Fairview, Province: Alberta