October 18, 2024 was a day that came to an end much too soon for Ivan. After 69 short years of life he died peacefully with his family by his side. Ivan was husband to Lillian (nee Kulinski), father to Marija and Ivan Jr. He was a beloved and cherished son to Mirko and Kata, dear brother of Nikola predeceased, Fr. Ljubo and sister Marija predeceased (Goran).
Ivan was known to his friends and family as Iko, Sperac, Tata and Skulj. Ivan was born in a small village called Rastovaca, in the town of Posusje, Hercegovina in 1955. He graduated as a Machinist by trade. In 1990 he immigrated to Canada and started a new life. He married Lillian and became a father of two. Ivan and his family travelled to Hercegovina almost yearly as to give them the travel experience and see this beautiful country in which he grew up in making family bonds grow stronger with every trip. Ivan worked as a Custodian with the Catholic School Board.
During the summer Ivan enjoyed walking in the bush seeking out his favorite blueberry patches. He enjoyed the surrounding landscapes and the rugged scenery which reminded him of his country back home.
Ivan was a huge fan of soccer; he was interested in politics, and he enjoyed his card games at the Croatian Hall with the boys.
His brother Fr. Ljubo was an integral part of our family’s spiritual growth. He was our priest at Sveti Marko’s Catholic Church for a time but he was also our brother and Uncle at home, his guidance and love were always with us.
Marija writes, my dad was an amazing man who always made sure to help anyone in need. When someone showed him kindness he always mirrored it back with more than just a thank you. He was kind, understanding, and generous, hard working, loving and forgiving. He always made sure everyone was taken care of and if that meant he had to work harder than the average person, then he was determined to go above and beyond to provide for his family. He was a timely man who always kept his promises. Someone you could rely on and just sit with over coffee and enjoy his stories and sense of humor. Dad was a family man who loved to travel, meet new people and experience new places. He travelled to many countries throughout his lifetime always going on his next adventure.
He will be sadly missed by many friends and relatives here and abroad. He also had a very special place in his heart for his 2 nieces Jelena “Jeca” and Katerina who he loved so dearly, he will be cherished forever and never forgotten.
Ivan continues his journey with a celebration at his last mass followed by interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Garson. Resting at the Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home, 233 Larch Street, Sudbury. Monday, October 21, 2024 from 2-5 PM and 7-9 PM prayers at 8pm. Funeral Mass will be held at the Sveti Marko Croatian Catholic Church, 140 Alder Street, Sudbury on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 10am.