Hi Everyone
It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that Ivan has finally lost his battle with cancer. He died peacefully at 10.15 this morning.
Your comments on his blog over the past few days say it all. He was the most thoughtful, courageous, kind and loving person I have ever had the privilege to know. I was lucky enough to have him as a great friend and I will miss him tremendously.
He loved his blog and your comments and his sense of humour have kept him going over the last two years. I hope that you will all be able to write one last comment in memory of our great friend.
God bless.
Mick
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Rest etrnal and painfree Ivan I am sure that your ynamic personality and great sense of humour will keep St Peter on his toes. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you now . Goodnight God Bless to one of the best people in this world who was always there to support others and put them before hios own needs.
ReplyDeleteTo Averil Jess and Joyce , Mike Anne Fran and Rachel we send our heartfelt sympathies at this time.
Dot Richard and girls
Goodbye My Friend
ReplyDeleteTonight is for you...
X
Rest in Peace Ivan - you deserve it!! I will miss our banter!!
ReplyDeleteDear Ivan,
ReplyDeleteKnowing you for just a handful of years has been an absolute joy! Your strength and good grace has been so evident recently and I have never known you be anything but welcoming, generous, kind and oh so quick witted (even in the past week!). You will be so sadly missed.
To those you leave behind, especially Averil, Jess & Joyce - please know we're here for you at any time....
remembering a life very well lived,
Julie, Adam, Rachel & Kane xxxx
I first met Ivan about 12 years ago when he started going to the sauna at Broomfields. I stopped going and only met him again last January when I started going to Cantilever. He always had time to speak and a smile on his face. He's the sort of person you never forget. Rest in peace Ivan. My thoughts are with your family and friends. Andy
ReplyDeleteWhat can i say about the greatest one liner i've ever known,paul scoles scored in the 93rd minute this afternoon,that goal was for you, and if i didn't know you better i'm sure you would have had something to do with it.
ReplyDeletegood night and god bless to you
rest in peace x
keith and sue
Goodbye for now Ivan. You truly were a special and unique person with a fantastic sense of humour. Your name is already written on the back of my t-shirt and the walk, like Rachel above said, is for you! I am a bit gutted by the football result though I have to say. As I sat in the Colin Bell stand and saw that goal go in, all I could picture was your smiling face!!!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Averil, Jess and Ivan's family, I once heard this and love it 'don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened'. You know where we are in school when you need us. Remember Averil, Ivan brought cakes when he visited us!!! Jess, come in for a hug and then we'll have you working.
Lots of love to all of you at this extremely sad time xx
When Ivan first told me of this cancer,he said don't worry mate you don't need to go out and buy any flowers just yet im going to fight this one,you will be rememberd at the test centre R I P .Justin. Christine. Laura
ReplyDeleteGoodnight God Bless Ivan, I will miss reading your blog, it was a great idea. You will always be remembered fondly. Thank you to Mike for giving us chance for our last messages, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family and Averil and family. Love Sue x
ReplyDeleteIvan was there for me so much when I lost Derek - nobody really knows what those phone calls meant to me. I'm there for Avi, Jess and Joyce now and I'm sure Ivan knows that too. RIP my dear friend enfolded in loving arms and prayers from the many hearts he touched
ReplyDeleteFran xx
My hearfelt sympathies go out to Ivans family, I was an old school friend and had only this last year started to communicate with Ivan through facebook, I was always checking on his blog to make sure he was doing okay, I was hoping we would meet soon, regretably it wasnt to be, but maybe one day. Love Lesley Haslam xx
ReplyDeleteivan you were the best,never met such a nice person, when we turned up at test centre for test and you were there we knew it would be a good laugh you will be missed so much all our thoughts go out to your family god bless you mate Jan & Andy Grant
ReplyDeleteDear Ivan, a true friend, we've shared good times and bad, we've laughed and we've cried,our mums and dads have despaired at us, happy memories,life will always have a little part missing now you're gone. Averil, Jess and Joyce you have all been so brave. Mike and Ann thank-you for all you've done for this great family. Not forgetting the pain that Mark is now suffering losing his beloved brother today and to Jacky whose smile lights up a room. Rest in peace Ivan for auld lang syne, gina, peter,phil, stu and families xxxxx
ReplyDeleteI just keep thinking WHY?, why Ivan?, why the nicest man I have ever met, why my footie sparring partner, why my friend?
ReplyDeleteHeaven has got the nicest man ever to walk the earth as far as I am concerned, I will love and miss you always and my time at Cantilver Park will be immensley poorer for your passing. Sleep well my good friend. Only the good die young
Rob
Death is nothing at all.
ReplyDeleteI have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name,
Speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone,
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me and if you want to, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was,
Let it be spoken without effect,
Without the trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant.
It is the same as it ever was;
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you,
For an interval,
Somewhere very near,
Just around the corner.
All is well.
You were a true inspiration - God knows why now? I don't. The pleasure was all mine.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank Averil - for due to Averil and Ivan getting married, Jess would never have gone to Oakwood primary school and I would never have met Ivan whilst stood at the school gate - we then progressed to moaning outside Sir Thomas Boteler!!
Gorgeous man with a gorgeous family. Rest in peace my dear friend.
To his wonderful family, our thoughts are with you and im only a text/phone call away.
Love you all.
xxxxxx Kate, Mark, Meg and Ronnie xxxxxxxx
To Averil Jess,Joyce and all Ivan's family and friends, our deepest sympathy is with you all on this very sad day, everyone who knew Ivan would all say the same things. He was so full of life, full of smiles and jokes.He will be sadly missed by all that knew him, he is a great loss to this world.
ReplyDeleteGoodnight and God Bless Ivan,
(so sorry, we have been away the last couple of weeks and not aware of Ivans sudden deterioration)
May your memories of more happy times, help to heal the pain your feeling, you all meant the world to Ivan
love Karen and Ian xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi to you all,
ReplyDeleteWell, I didnt think the day would come when I blogged - I have always read the blog with interest and your comments today have been a great source of comfort to me,and our family and friends.Ann and I were with Ivan when he passed away this morning .
Ivan has always been so positive and very brave -the smiles and the jokes were always , at the ready even in times of great pain.-this was a very humbling experience for me .
Ann and Mick - thank yu for many trips to the hospital oh' and the necessary R and R coffee shops - Mick your wonderful friendship to Ivan and jumping in now to update the blog)
Fran Rach Di Dave the list is endless but you have all been there for us in your own special ways -
Ivan although our time together was short we had some wonderful memories and I will miss you so very much.
Your loving wife and best friend Ave xx
In South Africa we say goodbye/go well in Zulu -
HAMBE KAHLE ... so Ivan as you so loved South Africa - I wish you Hambe Kahle .....
Ivan, I too am questioning why the world has to lose such a wonderful, caring soul way too early.
ReplyDeleteI will always remember running up and down those old train carriages (as kids do) when we used to meet up on the annual Boteler Grammar School trips to London. Unfortunately, there was a huge gap before our paths crossed again on the touchline at Warrington Town. It has been a real pleasure to know you and share banter with you (even though you are a Utd fan) on the touchline over the last few years. Whenever I knew of young people wanting to learn to drive, I always pointed them in your direction because I knew they would be in safe hands and could be trusted.
To Averil, Jess and Ivan's family, plus Mike & Ann and Frances & Rachel my thoughts are with you.
R.I.P. Ivan
Martin
Ivan, it is clear that you have made a huge impact on the lives of those around you. You are cherished by others, as you cherished others. Strength, determination, perseverance, positive attitude-are just a few of the many lessons you have taught us all. I feel extremely privileged to have known you and will miss you.
ReplyDeleteMy heart felt sympathies to Ivan's family and friends. May God give you strength and patience.
Lots of love Fx (or Miss A to you Jess, you know I've always been here for you and always will.)
So many lives have been touched in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteSo many fond memories of Ivan will live on.
All our love Di and Dave
R.I.P Ivan i first meet you when i started going to watch warrington town with my uncle martin you were a lovely person and although i havnt seen you for a few years as soon as i found out about your cancer and the blog i always read it to see how you were doing. My thoughts go out to Averil and Jess.
ReplyDeletecaroline x
Dear Ivan
ReplyDeleteHow I will miss your inspirational blog and beautiful photographs.
I remember you well from Hillberry Crescent.
Prayers and sympathy to Averil,Jess, Joyce and Mark and families.
RIP
Annie, Catherine, Greg and Claire Millar
.
Ivan inspired so many people he will be dreadfully missed.
ReplyDeleteOur love and prayers to Averil,Jess, Joyce and Mark.
Love Nancy Tony and family.
Ivan, we hadn't known you for very long but your faith, courage, determination and good cheer has been an inspiration. May you rest peacefully.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with Averil, Jess and family.
Sue and Dave
Words cannot express the sorrow and sadness I'm feeling but Ivan's courage, cheerfulness and his positive attitude has been such an inspiration to me and all his family & friends.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud of him and so glad that I am his Mum.
God Bless You Ivan,
Rest in Peace,
I love You.
Mum x
We will miss you more than you will know Ivan. You have been a great neighbour in every sense to us and we will miss your smiles and jokes. You were a gentleman with a big heart and you will be missed but never forgotten.
ReplyDeleteLove always & rest in peace
Dave, Andrea & Mollyanna x x x
Ps. I will miss drewling at the back door as the smell of freshly cooked chickens drifts over the fence, from ruby the dog oh and Dave!!
After reading so many wonderful comments I am struggling to focus on the screen because of the tears. I know I should be celebrating the life of a huge man in every respect. What this teaches me is that I shouldn't try to find any sense because there isn't any. There can't be. I am just so grateful that Ivan found the right woman to be his partner. Not for Ivan the girl down the street but boy did he know what he was doing. Ivan had a wonderful family and some truly great friends. But then he only reaped what he had sown. Ivan has been an inspiration to many of us. Always looking for the positive in any situation. He certainly seized the day. Ivan you were one of those people who lighted up a room when you walked in. You immediately brought a smile to everyone's face. We will miss you so so much. Thankfully we have so many wonderful memories to cherish. You were the best Best Man. Rest in peace. Your light shines on. With all our love Jon Yvonne Emily and Beth xxx
ReplyDeleteIf Ivan were reading this it would amuse him. Before I tell you this for those of you who know my son Ronnie will smile - for those of you who havent met him - he is a typical 7 year old!!
ReplyDeleteI finally plucked up the courage to sit him down and tell him the sad news about Ivan. He always asks how Ivan is, and always say's he wants to swap Jess and Meg!!
I told Ronnie that Ivan had gone to live in Heaven with God and the Angels as our doctors couldnt make Ivan better. He looked at me and asked me why i was crying, I said because I was sad.
"Dont be sad mummy, Ivan will be fine now", he then thought about it and said "I hope its not the angels from Doctor Who and if it is I wished you'd kept that news to yourself". I had to laugh and at first felt guilty for laughing - I then thought blimey I wished Ivan was here he really would have found that funny.
So from Ronnie, Ivan you will be just fine - but watch out from them Doctor Who Angels. xxx
Hi sorry to post again, but could someone post the funeral details on here, as I know I and many others will want to attend and say goodbye to our friend Ivan. If you don't feel up to it, please ring/text me at any time on 07976 981404. Thank you so much, I have now got tears in my eyes. Sleep well mate
ReplyDeleteIvan you will be so so missed by lots and lots of people. I bought a card for Averil this
ReplyDeletemorning and the 1st one I picked up said it all.. The Brightest Star in the sky!!!!! I knew that card was writtn for you...
In the short time I have known you, I have been amazed at your strength and courage and AMAZING sense of humour!!!
You will hold a very special place in my heart and mind for many many years to come!!!
My Love goes to Averil, Joyce and the lovely Jess.. Also to Mick and Ann who have been true friends.
Joanne and Emmie xxx
Those we love don't go away,
ReplyDeleteThey walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
RIP Ivan.
Love to Averil, Joyce and Jess.
Nathan and Alison
xxx
I just am so lost for words, and so upset.
ReplyDeleteHe will be with Diane now, have some chocolate and a laugh.
I will and still for ever will miss Diane, and now Ivan.
Mike Southworth, Tom and Rich & Nic
We were very saddened by the news, and our prayers go out to you Joyce, Averil and Jess.
ReplyDeleteOur deepest heartfelt sympathies and all our love and prayers go to you now. Ivan’s spirit lives on in us and everyone he touched. He was a great inspiration to us all, and we have been avidly watching his blog since the beginning.
He was a great and wonderful man, and will be missed dearly.
God bless you Ivan, and God be with you all.
Richard, Theresa and Anne-Marie
Rest in Peace Ivan, the nicest man i have ever had the pleasure of knowing, you will be dearly missed by everyone. Until we meet again. All our love and prayers to the family. Love Nicola,Richard, Mike and Tom Southworth
ReplyDeleteIvan was my cousin and and whilst I didn't know him well, I followed his blog over many months. What shines through is his gentleness, absolute decency and concern for others first and foremost. And of course his sense of humour!
ReplyDeleteI feel very sad for Ivan, Joyce, Avril and Jess, and his friends. Rest in Peace Ivan.
Adam
So sorry for your loss Averil, Joyce and Jess. Ivan was a very happy, and very contented man. Full of fun.
ReplyDeleteGod bless Ivan! XXXXX
Love to you all
Debs Mark and Thomas
To Ivan - A Fantastic Guy With a Huge Heart.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first met you you were dressed as Bertie the Bear, waving to the crowds on the streets of Warrington on the Co-op Bank bus. You wowed them all and we became great friends and together with Yvonne and Jon we laughed our way through the 80's.
Well I haven't seen you for so long Ivan but the memories of those days are strong and clear. You are so loved and gave so much, you are an inspiration.
I am writing this from Cambodia, so in a Buddhist way I will say - maybe see you next time round!
Janbo
I am so sorry to read this news today. My husband is fighting MM too and I know much of the struggle. Sincere condolences to all the family and friends. May you rest in peace now.
ReplyDeleteSusie Hemingway Lincolnshire UK
Ivan touched the lives of so many people. I got to know him first through his blog and then through St Mary Magdalene's Church. He had a lovely sense of fun and good humour and always had a kind word and a ready smile. I was amazed as I watched him struggle with his illness at how much he continued to give to others with his love, support and encouragement. He was a man of incredible faith who knew that God was with him every step of the way, he was never alone. I will never forget how beautifully he sang in the choir on Easter Day, he was an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with Averil, Joyce and Jess and with all those who are grieving Ivan's loss. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
ReplyDeleteJane.
I have lot's of happy memories of you, Ivan. You have been a family friend and close neighbour for many years.
ReplyDeleteI am so proud to say that you taught me to drive. I really enjoyed my driving lessons ... we always had a good natter and you always made me laugh with your incredible personality.
I still can't believe that you are gone. You will always be in my heart
Rest in Peace Ivan
Love Kellie xxxxx
Dearest Ivan,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration to all of us. I have a number of happy memories, including drinking your home made wine with you, contemplating nicking a bag of cash to go round the world with, and how kind you were on my and Chris's wedding day when you processed and delivered a disc of photos that you had taken,the same day! You were an amazing friend, and will be sadly missed, but one thing is for sure, you lived life to the full.
Lots of love and our sympathy to Joyce, Avril and Jess.xxx
Hi there
ReplyDeleteIvan was a great brother-in-law, mainly because he made me feel like a super sister-in-law.
Our home is full of goodies and memories of Ivan and Averil (Ivanavi), that make me smile and feel greatful that Ivan was part of our lives. Just this morning I found myself blowing up balloons into animals (Ivan and Averil introduced us to "balloon art" years ago - just for fun :) ) - Katherine asked for a blue elephant with a llllonngggg trunk, and Myles was less specific, so I made him a snake (just a long balloon) which he wrestled on the floor till the air came out). And then I made him a new one.
Wish I could "just make a new Ivan" too - but how would we ever get it right.
I will miss my friend - who was often on the other side of my emails, who made great thoughtful DVDs for the kids, who loved our wildlife with passion, and who made me feel better everytime we chatted.
so long Ivan-the-Great!
Renee
What more can be said.
ReplyDeleteWe have all lost a very dear friend who will be remembered for his faithful service, great fortitude through his long illness, loving kindness and enduring sense of humour (amongst so much else that he had to offer).
What greater compliment can I pay than that he was one of those great people who leaves the world a better place?
Today will be his special day in the church he did so much to enrich with the family and friends he loved so much. We all have a great deal to thank him for.
Our thoughts and prayers go with him as he takes his rightful place in heaven.
Averil & Jess, we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time. Ivan's spirit, forever with you both, will give you strength again. He will certainly be with us today in spirit. God bless you and your family.