Obituary of Ivan Ironman

IRONMAN: Ivan passed away peacefully at the Assiniboine Centre on the morning of Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at the age of 71 years. He was born on February 6, 1944 on the Oak River Reserve to parents Albert and Julia Ironman. As a young boy, he mechanically inclined. He repaired toys for his siblings and also made toys for them. Ivan was a great problem solver. He attended school on the reserve and them at Kenton until grade 11. He later completed his grade 12 at the Assiniboine Community College. Ivan worked all his life, both of the reserve at local farms and around his house, fixing tires and small engine repairs. He was a heavy equipment operator at Oo-Za-We-Kwun Centre located at the former Rivers Air force Base. Ivan was community minded; he wanted the best for all community members. He put the needs of the community before his own needs. He was a humble, kind-hearted man. Ivan was elected to consecutive terms as councillor and ultimately was elected as Chief for the Sioux Valley membership in 1996. He continued on as councillor over several terms, with the latest being 2012-2014. Ivan was an integral part of the self-government process. He loved to travel and would often visit his sister and brother-in-law in Kelowna, B.C. He also visited relatives in the United States as well as those in Canada. He had a love for cars from owning them to repairing them for his own personal use and for his business trips. Ivan will be remembered for his great sense of humour, for his kindness and his gentleness. He leaves to mourn his passing, his sons, Adrian (Laurie), Kyle (Ainsley), his daughters Susy, Aledra, Jolene and Melissa, his sisters, Dora Gee, Martha Blacksmith and Irene Ironman, his nephews and nieces, the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his cousins and friends. Ivan was predeceased by his parents and brothers. The funeral service will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, on Monday, August 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sioux Valley Anglican Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers are: Martin Mazawasicuna, Terry Pratt, Tony Tacan, Tim Wasicuna, Wayne Wasicuna, Gordie Taylor and Seth Eastman. The family would like to thank the community for their prayers, love, support and their many kind and heart-felt words of comfort.