It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, Dad, Poppy, son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, cousin and friend.
Ivan will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Susan, son Kelly (Corrine) and daughter Shannon; grandchildren, Carter, Gabrielle and Katherine. He will also be missed by his brothers Lorne (Debra) and Harvey (Isabel) and sisters Elaine Gridley, Linda Brant and Darlene (Bob) Chawrun; Mother-in-law Elsie Leonzio, Brothers-in-law Don, Dean (Dana) and Dale (Gladys) Leonzio and sister-in-law Sharon (Gary) Skomoroh; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.
Ivan is predeceased by his parents Tom and Mae, brothers Stan and Ron, sister-in-law Lyne Pollock, father-in-law Rocco Leonzio and brother-in-law Doug Leonzio.
Ivan was born in Dryden on January 9th, 1950, to Tom and Mae Pollock, where he lived most of his life, with a few years in Cameron Falls, ON and Grand Rapids, MB.
Ivan was the 4th child of 8, growing up in North Dryden, attending Albert Street, Hillcrest, Riverview and Dryden High Schools.
Ivan was an ambitious, intelligent, kind, caring, witty and stubborn man. Throughout the years, Ivan earned the nicknames of Wise Owl, Igor, Silver Fox and Gentle Heart.
Ivan began his working career at the age of 12 with a paper route followed by jobs as Pinsetter at Stan’s Bowling Alley, delivery person at Reimer’s, Ontario Hydro, Manitoba Hydro, the Dryden Mill under various ownerships, CP Auto Sales, Euler Motors and officially retired from Weyerhaeuser in 2015. Ivan was also a 1st Aid and CPR instructor through St. John Ambulance and the Heart and Stroke Foundation for 25 years.
Ivan met Susan Leonzio in 1966 and they were married in October 1969, having 2 children, a son, Kelly, in 1971 and a daughter, Shannon, in 1975.
Ivan enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, camping, attending concerts and live theatre, carving, wintering in Mesa, Arizona and making fishing tackle for the family business, Great Northern Tackle.
In Ivan’s “spare” time, he also enjoyed restoring antique cars, being a member of the Road Runners and Vintage Wheels Car Clubs and being part of the pit crew for Ray Lapointe at the stock car races. He was also an active member of the Dryden Lions Club, holding various positions locally as well as District Governor of 49 Lions Clubs throughout Northwestern Ontario and Northern Minnesota. Ivan will be greatly missed as a volunteer in our community.
In 1989, Ivan received recognition as a Serving Brother of St. John Ambulance from Her Right Honourable Governor General Jeanne Sauve for service to St. John Ambulance.
Ivan’s ultimate pride and joy were his children Kelly and Shannon and his grandkids, Carter, Gabby and Kat. He was often found creating blanket forts, building legos on the floor, playing cards, singing songs at the campfire, telling or making up crazy stories, going to Disney, camping at Williams Bay and loved making waffles for breakfast.
Ivan could “spin a good yarn”, was known for telling jokes and was always “pulling our legs.”
Condolences(20)-
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Cheri & Mike Appel says
May 20, 2022 at 6:02 pmWe are so saddened by the lost of our dear friend Ivan. We have so many memories and pictures of the fun we had, especially as a Lions District Governor Group. If only all DG groups could bond as well as ours did. We will truly miss you Ivan.
Bill Findlay says
May 21, 2022 at 12:22 amTo you Susan and your family I want to offer my heartfelt condolences at this time. I went to high school with Ivan, and also worked with him at the mill in Dryden. He was a great guy. I’ am so sorry for your loss.
Bill Findlay
Charis Hutchison says
May 21, 2022 at 1:25 pmI’m very sad to hear about Ivan’s passing. My deepest condolences to Susan, Shannon, Kelly and their families. I had the pleasure of being taught first aid and safety by Ivan when I was a summer student working at the mill. He took pride in his job and did it with enthusiasm. His service with the Lions club was a blessing to the community. I have fond memories of our families getting together over the years to share meals and game nights. He will be missed!
Lisa & Chris Larsh says
May 21, 2022 at 2:30 pmWe were deeply saddened to hear of Ivan’s passing. We always enjoyed his company and quiet sense of humour at Lions events. Our condolences to Susan and the family.
Andria & Gord. says
May 21, 2022 at 3:48 pmSusan. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Hugs to all.
Linton and Trudy Valdock says
May 21, 2022 at 4:46 pmLinton and Trudy send our deepest condolences to his wife and his son and daughter and extended family at this very sad time of great loss.
Chris Barnard says
May 21, 2022 at 7:18 pmSusan and Family; Please accept my deepest condolences on Ivan’s passing. He was a great guy and very good to talk to. I especially remember the evening we spent in St. Cloud after a function there. Having a couple of adult beverages while I soaked up the wisdom being offered by him and his fellow Governors. Know that he will be missed by his Lions family.
Chris and Pat Barnard
Margaret Stawarski (Maggi) says
May 22, 2022 at 10:46 amSusan, to you and your family Barb and I send our sincere condolences. Take Care.
Dan Bryck says
May 22, 2022 at 12:31 pmSorry to hear of Ivan’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with the Pollock family, Kathy & Dan Bryck
Gerry Prince says
May 22, 2022 at 7:20 pmSusan, Kelly, Shannon
My thoughts and heart are with you during this time. I’m so saddened for the loss of Ivan.
I know we haven’t seen each other in a long time, I was negligent in keeping up our contact but I remember the fun memories and wonderful times we spent together as friends, neighbours, workmates.
I know Ivan was a special person in your life. May the many happy memories that you made together be a consolation today and all the days ahead. I send you my sincere condolences and sympathies
You are in my thoughts, wishing you courage, strength and love to help you through this loss
Kathy Zilkalns says
May 23, 2022 at 2:35 pmSusan and family,
It is with sadness I read Ivan’s obituary. He will be missed by many who he touched throughout his life. In the years to come there will be many wonderful memories of times shared with him to ease the loss you will feel.
Sincere sympathy,
Kathy Zilkalns
Doug and Anna Robinson says
May 24, 2022 at 12:55 amDear Susan and Family,
We just read about Ivan’s passing. We are so sorry for your loss as we know the two of you were soulmates for 52 years. We will always cherish the memories of the fun we had with both of you at our annual scavenger hunts. Ivan was such a good sport with an incredible sense of humour. We have pictures!
Please accept our heartfelt condolences and know our hearts are with you at this time.
Ron & Wanda Rhyner says
May 25, 2022 at 1:19 amWe are so very sorry for your loss, Susan.
May God comfort you in this difficult time. Take care.
TERI AIKEN says
May 27, 2022 at 4:27 pmYou are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Teri and Rob Aiken ( Guido’s daughter)
Anita Chandler says
May 29, 2022 at 1:13 pmSending our sincere condolences to you and your family, Susan. Lloyd and I often recall with fondness those Sunday hikes in the dessert around Mesa, AZ with you and Ivan. He will be missed by many.
Val & Ray Wasyliw says
May 30, 2022 at 2:00 amRay and I wish to pass on our condolences to the Pollock family on the passing of Ivan.
Susan & Ivan were wonderful snowbird friends while we all enjoyed our winters in Mesa, AZ. We will miss Ivan but we are thankful for the good times and memories we shared. We are with you in spirit Susan.
Timothy & Kathy Riordan says
May 31, 2022 at 5:17 pmWe were deeply saddened to hear of Ivan’s passing. His signature smile and quiet sense of humour at Lions events will be missed. The Virginia Lions and Lions in Southern 5M-10 send our condolences. Susan and family you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Jan McMillan says
June 1, 2022 at 5:01 pmI was saddened to read about Ivan passing. To Susan and family, please accept my condolences. Ivan was a gentle soul and will be missed by many.
Judy Cameron says
June 2, 2022 at 5:56 pmDear Susan and family
I was so sad to hear of the passing of your lifelong partner, friend, mentor and love of your life. I can still recall the four of us standing together as you committed your lives to one another. I have always truly respected the lives you made together and felt honoured to be a small part of its beginning. I’m send you hugs, love and prayers at this difficult time.
Judy
Greg and Ann Fox says
June 19, 2022 at 4:34 pmAll our love goes to you Susan and to the whole family. Ivan was one of the most wonderful people we have met in our travels and we are better for having met with you and Ivan. He brought joy and peace to everyone in his own quiet way.
Donations may be made to Tamarack House or DRHC Oncology Department through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
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