Ivan Certic

Ivan Certic was born on November 21, 1938 in Rozdanik, Croatia to parents Marco and Maria Certic. Ivan passed away peacefully on March 18, 2023 at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Ivan was predeceased by his wife, Karen Certic, on February 1, 2023. Ivan was also predeceased by his parents Marco and Maria Certic and his brother Mato. Ivan’s father died when he was just 6 years old in 1944. This had a profound effect on the family as would be expected.

Ivan left home at the age of 10 and went to live with relatives while he finished his schooling. Ivan moved to Germany in 1962 where he worked as a bartender at the Queensway Club. He was a man who loved to listen to the big bands back in the early 60’s and he loved a good drink and a good party.

Ivan immigrated to Canada in 1964. He chose to make Toronto, Ontario his home at that time. Ivan worked at the Granite Club as a waiter initially, gradually moving up to the position of Maître d’, a position that he was very proud of. Toronto is also where Ivan met and married Karen Certic (nee Aquin). They were married on February 26, 1981. He was devastated when she passed.

Ivan and Karen moved to Calgary, Alberta where Ivan worked at the Calgary Petroleum Club. He was immensely proud of the some of the famous people he met during his employment which included Joe Clark, Jimmy Patterson, Ralph Klein and Bill Bennett to name a few.

Ivan and Karen were both very good cooks and they enjoyed entertaining. They hosted international students at their home in Calgary and this was a very happy time for them. Ivan retired and they moved to Vernon in 2001 where they continued to host students until 2005.

Ivan had a green thumb and loved to garden. He could grow a garden on a small patch of grass along with fruit trees. Ivan and Karen loved to travel and they made a couple of trips back to his home in Croatia. Ivan loved Croatia and Canada equally but his heart still yearned for Croatia where he was born.

Ivan’s final years were a bit difficult after losing his lower legs due to diabetes. He continued to enjoy his French wines up until his passing on March 18, 2023. Ivan is survived by his brother Miso, and his sister Ana along with nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family but we are comforted by the knowledge that he and Karen are together again.

Arrangements in care of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-4333