Ivan Louis Larsen

It is with great sadness that the family of Ivan Larsen announces the passing of our dear father and grandfather on February 5, 2023 at the age of 92 years. Ivan was married to Velma/Val for nearly 60 years before her passing in 2013. He is survived by his daughter Karen, son Jeff (Christine), daughter Kristine (Brian); grandchildren Lauranne (Craig), Kelsey, Shelby (Matt), Spencer, Ross; great grandchildren Ashley, Evan; brother William, sister Diane and many extended family members.

Ivan was born into a farming family in Edson, Alberta and was the eldest child of Peter and Merry Larsen.  Ivan enlisted in the RCAF at the age of 18 in 1949 and retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 having achieved the rank of Captain. During his military career, Ivan was awarded several medals and the Clasp to the Canadian Armed Forces Decoration. Ivan met Val while they were both stationed in Rivers Manitoba.

Early in their marriage, Ivan was posted to 3F Wing in Germany where they lived for 3 years with little Karen and Jeffrey. Kristine was born after they returned to Canada. The family then had several postings to bases in both Manitoba and Alberta before Ivan and Val retired to Vernon BC.  Over their lives together, Ivan and Val enjoyed many travels and were especially fond of camping and cruising.

Ivan was a jack of all trades. He was able to fix anything and fix it right! He was also a skilled builder and he took on many projects large and small, from home finishing to dock-building. He loved being on the water and always owned a motorboat, even building a sailboat in his basement in Winnipeg before moving to Vernon. He was an ace water-skier in his younger years, and he later became known to his grandkids as Grandpa Boat.

Ivan was a wonderful and supportive father/grandfather, a good friend and a great neighbor, and his home was always open.  In his last years, Ivan’s favourite spot was sitting on his deck in the shade of the balcony, drinking tea, reading the paper, and watching the boats and planes going by. His greatest joy was being with his family. We will miss him dearly.