Ivan Simic

The family of Mr. Ivan Simic, sadly announces his passing on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Thunder Bay.

Ivan was born Dec. 25, 1922 in Pazariste, Gospic, Lika, Croatia. He and his wife, Ana, were wed in Croatia and had been married 62 years at the time of his passing. In 1958, Ivan immigrated to Canada and established the family home in Port Arthur with Ana and their two children joining him in 1962.

He worked with Ontario Paper until 1966, followed by employment with Saskatchewan Wheat Pool no. 7 until his retirement in 1988.

During his retirement, Ivan passionately pursued his love of gardening, cooking and reading. For many years Ivan and Nero (his German Shepherd companion), could be seen walking countless miles of trail together. Ivan was a proud member of the Croatian Branch, Stanka Prava, Velebit.

Ivan will be remembered by his wife Ana; his sister Ika Markovic of Croatia; his four children Mark (Eija), Frances of Thunder Bay, Maria Laskaris (Stavros) of Winnipeg and Rosy (Andre) of St. Catharines; his grandchildren Jennifer Simic, George Laskaris (Alicia) and Theo Laskaris and numerous nieces and nephews in Croatia.

Ivan was predeceased by his parents Marko and Franka Simic; brother Josip and sister- in-law Ika, sister Marija and brother-in-law Filip Beruta, sister Ana and brother-in-law Ivan Starcevic, brothers-in-law Franjo Markovic, Stipan Starcevic, Ivan Starcevic, and parents-in-law Mate and Ika Starcevic.

Funeral services for the late Mr. Ivan Simic will be held on Monday, April 4, 2011 leaving the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley St. at Algoma at 10 a.m. to Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Father Richard Kowalchuk.

Entombment will follow in St. Andrew's Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday afternoon between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Everest Chapel with Vigil Prayers offered at 3 p.m.

If friends so desire, donations in memory of Ivan to St. Joseph's Care Group or Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com