Skip to content
It is with both deep sorrow and joy at a life well lived, that the family of Frank Ivancic announce his passing away peacefully in his home on December 30th, 2020 with his wife and son, at his side.

He was born December 7th, 1926 in the village of Kamno. This small quaint Italian village would eventually fall under Yugoslavia and, later still, Slovenia. Frank’s Slovenian heritage played a formative role throughout his life and he returned to the Kamno Valley as often as he could.

Frank began his life in Canada in earnest integrating into the tightknit Slovenian community of Thunder Bay, finding work in the forestry industry, and meeting the love of his life, Mercedes. They married on April 19, 1961 and had two beautiful boys whom they raised dutifully in the Roman Catholic faith.

Faith played an important role in Frank’s life. He went to church every Sunday with his family and was well known in the Parish of St. Andrew.

Frank eventually began working at Richardson Grain Elevators, where he would spend over twenty-five years until his retirement, a fact that gave him immense pride.

Frank could often be found in the small but productive garden adjoining his home during spring and summer months. He and Mercedes would painstakingly weed the garden by hand which produced an assortment of vegetables, but his greatest pride was his heritage tomatoes. His family fondly remembers eating fresh organic salads with vegetables grown in his garden.

In retirement, Frank made his grandchildren his new job and passion playing the role of chauffeur, chef, confidante, and friend to his five grandchildren. He will be remembered as the cribbage master of the household and we will think of him every time we sit around a cribbage board. His stoic demeanor did not diminish his loyalty and warm care for those whom he loved. His sharp wit will be dearly missed.

Frank is survived by his wife Mercedes, his sons Andy (Robin) and Michael (Charlotte), daughter-in-law Noreen and his grandchildren Joshua, Alexandra, Michaila, Christopher, and Elisa. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Anton and Rosalia, and his siblings Tony, Marica, and Louis. The family offers great gratitude to nurse Georgette, nurse practitioner Aaron Medd, case coordinator Linda of LHIN and to the other medical staff in addition to the volunteers from Hospice Northwest for their wonderful, compassionate palliative care during Frank's long and brave journey with COPD.

Due to current gathering restrictions, Funeral Services for Frank will be held privately for family in the Chapel of Harbourview Funeral Centre on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021 presided by Father Antoni Fujarczuk of St. Andrew’s Church. A private Interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Cemetery.

Please visit www.harbourviewfuneral.ca to view the services live at 1:00 p.m. or you may watch it at a later time as it will be archived on the same site.



Memories and Condolences
push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks