Obituary of Ivan E. Bechard

BECHARD: Ivan E. - With great sorrow, the family of Ivan E Bechard announces his passing at CKHA-Chatham Campus on December 14, 2022 in his 94th year. Born in Pain Court, May 11, 1929 to parents Henri and Velina (Myers) Bechard. Reunited with the love of his life, Dora (2019). Survived by his children Michael (Christina), Lee Ann Sparks (Bill) and Shelley Bechard-Kloostra. Pappy to Shannon, Shawn, David, Caitlin, Emilee, Valerie, Kyle, Tiffany, Leila, Logan, Deaton, Anastashya and Oliver. Survived by sisters Beverley Crow (Bob 2007), and Jeannette Owen (Norm 2020), as well as brothers Gerard (Margo), and Norbert (Noreen) Bechard. Predeceased by son-in-law Paul Kloostra (2014), and brothers Deacon Vern (2017) and Jerome (2019). Fondly remembered by numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Ivan was a faithful employee of International Harvester/Navistar, starting at the age of 16 and gleefully opting for ‘55 and Out’. He was adamant that he never lied about his age to his employer - when asked at the time, it was true, - he was “going on 18”.

Ivan was a true patriarch - the head of his family and the one they could rely on always. He was slow to anger, patient, fair, and had the incredible gift of knowing what to say and do in all circumstances. His sense of humour and wit was a constant delight to everyone he met. He was both jack and master of all trades, able to repair anything and happy to help his kids and grandkids with any project. If it was broken, he could fix it!

Ivan adored children and they adored him. His infamous and trademark games included ‘hide-the-toothpick’, ‘peek’, and sliding small hands over his whiskers playing ‘meenoish’.

Ivan had numerous hobbies and loved staying active. He was an avid sports fan, favouring the Habs and any ball team that was playing. He loved playing Mahjongg on his computer and was known to never miss a Facebook birthday post. He was enthusiastic about wood working, gardening, singing, and of course: a good game of cards. “Bon chance” to you if you were up against Ivan in Euchre, and if you could beat him at cribbage, it was most likely because he threw the game in pity. Much of Ivan’s quiet time was devoted to polishing off Danielle Steele and Norah Roberts novels (though he found them predictable!). He was fit as a fiddle, and even into his 90s, started every morning with 10 miles on his stationary bike whilst doing bicep curls. His family would all strive to beat him at arm wrestling competitions - but to no avail.

Ivan was always grateful for his many blessings - a man of faith, rising every morning on his knees in prayer and finishing the day the same way. He raised and taught his family to always live in thanks and because of that, his family is truly thankful for him and all aspire to be half the man he was.

“When we focus on our gratitude, the tide of disappointment goes out and the tide of love rushes in.” - Kristin Armstrong

Special thanks to the doctors and nurses in ICU at CKHA for their constant care and compassion. A warm thanks to Dr. Moazzam - Ivan thought she was the best.

The family will receive friends at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St Clair Street, Chatham ON, on Sunday, December 18, 2022: 2:00pm - 4:00pm and 7:00pm - 9:00pm.

The funeral mass will be taking place at St Agnes Parish, 52 Croydon St, Chatham, ON, on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:00am. The family appreciates and are grateful to long lasting friend Fr. Daniel Bombardier, for celebrating Ivan’s Mass.

Interment will be held at St Anthony’s Cemetery, Chatham, ON.

Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider a charity of your choice in Ivan’s name.

On-line condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040