We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Ivan on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. We have lost a son, brother, father, and a dear friend to many.

Ivan was a kind, loving, compassionate, intelligent man. He was genuine and made the best of everything, kind to everyone who touched his life. He deeply loved his sons and family. He Ivan had a heart of gold, a great sense of humour, and he was a bit of a prankster…

Ivan had a great love for animals, he was an animal whisperer. Whether it be dogs, cats, horses, they were all drawn to him and he loved them all!

Ivan was born in Grande Prairie on February 8, 1960 and remained in the Peace Country. He was an outdoors man, loved to fish, camp garden, anything to do with being outdoors. A collector of unique antiques and art, Ivan had a keen eye to find fossils, arrowheads, and petrified wood, while out fishing and exploring. He took great pleasure in the simple things in life. This love for nature he also instilled in his sons.

Ivan spent many years working as a driller for Pelly Construction. During this time, he worked with them at the Brule Mind, Tumbler Ridge, Minto Mine and Mayo Victoria Gold Mine in the Yukon. He was considered, as quoted by his boss “By far the best driller we ever had, he could out-drill anyone, any shift, any drill!”. Always happy, a hard worker, admired and respected by his co-workers. He worked at Major Drilling and Rock Construction at the Rainy River Ontario surface project. He also worked at Baffin Island, Nunavut. Ivan greatly enjoyed his work, his buddies on the job, and was known for his hard work, good sense of humour. He was easy to be around, a great guy, and a pleasure to know for all who crossed his path.

He was predeceased by his grandparents Pete and Mary Silvanuik, Montague and Loretta Mellon; father Lloyd Mellon and uncle Mike Silvanuik.

Ivan is survived by his mom Rose Mellon; sister Jackie (Paul) Stone; sons Levi Buteau and Colton Mellon; nieces Danielle Fischer and Darby Fischer; uncle Jake Silvanuik; as well as many dear friends, relatives and his dogs Cyrus and Tipper.

Rest in peace Ivan, your smile lives on in all of us!

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to your local animal shelter.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-03-18
• Location : Clairmont, Alberta

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