Ivan Pedersen

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the loss of our Dad, husband, and hero, Ivan Melanchton Pedersen. Ivan was a beloved and devoted husband to Suzanne, Dad to Annemarie (Dan), Christoffer (Celeste), and Charlotte (Thomas), and Farfar to Evan and Emilia.

Ivan was born on October 1, 1947, in Sønderborg, Denmark, to Marie and Christian Pedersen. Not long after, his little brother Torben arrived, and the two became best friends. To his younger cousins, Ivan was also like an older brother; someone they looked up to and learned from. Whether he was building model ships and airplanes, flying in glider planes, or cruising around in his beloved “Frog Eye” Austin, Ivan was always at the centre of adventure. Torben and his cousins could always count on Ivan’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of fun.

After completing his studies in electronics in Denmark, Ivan set out across the ocean in his mid-twenties to try a new adventure in Toronto, Canada. He assured his family that he’d only be away for four years, but fate had other plans. While attending sailing school at Ashbridges Bay, Ivan met the love of his life, Suzanne. The two were married on December 18, 1982, in Canada, where they would eventually put down roots and begin building their family together.

Ivan’s quiet kindness and unending humor brought joy to everyone around him. Whether he was telling his legendary dad jokes, building or fixing something in his workshop, or helping his kids with math homework, he led a life that radiated warmth, curiosity, and connection.

Ivan was an avid sailor, racing his Wayfarer sailboat “Akvavit” with his family. He found joy travelling to regattas around Ontario, camping, fishing and playing cards by the campfire. His greatest joy however was his family, spending hyggeligt (cozy) times gathered around the kitchen table enjoying Smørrebrød, sharing laughter, and maybe a nice Danish snaps or two.

Though Ivan will be greatly missed, his legacy lives on in the values he taught us all, the love he gave so freely, and the deep traditions we get to carry on.

Skål to our hero, a true great Dane. Our Dad.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.