Obituary of Ivor Khan

KHAN, JOSEPH IVORWe have lost a great light and voice, and although we are deeply saddened by his passing, he will always remain with us as a loving and generous spirit. Ivor passed away peacefully in his 70th year surrounded by his loving family in the early hours of Saturday, April 23, 2005 At the Henderson General Hospital, Hamilton, after a brief and courageous battle with a sudden and unexpected illness. A beloved husband of 40 years to Josefina (Fina), Ivor was and an adoring brother to his sisters Leila (Fredericks) and Daphne. Ivor was the proud and devoted father to David, Mark, Dominic, Nicholas, Jonathan and Jeremy, grandfather to Tamara, Julian and Vanessa, and uncle to Andrew, Marilyn, Brian, Wendy, Barbara, Sandra, Melanie, Christopher, David, Robyn, Tony, Natalie, Nicolas and Daniel. Ivor is survived by his mother-in-law (Carmen Guzman), his sister-in-law (Mercedes Tamayo), his brother-in-law (Dario Tamayo) and daughters-in-law (Ronalda and Marcelle). Ivor will be remembered as a loyal friend, one who enjoyed serving his community through song and especially spending time surrounded by his family. He was intensely committed to his music ministry, both at St. Alfred's in St. Catharines and at St. Michael's in Oakville. A long serving Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, Ivor was deeply involved with the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. He truly lived by the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self". Ivor also gave generously of his time and talents to many other organizations, most notably serving as Executive Producer for Hospice Niagara's bi-annual fall concerts. Fina and the family wish to express heartfelt thanks to friends, colleagues and to the wonderful staff in Ward 396 of the Henderson Hospital for their compassion and kindness to Ivor and family. A special thanks for Dr. Graham Fraser and Dr. Lisa Christjanson for all their support. Friends will be received at the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Tuesday, April 26, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Vigil prayers for Ivor will be said on Tuesday at 6:00pm at the Funeral Home.A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alfred's Church, 272 Vine Street, St. Catharines (905-934-9703) on Wednesday, April 27, at 11:00am followed by cremation. A second Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael's Church, 181 Sewell Drive, Oakville (905-844-7971) on Saturday, April 30, at 10:00am. Donations would be appreciated in Ivor's memory to Hospice Niagara, 205 King St., St. Catharines, L2K 3J5 or The Rankin Cancer Run, 2 Maplewood Drive, St. Catharines, L2M 3P1. Messages of condolence may be sent via facsimile to 905-338-2261, via e-mail to divaderm@cogeco.ca, or on-line at www.dartefuneralhome.com