Obituary of Ivan Kvesic

Kvesic, Ivan Ivan won many battles, but lost the war. With great sadness Ivan’s family and friends announce his passing on December 3, quietly and on his own terms. He is survived by his soulmate, his wife Barbara; his children Mary Louise (Denis), David (Izabela) and Deanna and the apples of his eye, his grandchildren: Joshua and Megan, Marek, Maya, Daniel and Matthew. Also survived by daughter Ofelija and granddaughter Hristina in Europe and his canine pal Rex. Ivan is predeceased by his parents Drago and Marica Kvesic in Croatia, son-in-law Dario (October 2015) and his brother-in-law Wm. Clyde Peters (July 2016). Cherished brother of Ankica, Izdenka, Mira, Nada and Ladislav, their partners and children, all in Croatia. Ivan came to Canada in 1965 with the proverbial twenty dollars in his pocket and not one word of English. His friend had found him a job in a machine shop in Niagara Falls. Using his considerable skills, Ivan, a master tradesman, built his career. Eventually he found a job at General Motors and worked many years in the Die Shop until his retirement. Ivan had 3 great loves of his life: soccer, his friends and his family. He was a natural athlete. Combining his athletic skills with his sharp intellect, he became a professional player in Europe. From the dusty streets in war torn Croatia, playing with balls made from tightly woven rags, to the lush green soccer pitches in Germany and Canada kicking carefully crafted leather balls, Ivan made his mark. Upon arrival in Canada, Ivan dedicated himself to the world of recreational soccer. He was a talented inside left-a striker-scoring many goals with his speed and accuracy. As he grew older, Ivan became a player/coach at Club Roma and led his team to championships. He helped to organize the Peninsula League, the Croatian Club team in Welland and eventually Hrvat in St. Catharines. He ended his soccer playing “career” with the Croatian Old Timers as a player and then coach until a few years ago. Ivan was a healthy, vibrant man until he developed lymphoma. Even so, he never gave up. He enjoyed his friends and family, especially his grandchildren right to his quiet end in his sleep. Ivan was his own man. As a child he survived the bombs, bullets and starvation during WWII. He swam in bomb craters and ran with his family and friends to find safety. As a father, Ivan protected his children, taught them how to take care of themselves and worked hard to provide a safe, secure home and good food for them. He was home for supper every night with his family. Loyal friend, cherished father, beloved grandfather, lover of dogs, cats and kids. Ivan enjoyed his life and his many adventures. Rest in peace, my love. We will miss you. Friends and family will be welcomed at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Friday December 9, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9pm. A Funeral Liturgy outside of Mass will be held at the funeral home on Saturday December 10, 2016 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations made to the Rankin Cancer Run, Lincoln County Humane Society or the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre would be appreciated by the family.