Ivan David Blakley was born November 6, 1926 in the house on the farm 1 and a half miles south of Sintaluta. He was the third child of Joseph and Mildred (Burge) Blakley and a brother to Edwin, Bernice and later Lee. He ran the family dairy farm until 1963 when he moved to a farm 5 miles west of Sintaluta. He loved every aspect of farming from seeding to harvest. He also raised cattle, chickens (in the early years) and pigs. His favorite season was haying even though he suffered asthma most of his life. He was an early riser from an early age and was found out in the fields before daybreak. He was a very successful farmer and made a good life for his family. He married the love of his life, Florence Peach on November 6, 1948. They were the best team as they loved and did everything together, from work to play. They raised 2 children, Meryle and Dennis.
He is survived by a heartbroken family, Florence, his devoted wife, Meryle (Armand) Cruywels and her family, Aron (Glenda) Cruywels and Rachelle (Wes) Smith, and Dennis, and his children, Ken, Sarah and Landon. He has 3 great-granddaughters, Madison, Callie and Alexandra Smith, great-grandson Kruz, and great-step-grandsons Levi and Ashton. Also by his brother-in-law Alfred Peach. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings and their spouses, and his 2 brothers-in-law and 3 sisters-in-law, and by his first granddaughter in infancy, Anne-Marie Cruywels. He also has many nephews and nieces (22) who adored their uncle Ivan, most of whom always kept in touch by phone, email or Skype.
Dad was not afraid to tackle any job and was a jack of all trades, carpentry, welding, or fixing things. He was always singing and from an early age was requested to provide music for weddings and funerals. Almost everyone in the family had him at their special day. He was community-minded and was a volunteer for many projects and a willing donator of his time and money. He loved to watch his family in sports or other activities. He will be deeply missed.
Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St Andrew's United Church, Indian Head Sask.
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