Ivan Drgastin

January 22, 1939 - November 6, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved Dad, Ivan Drgastin, who died on November 6, 2025, in Duncan, British Columbia.

Ivan surprised even himself that he lived to 86. He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Ana, in December 2023. They were married for 62 years. Ana’s death marked the beginning of Ivan’s decline and gradually he became a shadow of the man he once was. He had lost his ‘purpose’ as her husband, her long time caregiver and constant companion.

Ivan is survived by his daughter, Nedeljka.

He was born in Lipnicka Gorica, a farming community in County Karlovac, Croatia, to Janko and Kata Drgastin. The youngest of three children, he was predeceased by his brother Josip, and his spouse Milka, as well as his sister, Roza Kladusan and her husband Dragutin.

In 1968, the family immigrated to Kitchener. Ivan could best be described as determined, industrious, creative, caring and meticulous in everything he did. First and foremost, Ivan was a family man, the anchor of stability for Ana and Nedeljka. There was nothing he would not do for his family and, in return, he was lovingly cared for to the very end. He liked to travel, enjoyed the companionship of his dogs and was always there to lend a helping hand.

He was a dedicated worker at Lear Corporation. An avid gardener, his Country Hills home and yard were pristine. As a talented carpenter and handyman, his intarsia art and wood working projects decorate the walls of family and friends. His woodworking art of the Blessed Virgin adorns both the Chapel of St. Ana in Grice, Croatia and Blessed Sacrament Church in Kitchener.

Nedeljka would like to express her heartfelt gratitude to her cousins, Ljubica Luke and Mary Car for their love and support. Added to that list are dear friends Adrien Brown, Debbie Courtney and Marian Corak.

Nedeljka would also like to express her thanks to the staff at Sunridge Place, Carnation House, Duncan, B.C. for their kindness, care and compassion. You truly treated him like family.

“You were a wonderful Dad. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered and always loved. Your life meant so much to Mom and myself. May both of you, together now, rest in eternal peace.”

Your loving daughter, Nedeljka (Nedge)

Friends and family may visit Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S. Kitchener on Friday, November 14 from 4 -7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Church, 305 Laurentian Dr, Kitchener on Saturday, November 15 at 9:30 am with burial to follow at Williamsburg Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.westmountfuneralchapel.com .