Ivan Frederick Jesperson

Ivan, the youngest of six, was born to Arthur and Florence Jesperson (Unsworth), in Piapot, Saskatchewan, April 1932. The family relocated to British Columbia when Ivan was a young boy, establishing their early roots in Chilliwack. Always having a spirit of adventure, Ivan left school after Grade 9, joining the Merchant Marines, crossing the ocean to Australia, working as a fireman aboard the S.S.Triberg. It was during that voyage that Ivan discovered a tiny New Testament bible near his bunk. It became the pivotal experience that changed the direction of his young life. Ivan read that tiny copy over many months and nautical miles, creating and nurturing his deep desire to know that man named Jesus.

When Ivan made his way back to Canada, he served on various ships around British Columbia, including the Princess Mary and the S.S. Nootka. Back in Chilliwack, Ivan pursued new directions. He returned to school at the age of 21 and received his high school diploma in 1955. During that time, he took up scuba diving and woodworking, sharing stories of his underwater escapades, and creating wooden pieces we still hold dear. The New Testament he found years earlier remained his constant companion.

Being inspired by his new spiritual life, Ivan’s interest in the church blossomed, opening a new chapter in his life. While singing in a church choir one day, he spotted an orange crinoline peeping out from under a lovely new teacher’s choir robe. It was Mollie Bratvold, and he resolved to marry her. The two were wed and started their family.

Ivan, a life-long learner, enrolled in university and completed his degree in theological studies. Following his ordination into the United Church of Canada (1968), Ivan chose his first pastoral charge: Fogo Island, Newfoundland. It was on this small rocky island, in the cold Atlantic, that Ivan’s love of writing and his ability to bring people together flourished. His personal credo “to walk on the high road” was Ivan’s driving force when he founded the ‘Fogo Island Profile’. Through this local newsletter, he gave the Islanders a forum to voice their beliefs, celebrate their culture, and share their stories.

Being a minister, married to a teacher, Ivan developed strong views on the roles of religion and education in the communities on Fogo Island. At the time, Newfoundland had a denominational school system. Realizing the importance of an integrated community, Ivan spearheaded the mission to build a non-denominational high school for Fogo Island. After much campaigning and fundraising, Fogo Island Central Academy became a reality in 1972, 26 years before the denominational school system officially ended in Newfoundland. This high school was a historic first for Newfoundland. Honoured 50 years later as one of the Fogo Island Warriors, Ivan’s legacy on Fogo Island gave him great satisfaction.

After his posting on Fogo Island, Ivan continued publishing and ministering in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, then a three point charge in Kazabazua, Quebec. He started his own publishing company, Jesperson Press, for Newfoundland authors. Tourists and foodies can still purchase one of his first publications, Fat Back and Molasses, a recipe book of Newfoundland treats and lore.

Eventually, Ivan’s travels lead him, full-circle, back to Victoria, British Columbia. There he spent his retirement years doing the things he loved most: writing, reading, feeding the crows on Dallas Rd and ducks in Beacon Hill Park, and sandblasting, his new creative outlet. Anyone walking along Dallas Road in Victoria will have seen his monument of sandblasted rocks featuring local personalities and favourite sayings. Most importantly, Ivan loved spending time with his new friends and his family - especially Mollie, his beloved with the peek-a-boo crinoline. Ivan’s life with Mollie was rich and filled with loving support and lots of laughter. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past August.

Ivan was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Florence Jesperson, and his siblings, Frances Keillor, Evelyn Zajic, and his Jesperson brothers - Russell, Les, and Allen, and his son-in-law, Steve Lacey, who shared a special connection with Ivan.

Ivan’s warmth, humor, and strong sense of purpose live on with his wife, Mollie; his children: Lorie Jesperson (Steve),Terri Strickland (Al), Dana Griffiths (Phillip), and Gregg Jesperson (Kelly); his grandchildren: Katharine, Caroline, Daniel, Molly, David, Alan, Nicholas, and Malcolm; his great-grandchildren: Bradley, Grace, Roland, Leona, Angus, Cameron, Jack, Emma, Sam, Jace, and Sawyer. He leaves behind beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.

In his last year, Ivan moved into long term care. With the help of his nieces Gayle, Karen and Camille, and numerous helpful friends, Mollie visited him almost every day, as their love for each other continued to grow. They are so grateful for the care they received during this time. Many thanks also go out to the carers at the Gorge Hospital and Glengarry Hospital.

A private family visitation will be held in late September, and a celebration of life will be announced later this year.