Richard "Rick" Ivanovick

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Rick Ivanovick who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Rick was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Rick knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Rick was born on January 26, 1941 at home in Frogmore, Ontario. His parents were Peter and Rose (Choto) Ivanovick. Rick was raised in Brantford, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Rick learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Rick was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren’t supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Rick was raised with one sibling. He had an older brother Ron. Rick had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Rick, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.

      Rick matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Rick enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Rick took part in basketball and football.

      In school, Rick was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Rick was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Rick's personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Rick reveled in the security of his family. On September 11, 1965 Rick exchanged wedding vows with Marilyn Jean Roberts at the Grace United Church in Port Dover. One of Rick's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Rick was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Rick would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Rick was blessed with two children, one daughter Karen Jean and one son Richard Blair. They were also blessed with six grandchildren, Rachel, Megan and Ethan Lindstrom, Kayla Ivanovick, step grandchildren Ricky and Joey Kropf.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Rick was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Rick was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Rick upheld his standards. His primary occupation was as a chartered accountant. He was employed for 2 years at Sklar Peppler Furniture, 3 years at Babcock Wilcox, 2 years at Walker Exhaust. He was also the owner of Marsh Tire and Auto of Guelph.

      Rick approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were squash, golf, ski. Rick was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Rick to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. In high school, Rick played basketball and football. In his college years, Rick continued to stay active by. Recreational sports included squash, golf, and skiing. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were golf.

      Being generous with his time and energy, Rick liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. Throughout his later years, Rick was an active member of the Big Brothers and the Culten Club.

      A civic-minded person, Rick was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Rick was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Big Brothers.

      Faith was important to Rick. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. For that reason he held deep spiritual beliefs that he was willing to share. He was a member of First United Church for 45 years.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Rick used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Rick had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included Jackson Hole Wyoming, Val D'Iere France, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Ireland.

      Rick was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Rick's favorite was Nikki, a poodle. They were best friends for 14 years.

      When Rick's retirement finally arrived in July, 2010, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. Rick loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Rick passed away on July 4, 2013 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Cambridge, Ontario. He is survived by wife Marilyn, daughter Karen and son Blair. Services were held at First United Church. Rick was laid to rest in Cambridge, Ontario.

      All who knew him would agree that Rick was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Rick Ivanovick did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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Passed away peacefully at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Thursday July 4, 2013 in his 73rd year. Beloved husband of Marilyn (Roberts), and loving father of Karen Lindstrom and her husband Erik of Monroe Conn., and Blair Ivanovick and his wife Sheri of Kemptville Ontario. Also survived by 6 grandchildren Rachel, Megan, Ethan, Kayla, Ricki and Joey. Also survived by in-laws Wayne and Sherry Roberts and John and Sue Roberts, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Peter and Rose Ivanovick, and his brother Ron and sister-in-law Alice, and sister -in-law Joan Robinson. Rick was born in Frogmore Ontario on January 26, 1941, and has lived in Cambridge since 1968. He was a Chartered Accountant, and owner of Marsh Tire & Auto of Guelph, and a member of First United Church. The family will receive friends at Coutts Funeral Home 96 St. Andrews St. Cambridge on Tuesday July 9, 2013 from 2-4 and 7-9 P. M. Cremation to follow . A Memorial service will be held at First United Church 15 Wellington St. Cambridge on Wednesday July 10, 2013 at 2 P.M. As expressions of sympathy donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Cambridge Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family