Anthony "Tony" Ivanko

IVANKO, Anthony (Tony) – 83 of Halifax passed away peacefully on May 8, 2015 in the Halifax Infirmary. He was the son of Anna Podrazil and Andrew Ivanko. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1932, he moved to Canada in 1936.

He joined the Armed Forces in 1950 stationed in Halifax where he met his loving wife, Eleanor of 61 years. His family is saddened to say good-bye to a great man, a wonderful husband, brother, father and grandfather. He spent 26 years in the navy and 15 years working as contract officer at DNA Dockyard. He spent many years involved in minor hockey, one of the original committee members organizing Spryfield Hockey and was one of the original founders of the Spryfield Junior B Hockey Club. He held various positions in the Nova Scotia Hockey Association and was Vice President for ten years. He received numerous awards for his tireless volunteer efforts. He never missed his grandchildren’s hockey games. He formed lifelong friendships throughout his years involved in hockey. His compassion for others and generosity of giving his time will be missed by everyone who he touched. He loved to play golf especially in Florida and watch the Blue Jays preseason games in Florida during retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; daughter, Christine (Warren) Algee; sons, Mike (Estella, predeceased), Allan (Vanda, predeceased), (Mary LeBlanc, partner); grandchildren, David and Michael Algee, Tammy Currie and Tara Ivanko, Holly and Christopher Ivanko, and great-grandchildren, Kingsley and Cassius Algee. Sister Emma Kodatsky, brother Bill and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Anna Podrazil and father Andrew Ivanko.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stoke Foundation.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 11:00 am in St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Herring Cove Road at 11:00 o’clock followed by reception. Burial will take place at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery.