Ivan Elmer Westerlund

Ivan was born in the Prince George Regional Hospital in 1935 and was raised in Dome Creek, BC by parents Olga and August Westerlund.

He completed his schooling in Dome Creek Elementary, King George The Fifth (KGV), and lastly McBride Secondary School. This is where he met his first and life-long love, Beverley Beecroft who was two years his junior. The two were 18 and 20 years old when they became engaged, both requiring their parents’ permission to marry. They became husband and wife on April 21, 1956 with Bev’s sister, Lena, and her husband, George serving as matron of honor and best man.

Together Bev and Ivan raised 3 sons and later a daughter on the family farm in Dome Creek. Ivan worked in forestry for Northwood, NCP, and was a service manager for Ben Ginter Construction.

Eventually Ivan was able to commit to farming full-time and raising cattle. The family created many happy memories during this time. Adventures included travelling up river, hunting, and fishing, as well as Ivan’s yearly trips with closest of friends, Guy Norton and Larry Finnerty to the cattle auction each Fall. How the three musketeers survived these trips we will never know.

In the early 90’s, Ivan faced cancer for the first time. He managed to recover, however the cattle were sold and life changed forever.

In 2000, Bev and Ivan moved to Prince George and were able to spend more time with their children, grandchildren, and in later years, great grandchildren. They travelled many a back road, the most memorable being their excursions past the Arctic Circle where they experienced the midnight sun celebrations.

Retirement and city living brought the hobby of garage sales and bartering. Ivan spent hours in his basement shop, sharpening chains for his sons who ran processor. He was always the go-to when a “farmer fix” was needed.

Ivan was predeceased by his sister Ruth, as well as his parents, Olga and August. He is survived by his loving wife Bev; sons Ivan Jr (Michelle), Mat (Marilyn), and Daren (Brigitte); daughter Diane (Rick) as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Not to be forgotten are fur babies Missy and Stella, and feathered friend “bird.”

We would like to extend our gratitude to our palliative care nurses, especially Erica, as well as Dr Bartell. We will be forever grateful for the care the hospice staff provided to both Ivan and his family.

Special thanks to Angela Willmann of Assman’s Funeral Chapel for helping us navigate this terrible time.

Any donations in honor of Ivan‘s memory can be made to the Prince George Hospice Palliative Care Society.