It is with deep and profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, Dida and friend Ivan Haluska. Ivan unexpectedly passed away on July 16, 2024, at the age of 78.

Ivan was predeceased by both his parents, Antun and Marija; siblings, Joseph, Antuny, and Kata; in-laws Molly and Fred; and son, our brother, Antuny Charles. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Kathy, his children, Marija (Walter), Terezija (Angelo), David (Chelsea) and the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Tariq (Tiarra), Mekhila, Isabella, Gabriel, and Khalil.

Ivan was born in Novi Mikanovici, Croatia. He left his country to make a better life for himself at the age of 18. He had amazing stories of this time and eventually made his way to Flin Flon, MB, where he met his beautiful wife of 55 years, Kathy. Ivan and Kathy settled in Winnipeg, where they welcomed their children. In 1980, they made their way to the Okanagan and never looked back. Ivan took so much joy in all the fruit and veggies available. We all have wonderful memories of going to orchards, gardens, and farms with him. He always took great satisfaction in growing food for his family and for the community.

Ivan’s cultural pride remained strong and was most notably displayed during the soccer world cup. He remained a dedicated, devoted and highly respected member of the Croatian Club, earning him distinction as a lifetime member. He loved to entertain and his pig roasts were legendary. If you didn’t leave a roast a little tipsy or a little too full, you must have been hiding from him. One of his most prized possessions was a plaque naming him “Best Croatian Cook” awarded to him by the club.

Ivan was a hardworking plumber, highly respected for his skills and integrity. He was immensely proud of owning and running his own business, Alpine Mechanical. Ivan was a handyman to anyone in need, until the day he passed. He loved to serve others – whether through his work with the Knights of Columbus, coaching minor sports, park clean-ups or dinners to feed hundreds, Ivan always found the time to help.

Ivan was big-hearted, silly and generous. A kid at heart, he was the favourite playmate of his children, grandchildren and most of the neighbourhood. Ivan remained the number one fan of his grandchildren, attending hockey, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and softball games whenever possible. He proudly declared them the best players (without bias) to anyone who would listen. Many in Kelowna may have seen him making friends and distributing lollipops not long ago at a basketball tournament. He took immense pride in his role as a founding member and builder of the Kelowna Bocce Club. Much of his joy came from working in the bocce club yard, one of his truly happy places.

We miss him dearly, unsure how to proceed without our beloved “Ivan the Terrible”. From the simplest acts of kindness to the grandest gestures, Ivan’s spirit will continue to guide us. Each game we attend, every lollipop we hand out and every bocce ball we roll, will be a tribute to the man who taught us the true meaning of dedication and fun. It is our turn to carry forward his traditions, to foster the same sense of community and to live each day with the same generosity he so effortlessly embodied. Rest in peace, Ivan.

A Funeral Service will take place on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at CORPUS CHRISTI CATHOLIC CHURCH (formally St. Theresa’s), 750 Rutland Rd N, Kelowna, BC. A reception will be held with the Catholic Woman’s League in the basement of the Church.
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A celebration of his life will take place Thursday, August 22, 2024, starting at 3:00 pm at the Kelowna Bocce Club, 2340 Aberdeen St, Kelowna, BC. Come and go as you please, meat will be served at 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the family for a memorial bench on the mission green way so we can visit him always in a place that was filled with hours of play and laughter. Additionally, we kindly request that you perform an act of service for someone in his honour. Ivan’s most heartfelt way of showing care and love was through acts of kindness.