We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ivan (John) Culumovic in his 94th year. Ivan passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025 with his family by his side. Ivan was a wonderful father, husband, brother, uncle, devoted Dida and cherished friend to many.

Ivan is predeceased by his wife Mande (2023) with whom he shared 61 loving years of marriage. He will be sadly missed by his children Paul (Lorene), Mary (Joe Bacic), and Steve (Gayle), and his six grandchildren Anthony (Julia), Johnathon , Michelle, Adam (Nicole), Jenna, and Holly. He will be deeply missed by his sister in law Anka (Switzerland), his sisters and brothers in law Marija (Tom), and Jelka (David), and his nieces and nephews. Ivan is also predeceased by his parents Marta and Pave Culumovic and brothers Josip Culumovic (Switzerland) and Pere Culumovic (Croatia).

Ivan was born in Perusic, Croatia and in his mid twenties immigrated to Canada along with many of his friends in search of a better life. He found himself in Ontario where he worked in the mines in Sudbury and Elliot Lake then moved to Port Colborne. He met the love of his life, Mande, at a Croatian dance in Welland and they married in 1962. Ivan and Mande moved to Oakville where they found better opportunities, and raised their three children, Paul, Mary and Steven.

Ivan loved his grandchildren dearly, always taking an interest in their lives.  He became their taxi driver, their babysitter, he was their Dida Ivan. Sitting in his backyard Ivan enjoyed watching the grandchildren playing, whether enjoying the kiddy pool or the boys playing construction and digging under his cherry tree.

Ivan enjoyed many poker games after family gatherings with his brothers in law Tom and David and friend Ante Bacic. Countless hours were spent around the dining room table playing cards.

Ivan enjoyed taking long, brisk walks throughout his neighbourhood. His neighbours got to know him, and fondly remember him stopping for friendly chats. As he progressed in years, Ivan continued to enjoy frequent, though shorter walks, with the help of a walker.

Ivan kept family and friends connected. He stayed connected with extended family members in Windsor, Port Colborne and Ottawa. Ivan met many people in his journey through life. He had a remarkable memory and could tell you exact details of everyone he met. He remembered everyone!

As we meet some of the people our father knew throughout his years, nothing but the nicest things are said about him and that he was a "Good Man"!

Thank you to the nurses, PSWs and staff at Post Inn Village for the care and support you provided to Ivan during the last few months.

Ivan will be dearly missed by all who knew him, especially his friends at Holy Trinity Croatian Parish and by extended family members in Canada, Croatia and Switzerland. He will always be remembered for his warm smile, his kindness, his selflessness, his sense of humour and for being the beautiful person that he was.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Trinity Croatian Parish or to a charity of your choice in Ivan's memory.

We will miss our father dearly!  He has taught us valuable lessons throughout our lives.  We strive to live our lives the way he lived his.  We have nothing but the utmost memories of the genuine person he was.  May you rest in eternal peace with your beloved Mande.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville May 25, 2025 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Funeral mass to be held at Holy Trinity Croatian Church Monday May 26, 2025 at 10:00 am with burial to follow at Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery.