DESROCHES, IVAN JOSEPH

 February 20, 1961 – May 18, 2023

Surrounded by his family and with his heart full of memories of a life well-lived, Ivan Joseph Desroches of Wasaga Beach, a Skipper among men, passed away on May 18 at Hospice Simcoe (Barrie). Ivan was the life-long, hard-working, best friend of Tammy (nee Hocken), together through all sorts of weather and the deeply loved father and hero of Evan (Emily), Emily, Bryn and Zach.

Life was always an adventure for Ivan growing up on the farm as the seventh child of 11 children, of the late Venard Desroches and Yvette (nee Robillard). He will be missed by his brothers and sisters: Allen & Linda, Elaine & Dave, Tim & Mona, David & Ann, Theodore (Teddy) & Brenda, Mary, Judy & Roger Gagne, Lucille, Peter & Linda and Lisa. Ivan will be remembered by his brother-in-law Ken Hocken. Ivan’s memory will be held in the hearts of his many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Ivan, Skipper, will always be remembered for the things he taught his own children and the rest of us by example. He managed to teach his own kids and all the soccer and Scout kids (and most of the parents) to be, at the same time, adventurous and responsible for themselves. Today they call that self-reliance. He never lost sight of what is important for kids and never lost the “kid-ness” in himself. He never appeared to be flustered or caught up in the “stuff” going on around him. As Ivan would say “In five minutes”.

Ivan was always Gettin ‘er Done. As a respected mechanic he valued fix over replace saving his customers money, creating loyalty and, more importantly, friends. He always seemed to come second. How much sleep did he miss out on coaching, arranging camping trips, bike hikes, canoe trips down the river in the dark, all the winter Scout meetings at the Sports Park, creating Santa Claus parade floats, researching new tricks like hobo stoves and aluminum foil camp ovens for pork roasts, working late, and early, to see that a broken car was fixed and safe when its owner really needed it?

Whatever we do in life, let’s prepare for and remember it as “The Best Camp!”  Thank you, Skipper, mentor to so many and hero to us all.

Our immense gratitude to Dr. Derek Nay, Dr. Heidi Deboer-Fennell, Tracy RN, and our chemo angels of the third floor that rose to every challenge and question, making the best team ever.

A visitation will be held at the Lynn-Stone Funeral Home, Elmvale on Wednesday, May 24. 2023  from 11 am – 1 pm.  Memorial service in the chapel at 1 pm.  Reception to follow at the Elmvale Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elmvale and District Lions’ Club, Elmvale Foodbank, or Hospice Simcoe.