Ivan George Bean

We are heartbroken to announce that on December 19, 2024, we lost our beloved Ivan to acute leukemia. Ivan died peacefully and with dignity, on his own terms, surrounded by his loved ones.

Ivan was a much loved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and uncle in our family, and a well respected and devoted teacher and coach. His love for his family was the most important part of his life. He cherished his wife of forty three years, Lori; his four children Sarah, Dave (Sariye), Andrew (Alana), and James (Christine); and his wonderful grandchildren Rowan, Ashtyn, Hannah, and Layla. Ivan is also survived by his brothers, Fred (Cheryl), Peter (Audrey), Michael (Dagmar), and his brother-in-law Steve (Lani). He will be greatly missed by his many nieces and nephews, as well as their children. Ivan was predeceased by his mother Teresa, “Tessie,” and his father Claude.

Ivan was born in Bombay, India, and came to Canada at the age of five with his parents and three brothers. They eventually settled in Pointe Claire, Quebec, where they built a new life for their family. Throughout his numerous years of playing sports in the community he met many people who would become life-long friends. He began the first half of his long teaching and coaching career at St. Thomas High School in Pointe Claire, where he inspired many students and colleagues. In 1992, he and Lori moved with their young family to Orleans, Ontario, where he continued to demonstrate his dedication and leadership skills as a teacher and coach at St. Matthew High School. He was viewed as a mentor by his colleagues and an inspiration to the players he coached. He encouraged everyone to do their best in every situation.

As a firm believer in his principles, he inspired his family and friends, and earned their respect and admiration by always trying to do what was right, even if it was difficult. While Ivan could be reserved in his words, by his deeds he showed empathy and generosity. His family could always count on his unwavering love and support. Everyone whose lives he touched in some way has personal memories of these qualities. His quick wit and sense of humour will be greatly missed, and we could always count on Ivan for a fast and relevant retort. He was a voracious reader and crossword solver, had excellent math skills, and never ceased to amaze us with his extensive knowledge about everything from sports, literature, and finance to world events and current politics. He always set high standards for himself, and expected others to do the same.

The family would like to express our sincere gratitude for the many heartfelt messages sent to Ivan in his final days, as well as for the wonderful support provided by so many of our extended family and friends. We have such admiration, respect, and appreciation for everything done for Ivan by the incredible health professionals at the Ottawa General Hospital, especially Dr. Mitchell Sabloff, the entire Leukemia Program team, all the staff members in the Medical Day Care Unit and on Ward 5 East, the Palliative Care Team, and all those who helped Ivan through his final days. Every single person at all levels provided excellent and compassionate care and support to Ivan and our family, often under difficult circumstances.

A celebration of Ivan’s life will take place in the warmer months of 2025, with specific details to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that anyone who wishes to make a donation in Ivan’s name consider the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada, the Ottawa Hospital Foundation, or donate blood or plasma. Your outstanding support is greatly appreciated by all of us. We hope to see you again next year as we come together to remember Ivan.