Ivan was born near Ingelow, MB on Oct. 20, 1920, the eldest son of a family of four to Bertram and Mary Lawrence.

He began his education at Norman, a country school near Brookdale, MB. After a year-and-a-half there, they moved to Brookdale and he completed his education at Brookdale Consolidated School. After leaving school, he helped his father on the farm.

In the spring of 1942, Ivan moved with his parents and brother Kenneth to the Robert Douglas farm in the Palmerston district near Crandall.

Ivan started farming on his own in 1945. In the meantime he had met Lena Nankivell, the eldest child of William and Eileen Nankivell of Crandall. They were married at the manse in Crandall on Oct. 27, 1945.

In 1952, they built their home on NW of 11-13-25, adjacent to his parents' home. They lived there until Ivan's passing. They raised a family of five: Diana (Gordon) Miller, Ron (Doreen), Donna (Dale) Brown, Ken (Deb), David (Sherry) - a grandfather of 11 and a great grandfather of five.

Farming was always in his life - he loved the land and was driving a team of horses on the harrows at the age of eight. He often said, "No work too hard, no day too long." Ivan farmed many years, and continued so into his semi-retirement, and ended his farming career at the age of 90. The goal of Ivan's farm life was to leave the land in better shape than he found it, which he did. He took great pride in his cattle, fields and spruce, ash and willow shelterbelts that he and his father planted.

Besides farming, Ivan was very involved in his community. He was a member of the Crandall United Church and served on the board of trustees and presbytery. He was also treasurer and Sunday School superintendent for many years. He was chairman of "Chronicles of Crandall" history book. Other committees served on included the R.M. of Miniota Centennial, Crandall School Reunion, and Crandall Community Centre Board.

He was a skilled carpenter, avid diarist, bookkeeper, historian, and enthusiastic dancer.

Volunteering was an important part of Ivan and Lena's lives. They entertained by dancing for the residents of several nursing homes in the Westman area. As pressures of farming lessened, old time dancing became a great love of theirs. Dancing took them to many parts of Manitoba and Saskatchewan where they enjoyed being with their many wonderful dancing friends. Lifelong friendships were formed.

Ivan and Lena were able to do some traveling over the years. They went to the west and east coasts and places in between. Sunday drives and picnics were a source of great pleasure for the family. When the children were young, he always took time to attend to their many activities and "fun stuff" at home.

His love of farming evolved into caring for the farm grounds. Along with Lena's help, their yard became park like with perennials, annuals and neatly mown grass, with not any dandelions surviving.

Ivan was a great supporter of his children and grandchildren's activities by attending numerous sports, band concerts, choirs, festivals, 4-H and dramas.

He was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa.

Ivan is survived by his loving wife Lena of 65 years. His children: Diana (Gordon) Miller, Rivers; Ron (Doreen), Brandon; Donna (Dale) Brown, Oak River; Ken (Deb); Crandall; and David (Sherry), Crandall. Eleven grandchildren: Sean (Alex) Miller; Tania (Mike) MacKenzie; Melanie (Corey Hovey) Lawrence; Mark (Mandy Leochko) Lawrence; Erin (Andre Creaser) Brown; Amanda (Cory) Kloos; Ryan Brown; Michael (Jenna) Lawrence; Scott (Jenna) Lawrence, Kelly and Kaitlyn Lawrence. Great grandchildren, Mackenzie and Gavin Miller, Aiden Lawrence, Kaleb MacKenzie, and Skyler Pearson.

He is survived by: sisters Violet Torfason, Lethbridge, AB, and Helen Nelson, Winnipeg, aunt Rena Cornish, Rapid City, brothers and sisters-in-law Lawrence (Dorothy Coupland) Nankivell, Cliff (Joanna) Nankivell, Mary Warren, Stan (Lorraine) Nankivell, Dennis Nankivell; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ivan was predeceased by: his parents Bertram and Mary Lawrence; brother Kenneth, parents-in-law William and Eileen Nankivell; brothers-in-law Edwin Nankivell, Ken Nelson, Bill Torfason, Frank Warren; sister-in-law Phyllis Nankivell; and nephew Sheldon Nankivell.

A service to celebrate Ivan's life was held at the Oak River Memorial Rink on March 3, 2011 with interment at a later date at Crandall Cemetery, Crandall. Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiated. Carol Forsyth played piano and the hymns were led by a joint Oak River/ Crandall choir. Diana Miller, Donna and Erin Brown, Scott and Kelly Lawrence delivered the eulogy. Michael Lawrence sang "The Dance" accompanied by his brothers Scott and Kelly Lawrence on guitar. Urnbearer was Kelly Lawrence. Prior to the service Beth and Clair English of Bradwardine, played a selection of old time dance tunes on violin and piano. During the service they played a favourite selection - "Ashoken Farewell".

Attending the service, as a group, were many old time dancers. All those in attendance were considered honourary pallbearers. Lunch was provided by the Oak River U.C.W. with help from past and present Crandall residents. For those so desiring, donations may be made in Ivan's memory to CancerCare Manitoba, P.O. Box 2248 Stn., Main Winnipeg, MB, R3C 9Z9 or to a charity of one's choice. Messages of condolence to Ivan's family can be emailed to: mail@campbellfuneralhome.ca. Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota, MB in care of arrangements (204) 764-2744.