October 17, 1929 - November 17, 2022
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, Grandpa and Great-Grandpa, John "Ivan" Laughton. Ivan passed away peacefully on November 17th, 2022, at the age of 93 years.
Ivan was a lifelong Nelsonite, born October 17th,1929, the only child of John "Jack" and Edith (nee Euerby) Laughton. Although being an only child, he grew up surrounded by his grandparents as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He lived his entire life in Nelson except when he attended the University of British Columbia and Pacific University (in Oregon) to follow in his father's footsteps to study Optometry. Ivan and his father Jack practised optometry in Nelson and surrounding communities for over 80 years. It was in university he started going by Ivan, because there was another John in his program, so he volunteered to go by his middle name.
Ivan met and married the love of his life Joan (née Chapman) and they enjoyed 50 wonderful years of marriage. Together they were active members of the community and volunteered tirelessly, notably with Rotary, Meals on Wheels, B.C. Winter Games.
Ivan had many interests as a young man including racing small hydroplane boats on Kootenay Lake and had a lifelong passion for all things aviation. He also loved golfing and curling as well as woodworking, painting, and cooking. A lifelong learner, he was always interested in the latest tech devices and read countless books. He was an incredibly talented musician. The clarinet, saxophone, flute, recorder and the harmonica were his instruments of choice. If you hummed a few bars from a song, he could play it for you. Ivan could very often be seen with his trusty harmonicas and was a founding member of Second Winds.
One of his great accomplishments was building the family cabin on the lake property that was shared with his oldest and dearest friends Kip and Delores Underwood.
Ivan was preceded by his beloved Joan in 2009. He is survived by his three daughters; Patti (Don) Poty of Campbell River, Kelli (Alan) May of Nelson and Tobbi (Steve) Laughton-Cutt of Rossland; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren Chris (Meghan) Poty and their daughter Amelia, Michelle (Nathan) Jesse and their daughter Harlow, Kalyn May, Erin (Aaron) May and their son Elias, Meghan May, Taryn Cutt, and Jorja Cutt. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He felt if he could brighten someone's day by sharing a smile or a laugh, he would not hesitate to do so. Ivan had a kind, gentle and generous heart and will be greatly missed by all.
Ivan's family would like to offer our sincere thanks for the kind and generous support from the staff at Lakeview Village, Nelson Home Support, Dr. McKay, Dr. Sparrow and the staff of the 3rd Floor of Kootenay Lake Hospital and the wonderful care he received from the staff of Poplar Ridge Pavilion.
Further gratitude to Ivan's cousin, Brian Euerby for his friendship, support, and sageness.
There will be a private family service followed by a Celebration of Life to be held in the spring of 2023.
Donations can be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation or the BC Alzheimer Society in Ivan's memory.