Tim Ivey
On February 5, 2021, after a brief battle with cancer, Tim Ivey passed on his own terms at home while holding the hands of his children and wife.
Tim is mourned by his wife and life-long partner of 38 years, Jan Ivey; his children Brennan, Kelsie, Sarah, and Jessica; his adoring dog Loki; his brothers Bill (Katina) and John (Brenda); his sisters-in-law Judy Wilcott and Debbie Coulis (Ryan); his brother-in-law Dan Groshak (Janice); his mother-in-law and father-in-law Jeanne and Stan Groshak; along with nieces, nephews, and innumerable friends.
He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Donald Ivey; his sister Anne Ivey; his childhood friend and brother-in-law John “Monkey” Kubisewsky; sister-in-law Heather Ivey; and brother-in-law Archie Wilcott.
Born in Kenora, Ontario on March 9, 1960, Tim was the second born of four children and was everyone’s big brother. He married Jan Groshak on June 30, 1984 and the two moved to Winnipeg during the summer of 1986. Despite not growing up in Winnipeg, Tim knew the best spots for everything. Whether you wanted frog legs or elk bones, Tim knew where to find the best cut and best deal.
Tim’s favourite things were simple: bonfires in the backyard, classic rock, books, baseball, coffee with the morning crossword, and his famous Sunday-night suppers. Two of Tim’s common sayings during dinner were, “Go ahead” and “There’s lots for everyone.” Tim always ate last.
Tim’s children were everything to him. He was a patient baseball coach, volleyball and dance dad, often making the trek out to Western Canada for Irish dance competitions as well as coaching baseball with Chalmers Community Centre, volunteering at the Irish Association of Manitoba, and the Folklorama Irish Pavilion with his family. He was a big, burly teddy bear whose parenting and coaching extended beyond his own children. Advice and good-natured teasing along with plentiful hugs were a trademark of this gentle giant.
Tim’s loss extends beyond his family and friends, to the countless children he helped during his 27 years as a youth care worker and foster parent. Tim retired from youth care in 2007 but until his death, he spoke fondly of the youth he worked with and always enjoyed the opportunity to run into them as adults. His past kids remember his ability to make them feel safe, teach them to trust, and how he’d make them laugh. He was a well-loved co-worker, mentor, boss, and friend to those in the Manitoba youth care community.
In later years, Tim found a second family within his neighbourhood bar, the LaSalle. What started as playing league pool and having a beer at the bar top, turned into an immeasurable friendship with so many.
Big, burly, and warm are three words many people use when describing Tim. He could fill a room with more than just his huge body, and he never held back on his fashion advice — or fashion critiques — all while wearing his well-known array of witty t-shirts.
A fond memory of Tim is him saying, “We’re not getting another damn cat,” only to see him two weeks later, sitting on the couch sharing a can of tuna with said new cat perched next to him. He was the preferred head scratcher for the Ivey family’s many furry additions.
He maintained his care for others even into his last months. On his first morning of homecare, Tim asked his healthcare aid, “Do you still get paid if I call off homecare that day? ‘Cause if that’s the case, then I’ll just invite you in for a cup of coffee so you still get paid.”
Tim prided himself on listening to his body and making his own decisions. He maintained his own choices until the end of his life. Thank you to the Palliative Care team at Riverview Health Centre for their compassion and caring. And thank you to his many friends who lined the street outside the house, in the freezing cold, as Tim peacefully left us.
Tim — words can’t express how much we love and miss you. While your gig on earth was shorter than we hoped, we’ll never forget you. We didn’t win anything on your final lottery ticket, but we promise we’ll keep playing your numbers. Thank you for your love, wit, and patience. You were the best dad ever.
His family invites everyone to raise their glass to Tim and remember the ways he touched lives.
A celebration of life and honorary bonfire will take place when we are able to hold gatherings again. Online condolences can be left at http://www.interlakecremation.ca. If possible, his family would greatly appreciate videos of friends sharing their memories of Tim. Please email these memories to his daughter, Sarah at sarahivey96@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, Tim asked that donations be made in his name to Marymound Inc., 442 Scotia St., Winnipeg, MB R2V 1X4.
Tim was a very lovable guy, his big stance and friendly smile along side his no nonsense demeanor always made Dallas and I feel welcome around him. He was a kind human with some of the best advice. Lovingly remembered as a good friend over the years and a great pool player. We will always remember him and his dark guinness beers and the love he had for his family and his Loki! Anita and Dallas
Dear Jan and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Rene and Yvette Fillion and family.
What a beautiful commemoration. Reminding us all of all the people he was able to reach with his humour, compassion, and above all, love. Cheers to Tim and thinking of those who carry on his spirit! <3
I first met Tim at Mm in 1998. I was on unit 225 & he was in 223 & the group homes, can’t recall which one. I have to admit, at first he kinda scared me! There were a few big guys working back then. Once I got to know Tim I found we had a lot in common like our twisted sense of humour & our love for our families! Tim spoke so highly of Jan & his kids! He was so freaking proud of them and loved them more than himself!!! He also cared very deeply for all of the youth he worked with. I wound up doing respite for Tim & Ivan when they had their foster home in the early 2000’s. Always a good laugh & the way they made that ‘foster home’ into a real loving active home for the youth they had living there in those years was amazing!!! Tim went on to become my boss again when he worked briefly at MYS. I would often get random calls from Tim just so he could tell me a dirty or twisted joke then ask I how was & say ttyl! Tim & I spoke a couple of times before he passed. I was going to bring him some walleye & hang out. Sadly, that didn’t happen. I’m ok with it because I want to remember Tim as the big gentle giant with the best fucking mullets Ever!! And I got my message from him that he’s ok now & at peace…. Tim, you are so loved & are so missed!! Have fun fishing & telling dirty jokes with Adrian, love you Brother….💙❤️🥲
I am very blessed to have worked with Tim at Mary Mound as well our foster home. Tim was always a stand up guy and took challenges head on. He really enjoyed playing pranks on our respite workers and I. Tim God bless you.
I’m so sad to hear that Tim has passed. My love to Jan and kids. I had the absolute privilege of working with Tim at both MYS and in his private foster home for several years.I lost my own father tragically in a car accident in 2005. When I went to see Tim and Ivan at the foster home shortly after, Tim made coffee and sat across from my – he handed my a box of kleenex and looked me in the eye and said “here, you look full” . I broke down and cried and cried. Tim was a mentor to me and a big influence in how I work with kids and families, and attempt to train and mentor child and youth care workers in the system. Tim had a big personality, he was strong, and even tempered; he walked beside the children and youth whom he worked with, with grace and respect. I’m so sorry the world has lost his humor and light. I’m confident it will carry forward in his children. I’ll try to do my part by living the lessons he taught me in temperance, acceptance and integrity as I continue to work with children and youth. You’ll be missed, Tim. 💓💓
Jan and Family..my deepest condolences..sincerely, Teresa Cereceres
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss Jan. My sincerest and deepest condolences to you and your family. I hope you feel surrounded by love from all your friends and family during this difficult time. Sending you the biggest hug. Always remembered, always loved, and forever in your hearts.
My Thoughts and prayers are with the Family..
Tim was a amazing human being..I worked with him at MM as well as the group home and Learnt so much..May you rest in Peace Sr..
Dear Jan and Family
I am so saddened to hear of Tim’s passing. Marymound has lost a fine former staff and many good memories. You are in my prayers.
Loretta Hoene
It’s been many years but I still remember Tim from my days at Munroe Junior High. He was a very involved and supportive parent when Brennan played volleyball. Not only did he support his son, he also supported me as Brennan’s coach. I also saw Tim at the school on many other occasions, always participating in what his kids were doing. Tim’s humor was amazing – more than once I came home to tell my wife about one of Tim’s good ones! A caring, dedicated, and involved guy.
Jan and family – take care of yourselves and each other.
Walt Roberts
Dear Jan and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of Tim’s passing. Marymound has lost a fine former staff and many good memories of Tim. You are in my prayers.
Loretta Hoene
I am so saddened and shocked that Tim has left this world for heaven.
Tim and I had met in Unit 223 at Marymount, and again later at Matheson Group home.
He was an awesome youth care worker and friend, at that time.
He and Jan were avid baseball players before, during, and after each of their pregnancies.
I’m so sorry that we had lost touch back in 2001. I would have loved to see he and Jan and the kids before his passing.
Tim you were, and still are, a true hearted person, and God has blessed us with you for this brief time.
Dear Jan, to you and your now grown children, I am very very sorry for your loss. He was a one of a kind, big hearted, gentle giant.
May God’s strength and peace be with you all always.
I worked with Tim at Marymount on 223 and at Seven Oaks Youth Centre . He was always a fun guy to work with. My condolences go out to Jan, his children and their extende family.
So sad to hear of Tim’s passing. I worked with Tim at Marymound as well as at SOCY. We had some good times together as fellow child care workers. I could always count on support from Tim as a co-worker when it was needed on the job, which it often was working in child care. He was always kind and patient with the kids, and liked sharing jokes! I lost connection with Tim after my career changes. RIP Tim!
I was so saddened to read of Tim’s passing. We all grew up in the Central area of town. He was always so funny and a jokester. Jan and children sorry for your loss. Gone way to young. His obituary was so touching. Thinking of you all in this most difficult time.
I had the pleasure of serving Tim beers (dark in the winter, light and freezing cold in the summer) for a spell.
He was generous, well read, and, above all, a fair man. I looked forward to our conversations, which usually revolved around politics, the UFC, or music. He was full of great stories about growing up and his family and kids, of which he was obviously very proud.
It was a special treat to watch him feign reluctance before taking down some young pool shark who had the misfortune of yapping a little too loudly about their skills.
My condolences.
My sincere condolences to the Ivey family. I had the privilege in meeting Tim while we worked on different floors at Marymound. I admired Tim’s quick wit comebacks and his genuineness in his work with youth. May he rest in peace.