With his family by his side, Ivan Graham passed away peacefully at his home in Barrie. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary, and a devoted father to Brian (Kelly), Catherine (Donald), David (Roberta), and Caroline. Ivan was also a proud and loving grandfather to Daniel, Jackie, James, and John.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ivan made the courageous move to Canada in 1964. Remarkably, he secured his first job just three hours after landing in Toronto. He and Mary soon embraced their new life, building a wonderful home and future for their growing family, all of whom still reside in the Barrie area.

Ivan’s love for motorsports was a lifelong passion. He enjoyed decades of racing and cherished the many friendships he forged through the sport. His connection to the local Irish Club in Barrie kept him close to his roots, and he took great pride in his Irish heritage.

In later years, Ivan found joy in travel. He and Mary explored the world, visiting Australia, making cherished trips back to Ireland, and touring the United States to reconnect with family and friends. In the past decade, Ivan took up kayaking and cycling, enjoying both activities as a way to stay fit and active.

A Celebration of Ivan's Life will take place on Friday, December 6th, 2024 at the Traditions Sheba Shrine (142 John St, Barrie) from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

As Ivan often said, "A life well lived." His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will be fondly cherished by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ivan's memory are invited to make a donation to a charity of their choice.

CONDOLENCES

14 Condolences
  • Brian and Jackie Galbraith
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    Very sad to learn of Ivan’s passing we have many great memories of the whole family back in Delhi street. Thoughts and prayers are with the family circle at this sad time

  • Carol A. Crosbie
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    My deepest condolences to all the family. Ivan was a very special member of the family who will be greatly missed. During our many phone chats (Barrie to St. Louis) he always so lovingly spoke of his beloved wife Mary and of Brian, Cathy, David and Caroline. He was so very proud of each and every one of his family. We also shared so many memories of our homeland, Northern Ireland. God bless you, Ivan, you are now at peace and with your dear Mary.

    Carol Crosbie
    St. Louis, Missouri

  • Pat MCDiarmid
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    Ivan was such a wonderful man. In my work with the F1600 he helped me learn the ins and outs of the cars and the series. I loved talking to him on the grid an in the paddock . He really is going to be missed.

  • Cheryl & David Anderson
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    Sending our condolences to the whole Graham Clan.

  • Bryce and Ruth Millar
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father, Cathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Don, James and John and the rest of your family.

  • Robert Wager
    Posted on: Friday, October 11, 2024 Reply

    I have known Ivan and his family for 40 years or so. He was a wonderful, kind and gentle family man who’s passion was motor sport. I learned a lot from Ivan and will miss him at the track and on the track. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. The world has lost a great one!

  • Carolyn White
    Posted on: Saturday, October 12, 2024 Reply

    Sincere condolences to your family. Ivan will be missed by many.
    Warm regards
    Carolyn and Larry

  • Wendy Hawksworth
    Posted on: Saturday, October 12, 2024 Reply

    Doug and I send our deepest condolences to all of the family and we wish to acknowledge our deep respect to Ivan. We know how much he loved his family and how proud he was of all of you. Please feel our hugs.

  • Bryan Rashleigh
    Posted on: Sunday, October 13, 2024 Reply

    I am sorry to hear of Brian’s passing. I enjoyed seeing him at the race track and conversing with him from time to time. Condolences from the Rashleigh Family and also from the British Automobile Racing Club.

  • Corrie Rudd
    Posted on: Sunday, October 13, 2024 Reply

    A wonderful friend back in the good old days. So sorry we lost touch. Condolences to the family.

  • Ken Robins
    Posted on: Friday, October 18, 2024 Reply

    Rest in peace Ivan. You made everyone better people with your upbeat attitude to life.

  • Seann & Carole Burgess
    Posted on: Thursday, October 24, 2024 Reply

    Through racing we get to meet many interesting characters, and now we have to say goodbye to another one. Ivan was a true grassroots racer, accepting all the challenges this hobby brings with a realistic and positive approach. We always looked forward to his sometimes colourful opinions on what was happening on any given race weekend, and waited for…that smile!
    Warm wishes to the family, please know that for us, it was a pleasure knowing him as a friend for all these years.
    Slainte Mhath!
    Seann & Carole Burgess

  • Rosemary Toth
    Posted on: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Reply

    Our sincerest condolences to the Graham family. Ivan was so kind and patient teaching me kayaking, and he was a good friend to my dad (Michael Paisley) through the Irish Club. I never had the pleasure of meeting his family but oh, how he loved to talk about his kids and grandkids! I like to think he is with his beloved Mary at last.

    Warmest regards,
    Rosemary (Paisley) Toth and Michael Paisley

  • Edith Nelson
    Posted on: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 Reply

    Just saw the notice today 4/12/24 of the passing of Ivan, and Graham & I would like to send our condolences to all the family. Remembering the lovely holiday we had with Ivan & Mary in Barry and how everyone made us so welcome and also their visit to us in Belfast and Bushmills.
    Isn’t it ironical that Ivan died on his late sister’s birthday, often think of Edith and all the family when they lived in Delhi Street Belfast.

    GONE TO JOIN HIS LOVED ONES WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE

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