Ivan J McGavin Obituary (1949 - 2018)

“I WAS BORN UNDER A WANDERING STAR” 3/08/1949 - 11/16/2018 Ivan was born March 8, 1949 to Mark and Cleo McGavin in Soda Springs, Idaho. He passed away November 16, 2018 of cardiac arrest. Ivan graduated from West High where he was an outstanding football player and wrestler. He was employed by the power company for 28 years, working his way up from the janitor to supervisor at the Gadsby and Carbon power plants. He also spent 13 years working as an operator at the east High Temp plant of the University of Utah. On April 28, 1978 (four weeks after meeting her) Ivan married his sweetheart Susan Ream in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together they had 40 years 6 months and 19 wonderful adventure filled crazy days together. Ivan and Susan were the proud parents of two handsome rambunctious boys. He was always there for his sons, helping coach their little league teams and acting as their assistant scoutmaster. He was so proud when they became Eagle Scouts on the same night. Ivan had a zest for life. Whether climbing the bridge in Sydney harbor, parasailing in Fiji or sliding down a zip line across the Zambezi River in Africa, he was game for anything. Ivan enjoyed camping with his family, sitting by the campfire and watching the night sky for hours. He liked taking his grandkids on short road trips to show them there was more to life than cellphones and video games. Ivan and Sue loved to travel. Crisscrossing the U.S. numerous times visiting 39 foreign countries and all 7 continents. He particularly loved Africa, Iguazu falls in Brazil and Antarctica. Ivan’s greatest loves were his family, traveling and chocolate ice cream. We will miss his devilish smile, twinkling eyes, contagious laughter and hearing him one minute after midnight say “Have I told you today how much I love you”. Ivan is survived by his wife Susan of Sandy; son Jason (Shannon) of Wellington; granddaughter Alyssa of Sandy; grandson Noah (Brylei) of Wellington and sister Adele of Houston Texas. Preceded in death by his parents; son Ryan; grandson Jordan; sisters Marlene and Vivian; brothers Lloyd and Doug. According to Ivan’s wishes no viewing or services were held. It was also Ivan’s wish to be cremated. Those wishing to, please donate to the Humane Society of Utah in memory of Ivan. Ivan was an organ donor and if you are not, please become one. P.S. “Ivan, have I told you today how much I love you.” - Sue