Ivan Vanaken Obituary

In his words, Ivan's Journey from Creede--

March 3, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

I wanted to write to all of you, and so I’ve asked my daughter, Linda, to be my secretary for this letter. As most of you know, I have lived many years in my family home in Creede, Colorado, and that arrangement has been wonderful for me. Now, though, I have decided that it is time to move on to a place where I can have a little more help.
Recently, I moved to Homelake Veterans Center, outside of Monte Vista. Back in the 1990’s, after we had moved to Creede to live full time, Francie and I researched places in the area that offered assisted living. We knew that a day would come when Francie and I would both need more help, and we decided on Homelake as the place we would move to when that time came. Even though Francie isn’t with me anymore, I’m sure she would approve, and that’s comforting.
My granddaughter, Trenea, who has lived with me for the last two years, and my daughter, Linda, both agreed with my decision, and they helped me with my move to Homelake. Here, each day is filled with activity that keeps me up and moving. I like the constant company, the three, home-cooked meals every day and more snacks than I can eat, and after the winter we’ve had this year, it’s nice to be warm all the time (some days that old wood stove had trouble keeping up with the cold). This winter, when I couldn’t get outside like I wanted to, made me realize I needed to be where I could get around more. And I had been having trouble with a bum hip, but now with physical therapy three times a week, I’m nearly as good as new, which is saying quite a bit for guy who’s 87. The people here are really friendly, and I already feel at home.
Trenea took the picture above, and you can see my room and some of the special things I brought with me. On the wall behind me, I have one of my blue jays that I carved and the cartoon drawing of me that one of my carving buddies drew years ago, and of course many pictures of family and friends. On the wall that you can’t see, I’m proud to have my dad’s picture with me here because he, too, was military—Navy—and that old picture has started many conversations since I arrived. By my dad’s picture, I have pictures of Trenea, Francie and me being honored by the Creede Woodcarvers Rendezvous, and of my great friend, Gwen Payne and her dog, Poppy (I keep telling her that I’m pretty sure Poppy is my dog—it’s not true, of course, but that is one good dog).
It’s true that I’ve left some important people in Creede, many of you who are receiving this letter. I owe a big “Thank you” to my friends and helpers because you all helped make it possible for me to stay in my home much longer than I could have without you.
What’s next? Well, I’m looking forward to the end of this long winter. Homelake sits on over 20 acres and has its own fishing pond. So when the weather gets warm, I hope to get in some fishing. And Trenea plans to take me back up to Creede for visits, and I plan to attend some of the Rendezvous this summer, too.

Amethyst Lodge #94, AF&AM was proud to have Ivan as a brother Mason. He will be missed at our meetings. He strove to stand upright before God and man, squaring his actions by the concept of virtue, on the level with all mankind.

As part of the woodcarving club in Colorado Springs, Ivan and Fran Vanaken were instrumental in keeping the club going and getting many people interested in woodcarving. They also started the summer carving week in Creede, CO. Ivan will be remembered by his many friends all across the western states as a generous and giving person.

Uncle Ivan is and always will be my hero. When I was very young he helped Mom and four of us kids get settled in Colorado Spring after leaving Durango. Going to Palmer Lake was a treat. Uncle Ivan and Aunt Frances were the top of the class for Aunts and Uncles. He took me hunting one year to Montrose. I still remember him walking through the woods with that very long rifle towering over him. I am so grateful he was there for me growing up. I will miss you!!!
Don Washburn

I really enjoyed Ivan's pleasant countenance and his quiet sense of humor. He enjoyed talking about woodcarving, coal mining, and anything or anybody from Creed, Colorado. I enjoyed singing along with him to his Alan Jackson and Christy Lane gospel cds, and I'll miss my "Tuesdays with Ivan". My sympathy to all of you. Patty Kruse

I was blessed to know this gentle man for 40 years, his kindness and ready laugh among my favorite memories. And he did love to spend time at the Palmer Lake Elementary School, often with his wife, Frances, and in close proximity to his grandchildren, Greg and Trenea.

I rememeber Ivan and Frances coming to Palmer Lake Elementary School, as being PALS and showing their talent in woodcarving to the children. Sending our sympathy Norma and Ralph Lavelett