Ivan Gabor Hoffer passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. A Renaissance man, he had a love of classical music, literature, poetry, and history. In his youth he flew gliders and fenced and later discovered a love of sailing that he passed on to his children. Ivan was born in Budapest, involuntarily fought in WWII, completed university and started to work as a mechanical engineer. He met the love of his life, his wife, Catherine in 1967 on Lake Balaton. They were married in 1968 and in 1971 welcomed twins to their family. In 1973, the family defected and came to Canada where Ivan worked as an engineer, mainly for Public Works Canada. He and his wife also continued their love of sailing, becoming members of Britannia Yacht Club (BYC) in 1988, where they spent summers sailing and socializing at winter breakfast club. Ivan was proud that he and Catherine had sailed together until he was 93 years old. Left to mourn are his wife Catherine (nee Marko), his children Akos (Sarah) and Nora (Brent) as well as his grandsons - Mika, Lukas and Andras. He will be missed by members of BYC and his many friends. Funeral arrangements: Beechwood Cemetery Thursday August 4th 2022 visitation at noon. Service at 1:00 and reception to follow. All are welcome.
Digital Guestbook
Marion Mason
Diana Hope and Gordon Fleming
Our deepest sympathies Nora. ❤️
Perpetua Quigley
I'm so sad for Ivan's passing. He was a man of wisdom, grace and kindness. The best of BYC. Wishing Catherine and family my condolences.
Deirdre Hendrick
Nora, Ross and I send our condolences to you and your family. Your father had such a full life.
Deirdre & Ross
Titus Jean-Baptiste
Deepest condolences to you and your family Nora. May your dad rest well.
Franklin Raff
My dear Ivan! A man of exceptional breeding, education, and ability, you sailed away from fascism and communism at speed, evading terror and misery, wrenching your heart and your progeny from darkness and into light, turning your service to goodness forever, earning the love of our Catherine 'the Great' and so many others. All who knew you sought to learn from you, share thoughts with you and adore you. You were the consummate engineer. You re-designed your bold, bristol ANKH's sailing rig in a revolutionary (and, naturally, radical!) way, transforming the sloop into a perfectly balanced roller-furled lateen cat so you could sail as effortlessly as possible into your last exquisite years. What sort of man, so soft and kind, has also piloted a screaming Messerschmitt BF109? What sort of man, so hardened and clever, could elicit and create so much sweetness and love every day? Ivan, you magnetic, inventive wonder, you brought the light you sought to others. You were a friend to mankind and you blessed all who knew you. You glowed like an angel on our little planet and you are an angel now. I hope and pray that we will meet and sail again in His eternal kingdom.
Joan Yuile
it was always a delight to make sure Ivan's toast was prepared to his standard when he and Catherine arrived for Sunday morning breakfast at BYC. He will be sorely missed by his fellow members. My most sincere sympathy to you and your family Catherine.
Peter Krayer
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. Thanks to you, I was privileged to meet him during his brief stay at the Perley some years ago. When I got him talking about his flying experiences, his eyes lit up and the years seemed to drop away; for a few minutes the young fighter pilot was back! He impressed me as a gentle man who loved life and truly appreciated the things in life that many people take for granted. Knowing how much you and your family will miss him, my thoughts are with you and your mother.
Nancy Slamet
Dearest Mrs. Hoffer, Ñora, Aki and family, Wishing you comfort and peace during this time of loss. May Ivan’s spirit live on in the joy and freedom that comes with your shared love of sailing.
With much love and affection, Nancy
Kathy Steegstra
Dear Akos, I’m so sorry to hear the news of your fathers passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. He sounds like a wonderful man, who had a deep love for life and his family. Wishing you love and compassion during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Kathy
So sorry to hear about Ivan. Take care. ❤️