Ivan Russell Gillespie

Ivan Russell Gillespie, 90, passed away on March 6th, 2024. He was born September 28th, 1933 to the late Forest and Gladys Gillespie (Gleckler). He grew up in Lyons, Ohio and was the oldest of three children (Carol Shaw and Doyle Gillespie). Ivan married his beloved wife and high school sweetheart Joyce Gillespie (Lindsay) in 1953. Ivan graduated as salutatorian from Lyons High School in 1951 (in the same year, Joyce graduated from LHS as valedictorian). Ivan was very involved in high school activities including basketball, baseball and band. He was an avid builder of powered model planes, flying them over the cornfields near Lyons.

After graduation, Ivan attended Bowling Green State University (BGSU), with Joyce moving with him to Bowling Green in 1953 after they married. While at BGSU, Ivan majored in Industrial Arts Education, graduated in 1955 and became a certified teacher. At BGSU, he was a member of the varsity baseball team (pitcher), varsity basketball team, and Phi Epsilon Kappa fraternity.

After college graduation, Ivan and Joyce returned to Lyons where their two children Dawn and Brad were born. Ivan taught Industrial Arts and coached basketball and baseball at LHS. In 1962 the family moved to Traverse City, Michigan where Ivan once again taught Industrial Arts and coached Basketball at Traverse City High School.

In 1966, the family moved to Nome, Alaska where Ivan taught Industrial Arts and later became High School Principal. The family later moved to Anchorage and North Pole/Eielson before Ivan and Joyce settled in Fairbanks for 33 years. While in Eielson and Fairbanks, he served as principal of Ben Eielson High School, Vocational Education Director for the Fairbanks school district, and principal of West Valley High School. During this time, he also served as a state board member for ASAA (Alaska State Athletic Association).

Due to Joyce’s health concerns, the couple moved to Anchorage in 2014, residing at the Alaska Pioneer Home. After Joyce’s passing in 2014, Ivan moved to his last residence at the Primrose Retirement Community in Wasilla Alaska.

Ivan enjoyed traveling extensively with Joyce visiting China, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, Bora Bora, Venezuela, Panama, Aruba, Bahamas, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Europe. Hawaii was a frequent respite from the cold weather of Fairbanks and Ivan requested his ashes be partially spread there joining his wife.

Ivan enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participating in sports and other activities. Ivan loved his boat and enjoyed many fishing outings to Valdez, Homer, and Seward. He had a lifelong interest in building and tinkering with things and always had a project in the works. Ivan was a skilled pool player, golfed seasonally until he was 89, and thoroughly enjoyed his lunch time crossword puzzles with his Primrose friends.

Ivan is survived by his son Brad (Mary Beth), son-in law Dick Weyiouanna; grandchildren Bradley (Michelle) Weyiouanna, Jay (Tina) Gillespie, Claire Cropper, Noah Gillespie, Audrey (Brett) Kolb, and Grace Gillespie; great grandchildren Esau, Skye, Matteus, Malcolm, Jameson, and Wren.

Ivan was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, daughters Denise and Dawn, brother Doyle, and sister Carol.

A Celebration of Life for Ivan will be held at the Wasilla Primrose Retirement Community on Saturday, March 23rd. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Bowling Green State University Athletic program in memory of Ivan Gillespie.