Ivan Elieff

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ivan, age 54, on September 21st, 2024, at his home in North Saanich, BC. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on September 7th, 1970, he is survived by his wife Annette (Doucette), daughters Emily and Ava, parents Andre and Marcia (Stronach) Elieff of Kingston, NS, brother Stefan (Penny) Elieff of Ottawa, sister Natasha (Steve) McInnis of Kingston, NS, mother-in-law Julia Doucette of Alberton, PEI, brother-in-law Andy (Amber) Doucette, of Miscouche, PEI, as well as nieces and nephews Isla, Ewan, Kaitlinn, Dryden and Keelyn.

Ivan possessed a wide array of interests and talents, but his first love was music. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, in 1993 with a BA (Music). Piano was his primary instrument; however he played a multitude of other instruments, and he had a beautiful singing voice. He never hesitated to share his talents, both as a member of various bands, and as a solo pianist. One of his proudest musical accomplishments was to produce and record his own music, an album entitled Back to Now. He held a second dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and shared his love of the sport with his two daughters, who both hold black belts. He also enjoyed spending time on or near the ocean, driving his car with the top down, sitting by a crackling fire, cooking elaborate meals paired with the perfect drink, and long conversations with his many friends and acquaintances.

After getting married and moving to Victoria, Ivan furthered his education by obtaining a law degree from the University of Victoria in 2000. Once called to the bar, Ivan began his legal career in the private sector, working at Horne Coupar, before transferring to the public sector, working for the BC Ministry of the Attorney General. Following the family military tradition, Ivan joined the Naval Reserve as a Maritime Surface and Sub-Surface Officer with HMCS Malahat in 2004. In 2009 he transferred to the Office of the Judge Advocate General as a reserve legal officer. In recognition of his longstanding commitment and dedication to his country, Ivan was promoted to the rank of Commander in 2019. He served Canada in uniform for nearly 20 years.

Growing up in a military family, Ivan lived from coast to coast across Canada, forming many lifelong friendships. He was kind, welcoming and quick to laugh, and never missed an opportunity to tell a joke to put everyone at ease. He had a “wicked “sense of humour, loved and lived life to the fullest and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday October 6th at 2pm at His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Malahat, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ivan’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, GoFundMe page, or a charity of your choice.