Ivan LeRoy Rasmussen, 77, a longtime Burlington area resident, passed away on December 5, 2018 at Where The Heart Is surrounded by his family.
Ivan was born in Mount Vernon, WA on November 17, 1941, the son of Reider & Lilly (Sjodin) Rasmussen. He was raised in the Hoogdahl area north of Sedro-Woolley and attended schools in Sedro-Woolley, graduating from S-WHS with the class of 1960.
After his first day of work for Skagit Corporation (Bendix) he graduated from high school that evening. He worked for Skagit Corp. for 30 years, retiring as a Production Control Supervisor. He then went to work for the City of Burlington where he was the Department Supervisor for several departments until focusing on Parks and Grounds, where he was instrumental in the revitalization of the Burlington cemetery. He retired in 2006.
Ivan was united in marriage to Sue Forst on July 27, 1963, and they made their home in Burlington for over 30 years until moving to Lake McMurray where they made their home for 20 years until moving back to Burlington in 2016.
Ivan was dedicated to his community of Burlington, where he not only worked for 15 years but he was also a 25 year volunteer fireman with the Burlington Fire Department.
Leisure time found him RVing in the motorhome, going on cruises to Alaska or the Panama Canal, fishing with family, woodworking, making crafts for Sue or just doing a variety of handyman projects. He was known by family as Mr. Fix-It.
Ivan is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sue, at the family home; 2 daughters, Jill Quander and husband Paul of Arlington and Heidi Devereux and companion Jason McElyea of Renton; 3 grandchildren, Paige & Emily Quander and Hayden Fladebo; a sister, Rita Forst and husband Mike of Mount Vernon; brother, Bill Rasmussen and wife Susan of Mount Vernon; sister-in-law, Mary Ross and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reider & Lilly; 2 sisters, Yvonne Hoyt and Geri Ballinger and brothers-in-law, Lanny Ross and Dick Hoyt.
A Life Celebration service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Burlington Lutheran Church 134 E Victoria Ave, Burlington, WA 98233. Memorials in honor of Ivan are suggested to Hospice of the Northwest or to the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. Cremation arrangements are under direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Ivan was a amazing man and my Uncle someone I always looked up to I love you And will miss you terribly I live so faraway and wish I had more time broken hearted ….. will miss you RIP God Blessyouand keep you
Sue, Rita and Billy, I’m so sorry to hear of Ivan’s passing. My prayers are with you and your families.
Dear Sue and family,
We can only echo the thoughts of others. Mike so enjoyed the years of knowing Ivan: his support and thoughtful dedication to the community, his concern and caring for not only our family, but for all the youth in all of Skagit County. He truly appreciated his recent visit with Ivan at the store. He was a quiet giant of a man and will be sorely missed by many. We are holding you in our prayers.
Mike and Jane Henery
Ivan was one of the most generous and kind people that I have ever known. I worked for him at Skagit along with John Bolden. He was a totally fair boss as well as a great person. Jers snd my thoughts are with you and the family, Sue. I know the incredible love he had for all of you. He will be missed by all who knew him!
Mike and I were very sorry to hear about Ivan.. Mike goes way back with Ivan and has many fond memories to share about him. I have always thought of Ivan as a very kind and nice person. I am so sorry Sue if we can help you in anyway please feel free to let us know.. Your family will be in our prayers.
I am so sorry to hear about Ivan’s passing. My prayers will be with the entire family.
Remembering Ivan, sending love and holding all the family close in our hearts… xoxo
I am so sorry for the loss of our cousin Ivan. I remember him giving us rides to the schoolhouse for Sunday school on his back. That and the city kids being squirted with fresh warm milk in the barn. Fond memories of him.
We send our love and condolences to you all. Ivan was an amazing man whose love will continue to live on through all of you.
Ivan was such a great person, I will miss him greatly.
So thinking of you all right now. Lifting you up in prayer. Hugs…
Thinking of all of you during this time of loss. I hope you find comfort knowing that many friends and family are lifting you up in prayer. Hugs…
Sue and family,
Cheryl and I want to express our most heartfelt and deepest sympathy to you, and all of your family. Ivan’s passing will leave a large void within the Burlington community, Ivan was a fine and honorable man, and he will be missed by many. He developed many friendships in his life time.
I first met Ivan when I started working at Skagit Corporation in 1967. In the 23 years that I worked with Ivan, I must say that as a friend and co-worker I found Ivan to be the most pleasant, respectful, and kind person that one could know.
I am grateful for our 50+ year friendship, and I have so many fond memories and (and also humorous memories) of Ivan.
We are so sorry that Ivan is gone, we will miss him dearly, but the many memories of him are all good, and his positive influence will certainly last.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John and Cheryl Bolden
Condolences to Ivan’s family. I worked with Ivan at Skagit for over 20 years, he was a good friend. He will be greatly missed but his warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Rick & Vicki Engholm