IVAN GOMKE

IVAN GOMKE April 14, 1955 ~ October 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our father, brother, uncle and dear friend, Ivan Grant Gomke. He passed away at his home in Medicine Hat on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
Ivan was one of the toughest people we have ever known. He worked hard, loved hard, fought hard and inspired all of us with his determination and grit. He had a great sense of humour and a strong sense of loyalty. He spent his life providing, showing up for the people he loved and being a devoted dad and a loyal friend.
Ivan leaves behind his treasured cat, Willy; daughter, Krista (Bob) and grand-dog Winston; good friends, Connie and Don; “nephew”, Chance (Kacey); “favourite mother-in-law”, Pat; and friend, Don K. He is also survived by his brother, Terry (Linda); niece, Julie and nephews, Matthew (and children), Kyle (Lia) and Jordan; brother-in-law, Murray; niece, Kelsi (Ray) and nephews, Tristan and Travis (Kimmie) and baby; sister-in-law, Mary; nieces, Nicole (and children) and Michelle (David) as well as friends, Murray, Carrie and “niece” Laci (Devon).
He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Margaret; brother, Reg; sister, Karen and father-in-law, Shorty.
Ivan was born in Brooks, Alberta to William and Margaret Gomke of Duchess where he grew up with his siblings Terry, Reg and Karen. He lived in Duchess, Cassils and eventually Medicine Hat where he could be closer to his daughter and his friends.
Ivan spent his career as a Journeyman Parts Technician. He began at Centennial Garage in Duchess and later moved to Martin Chrysler in Brooks, followed by Pan Canadian. There was some time when he also worked on small engines in a bay at a friend’s shop in Duchess after work, which he also enjoyed. After relocating to Medicine Hat, he worked at Pamco/Enerflex as lead partsman and later a manager. He then worked for Gasfield/Sage and finally PowerServe both positions where he served as the only/lead parts technician.
In his younger years, Ivan curled and golfed in Duchess, hobbies he proudly shared with his daughter. He loved camping, another passion shared with his daughter and friends. Ivan also liked going to the shooting range, playing crib and sharing a few beers with friends. He tinkered constantly in his garage/workshop in Cassils (which was probably his favourite of his homes); fixing small engines, woodworking or finding solutions to anything that needed repair. He was handy and resourceful, always able to figure out “how to make it work.”
Ivan retired in 2015 after a stroke left him unable to continue working. Despite losing the use of his right side and becoming largely wheelchair-dependent, his independence never wavered. He lived on his own with his beloved cat Willy, needing only minor help from his daughter, close friends and family. He continued tinkering in his workroom, maintaining his yard and taking care of some gardening. Ivan especially cherished his weekly visits with his friend, Don K, to watch Oak Island, but he treasured every visit from family and friends.
Ivan was determined to remain self-sufficient. He attended the Living Fit program at the Downtown YMCA twice a week and in 2022, he proudly walked his daughter down the aisle. Ivan will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long and not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that we once shared, miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take and each must go alone,
It’s all part of the master plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know,
Laugh at all the things we used to do, miss me, but let me go.

Honouring Ivan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral service. A celebration of life will be held in Medicine Hat in the late spring, once we can comfortably gather outside, where Ivan was happiest, to share stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donations or to Medicine Hat SPCA: https://medhatspca.ca/donations/ (where Ivan’s beloved cat, Willy, was adopted from).
(Condolences may be shared by visiting www.cooksouthland.com). Honoured to serve the family is