‘I am with you still. I give you this one thought to keep. I am with you still – do not weep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumns rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not think of me as gone – I am with you still – in each new dawn.’
Bayer, Ivan Reginald - Age 91, passed away January 23, 2026 in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro with his wife and daughters by his side.
Born in Meagher’s Grant, NS, he was a son of the late Leon and Pearl (Cole) Bayer. He was predeceased by his sister, Erma.
Following graduation from Musquodoboit Rural High School (MRHS), Ivan was employed with, what’s now the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commence (CIBC). He served in a number of maritime locations as a junior clerk and advanced to branch manager. He left the bank in 1970 to attend the Nova Scotia Teachers College where he and his wife, Gloria obtained their Teaching Degrees. Although very challenging they did this advanced education with three young daughters in order to give them all a better life. Ivan taught at MRHS for several years sharing his passion for Economics with his students. In 1984 Ivan’s teaching career ended due to health conditions.
Ivan is survived by his wife of 69 years, Gloria; daughters, Lynn (Linda) Boyle, Dartmouth; Karen (Boyd) Higgins, Meagher’s Grant; Lisa Bayer (Casey Peters), Upper Onslow; grandsons, Shane Higgins, Meagher’s Grant; Kyle Higgins (Haylee Keats), Fernie BC and Joel (Olivia) Goswell, Belmont; great-grandchildren, Maeve and Harvey Goswell, Belmont.
Ivan was the kindest, most thoughtful, steadfast, devoted and patient of men. He was a quiet (he’d say he couldn’t get a word in surrounded by his four ‘girls’) and soft soften man, but always with a mischievous grin and quick laugh. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, golfing (although for him it was mostly about collecting golf balls other golfers had lost) and cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the compassionate team at Colchester East Hants Health Centre wrote on his white board ‘He’s a Pepsi Guy’ – never touched coffee or tea – Pepsi was his drink and he also LOVED Chocolate. He and Gloria were blessed to spend many winters in Florida and Myrtle Beach together. They also greatly enjoyed an Alaskan Cruise to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Gloria even coaxed him into square dancing, and performing at Senior Homes – quite an achievement for such a humble, shy man! Mostly Ivan focused on ensuring his love, Gloria, was well cared for in all ways. He loved and supported his daughters, grandsons, great grandchildren, other family members and friends in whatever way he could. We all like to picture him now sitting in Heaven with his beloved furry companions that crossed the Rainbow Bridge over the decades snuggled in his lap.
There will be no service, per Ivan’s wishes, with a private interment at a later date.
If you’d like to honor Ivan please do so in his name to a charity of your choice or the Meagher’s Grant Cemetery by cheque to Cemetery Fund, 3896 Hwy 357, Meagher’s Grant B0N 1V0.
Ivan/Dad/Grandad/GG - ‘May the winds of love blow softly and whisper so you can hear that I still love and miss you and wish that you were here. I know you walk beside me and when my life is through I pray God will take my hand and lead me straight to you. Forever loved, never forgotten.’
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