below you will find unedited and true accounts of ivan wilson's exploits. he is a great guy and the world is not worthy, if you want my honest opinion.
i'll keep adding to these as they come in. these are just the ones that people sent in during the last two days since i started advertising this.
-brad wilson
jim and esther lanning:
My memory isn't as good as it used to be but one thing I remember most. He was without a doubt the smartest one of all of us but he could never come to the table for a meal without spilling his milk. We thought that maybe it would change when he went to college but when he would come home for a visit just like clock work he would knock over his glass of milk.
He would bring his friends home to visit with him. They would argue who got to come with him because apparently we were the only ones who still used the outhouse. They would want to come and visit just to use the outhouse. He had a paper route and saved his money to but a mo-ped from Sears catalogue for $88.00. We took it out in the country to our cousins house (Alan Mahon) and he told mom to ride it. She was a little hesitant but he convinced her that she couldn't hurt it. She went off the road and went down in the field. He started screaming about her wrecking his mo-ped that he had worked so hard for and paid $88.00 for it. Thank goodness she wasn't hurt but your dad was about to have a heart attack. I am sure that there are many more but I cannot think of them. trisha goldstrom (ryan):1. After Jeff got married in Connecticut, we went to Maine with your mom, dad and Tricia. One of the best vacations I have ever had, before my kids came along. We pulled into this Motel, and dad pulled in and Ivan pulled in behind him. They went in to see if there was any availability, but apparently there wasn't. So Ivan backed his car out, but my dad tried to back the car up and PULL FORWARD out of the driveway. Well, dad's tires must have started scraping on the guy's blacktop that was fresh and he was afraid of having tire marks in his black top. So, this guy was short, bald, chubby, and in his bathrobe, and started screaming "BACK IT UP, BACK IT UP! If my memory serves me correctly, your dad started yelling back at him, telling HIM to BACK IT UP! Well we high-tailed it out of there as quickly as we could.
We of course had CB's so we could communicate car to car. Tricia and I made up a rap. I wish I could remember all of it. It went something like this: "Back it up, back it up, back it up I said, The fat man yelled till his face turned red!" 2. Also, we gassed up somewhere in Maine, and we left....and then we realized....that your dad forgot to pay! ha ha. He did call and take care of it later! "What a Guy", to quote Joyce. 3. I remember all those Saturday trips to Columbus to shop...and eat! SUCH fun. 4. Ivan sang at my wedding, which was a terrific memory I will never forget. Thanks, Joyce, for eating sugar at my wedding, hee hee. You guys have been there for us, through thick and thin. 5. I also remember when Ivan and Joyce found out about Ivan's brain tumor. The next time he sang in church, he sang "I Will Trust When I Cannot See." What a tremendous testimony. Not a dry eye in the place. I remember the day he had surgery in Zanesville, and I came on my lunchhour from work. The waiting room was packed. All those people were there to support the Wilsons through this time. Praise the Lord! Thanks for the memories! Love you Ivan and Joyce! Happy Birthday Ivan, from the Goldstroms in Pennsylvania:) jay gillespie:Happy 70th Birthday, Ivan! Stay young.
Some of my best memories of high school are when Ivan drove us to away soccer and basketball games. Everyone in the car, always enjoyed the company. We would just laugh and laugh. There's just something with Ivan's laugh that's contagious. I also remember trips to Columbus to go to the old Malibu Grand Prix and to a Ohio State basketball game. Great memories. Over the years, we've crossed paths in Greenville a few times. Every time I see him, it's like we pick up the conversation right where we left off the last time. jeff royalty:In the very few years that I have known your Dad I have come to think the world of him. He is a great colleague and friend to me and we have had some great times in our work together. I especially appreciate his deep love and care for his family as I believe that is the true test of a man. You’re lucky to have him and he is very proud of you!!
maggie niedzwiecki:Ivan, you are AMAZING!
I have learned so much from you as an educator, colleague and friend. I have learned that you are an incredibly knowledgeable educator and leader. More importantly, I have learned from you that your family and religion come first and foremost in your life. Your eyes and face light up when you speak of your family and grandchildren! You have been a true role model for me both professionally and personally. Thank you for all you have done to support the work of our team and supporting the work of educational reform for all 1.8 million students in Ohio! jessica yeager:My name is Jessica Yeager, guidance counselor for VCS Ohio. I worked with Ivan for a few years at VCS. When he moved on, it left a tremendous void in the office. I still miss his infectious laughter. Happy Birthday, Ivan! You sure so loved.
keith king:I have lots of memories of Ivan, and in many of those memories I hear a familiar sound -- his unmistakable laugh!
One recent fun memory happened at Denny's in Greenville a couple years back. As our family was enjoying a meal at Denny's - Ivan, Joyce, and Tricia walked into the restaurant and sat on the other side of the dining room. As we had not been spotted, I devised a quick plan to incorporate my girls into the fun...I convinced Annalie (probably around 10 at the time) to walk over to the table with the "man in the suit" and have a little conversation. After a bit of prompting and rehearsal, Annalie walked over and said to Ivan, with some level of amazement..."Excuse me, are you Mr. Ivan Wilson?! Can I have your autograph?"...as she handed him her placemat for his signature. Of course, that familiar laugh referred to earlier rang out across the dining room as I walked over and had a few minutes to introduce my girls and catch up. Fun times! By the way, he did give his autograph as well - haha. Happy Birthday, Ivan! Hope you have a great day. jennifer hooperThank you so much for the time, love, stories, bubbles, songs, hugs, and so much more you gave my girls in the baby/toddler Sunday School. I believe they thought of you and Joyce as grandparents! They could not wait to see "I" every Sunday! I kept every note written by Joyce about the girls which chronicles their first 2 years of Sundays. The love you showed to them helped to foster the love they now show to others. Thank you is not enough! Happy Birthday! Dan, Jen, Lauryn Grace, and Emma Rose
donna bakerI would like to tell you I learned so much from Ivan Wilson about Ohio Improvement Plan, Success Learning Site, eTech, FreeTech, OGT Testing, etc.
But the truth is those were minor. Below you will experience just a small bit of the profound information I hold dear to me due to Ivan’s caring, sharing personality. Ivan was trying to help us feel secure when he left us for another job: One of the things I am given as an ODE employee is a security badge with a security code for entering the Department building. They will probably not trust me with much authority, but if they do I vow not to abuse it as in the case of the DEA officer described below. Have a great day, Ivan ***************************** The Arrogance of Authority Unfortunately, we see it all around us..........particularly in government! DEA officer stops at a ranch in Texas, and talks with an old rancher. He tells the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs." The rancher says, "Okay, but don't go in that field over there," as he points out the location. The DEA officer verbally explodes saying, “Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me." Reaching into his rear pants pocket, he removes his badge and proudly displays it to the rancher. "See this badge? This badge means I am allowed to go wherever I wish.... On any land. No questions asked or answers given. Have I made myself clear? Do you understand? " The rancher nods politely, apologizes, and goes about his chores. A short time later, the old rancher hears loud screams and sees the DEA officer running for his life chased by the rancher's big Santa Gertrudis bull...... With every step the bull is gaining ground on the officer, and it seems likely that he'll get gored before he reaches safety. The officer is clearly terrified. The rancher throws down his tools, runs to the fence and yells at the top of his lungs..... “Your badge. Show him your BADGE!” matt lanningFor my entire life I have been proud to be the nephew of my Uncle Buster. It was always a big deal for me that he was the owner of the Dairy Barn in Roseville and that he was the Principal/Superintendent at ZCS. I'm also grateful for all of the times that he helped me get a good deal on cars many times. But most of all I am proud of my Uncle Ivan for for being the high quality man that he is. I have never met anyone who knows my uncle who ever had anything but wonderful things to say about him. His desire to serve the Lord in all that he does has been an example to me all of my life. I look up to him more than he knows. I love you Uncle Ivan. Happy Birthday!
jared and sheryl hooper
Happy Birthday, Ivan. Hope you have a great birthday and a wonderful celebration time. Sorry we can't make it to the get-together, but we will see you Sunday :)
jim & cheryl baldersonHey, Ivan Jim and I are sorry we had to miss your surprise party. Wish we were there to witness the look on your face when you realize " you've been had "!!!!!. Have lots of fun and eat a piece of cake for me.......a BIG piece, ok. Yum !!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Jim and Cheryl |
don wilson:One story I recall was a hoot. When your Dad and I were very young, every Fall, the family would gather at Grand Dad Wilson's to take part in butchering the hogs. There would always be a few neighboring farmers there to help as well. One of them was Lawrencie Morgan, who was several years older than Ivan and I. I recall he and Uncle Jim calling Ive and I over to a hog they were working on. Lawrencie had cut out the rectum and asked Ive if he wanted a ring. He wore it proud until Grand Dad Riley took it off him.
scott wilson:I don't remember the details but I seem to remember someone tell the story of Uncle Ivan and Dad stealing a calf, putting it in the back seat of the car and letting it loose in the school.
brad wilson:I have so many great memories of Dad I don't know where to start. For now I'll say that he is the greatest man I've ever known. A consistent example of what I need to be.
I remember going airborne with him when we were sledding down Olde Falls Road (if you know that road you'll know we were engaging in extreme sports before it was trendy). I think we both cracked a tail bone when we landed. More later. chris brown:Ivan Wilson has been a man in whom I have seen Jesus Christ reflected and it has been a HUGE encouragement to me. He was my one of my two favorite teachers when I was in school and is also my good friend.
Many years ago, when Mr. Wilson was serving as administrator and as principal of Zanesville Christian School, I was brought into his office as a student who had been accused of doing something that I truly did not do. Now I was, how shall I say this, I was a rather rambunctious young man and so Mr. Wilson would have been justified I suppose to believe the accusation that had been leveled against me. But as I pleaded my case before him, I soon noticed a face of compassion and care - and Mr. Wilson said something to me that I will never forget, he said, "I BELIEVE YOU!" Now he had no reason to based on my behavior, but here was a man in whom dwelt the God given graces of compassion and tenderness, and so he put his arm around me and said "Chris, I BELIEVE YOU." He went on to say, "I believe you because I think you know that God knows and you don't want to disappoint God." "I BELIEVE YOU." I do not know if Mr. Wilson ever knew how much it meant to me that HE BELIEVED ME! Now to many reading this that might not mean much or it might seem funny, but I learned many things in that short meeting in Mr. Wilson's office that day--I saw with my own eyes those God given graces exercised--compassion, tenderness, gentleness. I encountered someone who cared for me and wanted to help me to the point that he was willing to put himself kind of "on the line" in order that I might benefit and be ministered to. He was selfless! And he was willing to speak up and share a truth with me about "the fear of God " and its operation in a young Christian man's life. I have never forgotten that day! Thanks Mr. WIlson for believing me! It meant a lot to me then and still does today! Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless you and use you. Thanks for investing in my life, and in the life of my wife as well. We both love you!!! Pastor Chris and Cathy Brown joshua shaver:One of the stories that sticks out for me was one time when Uncle Ivan came and had chapel at school. He told all kinds of stories about growing and a bunch of jokes. I know it meant more to me than everyone else since I knew everyone involved. One of the things he said was that he and Uncle Don were so rotten as kids that Granny and Pop made them sleep in the fridge to keep them from getting any worse.
bill bogner:Hello Ivan....I wish you all the best in the years ahead, especially good health. Continue to stay busy, keep that mind thoughtfully engaged, and never let them "retire" you! We never surrender to that nonsense. God bless. Bill Bogner
ron stewart:I am sorry I can’t be with all of you on this special birthday. I wanted to be there because of our friendship and I really needed to see how one this old holds up!!!!!!!!!! ( I needed a mentor).
In all seriousness, I can’t believe time has moved so quickly. It seems to me that we just started to work together yesterday. Although we have not seen each other for a number of years, conversations of past experiences always conjures up some of those times that we shared in our professional life. Let me just recount one that comes to mind: we were reviewing Rehab and Corrections, you were driving, it was a snowy day, you hit a pothole in the prison’s parking lot and I ended up with broken tooth!! You did say that you would buy lunch! I think I am a better person by having you in my circle of friends. You taught me not only about education but about faith. I could repeat all those things that you have accomplished professionally, but let me say that the most important is the bright beacon that are to your family and friends. I count myself very fortunate to have this opportunity to wish you well my friend. clairie huff-franklin:
It is a pleasure to work with Ivan. He is so intelligent and helps the work environment to be positive. Throughout Ohio, everyone seems to know him and like him. He has an interesting and engaging story for any topic that arises. If you get to hear him speak, you know you are in for a treat! Thanks, Ivan, for being the great man that you are. Happy birthday, and may you have many, many more!
darrell & martha riggsOne year when Ivan was the principal at ZCS, we had our teachers’ convention at the state fairgrounds. At the dinner banquet, desserts were already at each place –setting when we arrived. The desserts looked like they had been sitting there since the last banquet, with the exception of Ivan’s. It looked as if it had just been taken out of the oven! Everyone in our small group was coveting that culinary delight! Sensing that there was a good chance of some slight-of-hand trading during the grace-saying, Ivan our leader and example picked up the piece of pie, licked the entire top of it, and set it back down with the assurance that it would still be there when we were done praying!
barb hansenIvan always was always very willing to go with me to any district event, even was the chauffeur. Strange things was that within minutes he disappeared. It took me some time to realize that I could always find him in the refreshment line and that was the main reason he was willing to go. Ivan was a joy to work with and had a special sense which allowed him to lighten up an all too serious situation. He could inject just the right amount of humor or add another perspective which helped us to clear a hurdle that previously has been too high.
kelly linscott/wicker
Mr. Wilson was very much a part of my early years, in the school and in the church. I have very rarely seen him without a smile on his face and the non-smiling moments were usually at school. Mr. Wilson has a joy about him that can only be measured by his Love for The Lord and Our Lord's Love for him. He has always shown patience with me and anyone who remembers me from the school years knows that that was a feat in itself! He has ALWAYS had words of encouragement for me and was very understanding. I remember when our school (ZANESVILLE CHRISTIAN) was first started and we all had to learn to call Ivan Mr. Wilson. That was hard, but I remember him telling us that it was a sign of respect so after that it became easier and easier. I did and still do respect Mr. Wilson for the God fearing person that he is. A man of honor and intrigue. I remember going to the armory for gym and music and Mr. Wilson taught us some ole folk songs. Mr. Wilson you were one of my favorite teachers you will always hold a place in my heart and I value knowing you. I thank you for being a kind and caring person to me.
A side note: Brad I think you are doing a pretty good job of following in your father's footsteps!! diane jewell
Now let me see, what can I say, I love it when Ivan has opening exercises at church. He is so easy to listen to and understand. I am sure there are stories to tell, but at the moment I have no memory of them. I have enjoyed his and Joyce's friendship over the years. They are very special friends that Danny and I cherish. Happy birthday to you Ivan and many more. I was going to say when I turned 60 I thought boy, this sounds old, where have the years gone, I was just 18, but as you turn 70, wow, now this does sound really old, sorry to say this, Ha! but you do not look a day over well, let me see, maybe 50. Sounds good or are you one of those that is still 39! We are very thank ful for your many years of friendship. Many Years, Long time. Dan and Diane Jewll
joyce wilsonAs I read these things that have been written about Ive, I think the thing that stands out most is his laugh. Everyone notices this about Ive because it is such a good characteristic in him. If ever we are separated in Wal-Mart, it doesn’t take long to locate him..............all I need to do is listen. He will be laughing with someone in the store and it is easy to find him. I remember Melanie Cohagen-Denton telling me that when she walked through the door of ZCS every day, she knew it was worth getting up in the morning to hear Mr. Wilson’s laughter somewhere in the building.
Another great characteristic of Ive is that he has integrity. You can count on his advice and it will be the same advice every time you ask him about something. I truly believe Ive to be a Godly man and he wants to glorify the Lord Jesus in his decisions every day of his life. It is easy to honor a man for his accomplishments, but it is still better to honor that man for what he is inside his own skin. I know that Ive seeks the Lord’s will in his life every day of his life and I have seen that consistently every day I have known him. It is pretty special to be his wife. There are so many things I could write here but I will just say this about him..................”What a Guy!” jeff & michelle ryanHappy Birthday, Ivan, from the Ryan's! Words cannot express the appreciation we feel toward you and Joyce. We still enjoy remembering how you introduced Michelle and I at our wedding reception in Connecticut, "In this corner weighing in at...." You both have been such an encouragement to us over the years. I don't know when we had our kids start calling you uncle Ivan and aunt Joyce, but they still do. There was a time when we had to sit them down and explain that you were just really close family friends and NOT REALLY an aunt or uncle; nevertheless, they still call you that. We still have all the notes and the dear memories you made with our children in Sunday school, the encouraging words and hugs that awaited us as we made our way to children's hospital after Ashley's accident, the advice and help you gave us many times on purchasing a car, and the list would go on. Happy Birthday, we appreciate your friendship and example.
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donna berger mundy
Ivan Wilson was the founder and first principal of Zanesville Christian School. In 1975, he had the vision and direction from the Lord to work under Pastor Dale McCallister's church leadership to open grades kindergarten through six. I had been saved during my junior year at Ohio State University and was involved in a new evangelical movement, when the Lord directed me to Christian education. Ivan was willing to take a huge chance with a baby Christian who really didn't understand the convictions of Christian education or fundamental Christianity. I was always so impressed with Ivan's patience and wise leadership. That first year of teaching, I watched him closely as he counseled students and dealt with students. He became a very influential mentor to me. Now I've been teaching 37 years. Five years ago the Lord led my husband and I to begin a small Christian school in our church. It has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done, and it makes me appreciate Ivan and his leadership even more!
Memories:
I remember my first year teaching being so amazed at how Ivan and Pastor Dale conducted meetings. They always had good things to say, but they always had jokes or funny things to say. We usually laughed through half of the meetings. It wasn't unusual to hear Pastor Dale and Ivan having a "private meeting" in the office and all anyone could hear from outside the door was laughter. Truly, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine!
My first year teaching, I made very little money. One day Ivan had to approach me about the length of one of my skirts. When he found out I had sewn it out of some material scraps from home, he handed me some money and wanted to help me pay for some new material. I knew it had been difficult for him to approach me, but he did it in love.
One year we had a huge snow storm. Ivan was trying to call all of the teachers to let them know we would not have school. He was beginning to worry about us when he tried several different numbers and couldn't reach any of us. Finally, he called Darrell and Martha Riggs. We were all over at their house playing games to celebrate the snow storm.
For a few years, several families would open their homes after Sunday evening church and everyone from the church was welcome to just drop in to fellowship, sing, talk, and eat. One night Ivan and Joyce asked some of us teachers to go with them. It was great fun but we were out rather late on a school night. Mitzie, Yolanda, and I planned to call Ivan the next morning, one at a time, and tell him we were sick. (It was extremely hard to find one substitute, let alone three.) The last one to call him was to say at the end......"April Fools!" (It was April 1st.) Needless to say, by the time we did see him at school, he barely said a word. He was not as amused as we were, and we felt badly for lying.
One of my funniest memories of Ivan was his New Year's Eve skit as King Bobo. All the newcomers to the church were sent out of the room, ushered in one at a time to bow before King Bobo. Then they were blindfolded and asked to kiss his ring (which they did). Before the blindfold was taken off, Ivan would switch the ring quickly to his big toe and place his foot near the person's face. When the blindfold was removed, most people laughed or gagged, thinking they had kissed his toe. They never realized the truth until they got to watch the next person come in. It was really hilarious!! Ivan always hammed it up and usually laughed along with everyone so much that you had to laugh with him.
Dear Mr. Wilson,
Thank you for taking a chance on a young, unexperienced teacher. Thank you for lovingly mentoring me through those beginning years. Thank you for following God's leading to start Zanesville Christian School. Hundreds of young people are serving God today in churches and ministries all over the United States and the world, because of the school's influence in their lives. Thank you for being my principal and my friend! Your leadership, love, and laughter were always a special encouragement to me. Thank you for encouraging me to go to PCC for my masters and allowing me to use the gifts God has given me in the ministry. The acccomplishments in my life, really must count on your account in heaven. You and Pastor Dale were willing to invest yourselves in me. I often wondered why we don't receive our rewards in heaven as soon as we go there. A pastor once explained that it was because the influence of our invested lives continues in lives long after we are gone. Only at the Bema Judgment will it all be finished. You have invested in many lives, Ivan, and your reward will be great. Thank you for your influence in mine. Happy Birthday!! With gratitude, Donna Berger Mundy
Memories:
I remember my first year teaching being so amazed at how Ivan and Pastor Dale conducted meetings. They always had good things to say, but they always had jokes or funny things to say. We usually laughed through half of the meetings. It wasn't unusual to hear Pastor Dale and Ivan having a "private meeting" in the office and all anyone could hear from outside the door was laughter. Truly, a merry heart doeth good like a medicine!
My first year teaching, I made very little money. One day Ivan had to approach me about the length of one of my skirts. When he found out I had sewn it out of some material scraps from home, he handed me some money and wanted to help me pay for some new material. I knew it had been difficult for him to approach me, but he did it in love.
One year we had a huge snow storm. Ivan was trying to call all of the teachers to let them know we would not have school. He was beginning to worry about us when he tried several different numbers and couldn't reach any of us. Finally, he called Darrell and Martha Riggs. We were all over at their house playing games to celebrate the snow storm.
For a few years, several families would open their homes after Sunday evening church and everyone from the church was welcome to just drop in to fellowship, sing, talk, and eat. One night Ivan and Joyce asked some of us teachers to go with them. It was great fun but we were out rather late on a school night. Mitzie, Yolanda, and I planned to call Ivan the next morning, one at a time, and tell him we were sick. (It was extremely hard to find one substitute, let alone three.) The last one to call him was to say at the end......"April Fools!" (It was April 1st.) Needless to say, by the time we did see him at school, he barely said a word. He was not as amused as we were, and we felt badly for lying.
One of my funniest memories of Ivan was his New Year's Eve skit as King Bobo. All the newcomers to the church were sent out of the room, ushered in one at a time to bow before King Bobo. Then they were blindfolded and asked to kiss his ring (which they did). Before the blindfold was taken off, Ivan would switch the ring quickly to his big toe and place his foot near the person's face. When the blindfold was removed, most people laughed or gagged, thinking they had kissed his toe. They never realized the truth until they got to watch the next person come in. It was really hilarious!! Ivan always hammed it up and usually laughed along with everyone so much that you had to laugh with him.
Dear Mr. Wilson,
Thank you for taking a chance on a young, unexperienced teacher. Thank you for lovingly mentoring me through those beginning years. Thank you for following God's leading to start Zanesville Christian School. Hundreds of young people are serving God today in churches and ministries all over the United States and the world, because of the school's influence in their lives. Thank you for being my principal and my friend! Your leadership, love, and laughter were always a special encouragement to me. Thank you for encouraging me to go to PCC for my masters and allowing me to use the gifts God has given me in the ministry. The acccomplishments in my life, really must count on your account in heaven. You and Pastor Dale were willing to invest yourselves in me. I often wondered why we don't receive our rewards in heaven as soon as we go there. A pastor once explained that it was because the influence of our invested lives continues in lives long after we are gone. Only at the Bema Judgment will it all be finished. You have invested in many lives, Ivan, and your reward will be great. Thank you for your influence in mine. Happy Birthday!! With gratitude, Donna Berger Mundy