Memorial service to be held in Toronto for Ironman competitor who died in Cork

A memorial service for 64-year-old Canadian man Ivan Chittenden is to be held in Toronto next Saturday following his death in an Ironman competition in Youghal, Co Cork on August 20th last.

Mr Chittenden, who was due to celebrate his milestone 65th birthday in October, died whilst participating at the event in which Brendan Wall (45) of Cardrath, Co Meath also lost his life. Both men lost their lives in separate incidents during the swim section of the triathlon.

Ivan, who was a keen sportsman, retired two years ago from his job as a partner with Ernst and Young. He was predeceased by his first wife Dianne Dyer who died suddenly in 2011.

He began training for marathons and Ironman events in the wake of his bereavement. He subsequently met his second wife Dr Siobhan Hyland during a trip to Paris.

Ivan is survived by his wife, his stepchildren Jack and Kate, his brother Roger, mother in law Patricia Hyland, extended family and friends. He split his time between Toronto and Dallas where his wife is employed.

A ‘celebration of life' for Ivan is scheduled for next Saturday afternoon at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre in Toronto. A cremation service previously took place in the Rocky Island Crematorium in Co Cork in the aftermath of the tragedy.

His online obituary says that Ivan had a “long and notable career” at Ernst and Young. He was both a professional practice partner and audit partner for the firm, serving as the global co ordinating partner for many of EY Canada’s largest accounts. Whilst he retired in 2021 he continued doing consultancy work with the company.

LONG-TIME RUNNER

The online tribute says that Ivan was a long time runner who became an endurance athlete in his early fifties.

“He competed in Ironman races across the globe, from Canada to Zell am See, Austria and completed all six of the World Marathon Majors.” It says that in 2012 he met his “cherished Siobhan” and began a “romance for the ages.” “The two shared a love that was apparent to all. Ivan was a devoted step father who treasured his stepchildren, Jack and Kate, and the time he spent with them.

His love for life and ability, always, to see the positive, was a joy and inspiration to everyone he encountered.

Ivan was a consummate professional, a wonderful friend, and encouraging mentor to all who knew him. His legacy of love and kindness will endure.” Meanwhile, his trainer Lisa Bentley previously said that Ivan was “doing what he loved” when he died at the Ironman event.

Eleven time Ironman Champion, Lisa Bentley, said that while she taught Ivan in the sport of triathlon and honed his marathon running for twelve years her role was more about “walking beside him as a friend.” 

“And guiding him as he aspired to do his first triathlon, then his first half Ironman and ultimately his first Ironman. And he did it all again and again and even ran all six of the marathon majors in Tokyo, Berlin, London, Chicago, New York City and Boston.

He was my friend. He was my family. Those are not words. That is a fact. I will miss him very much.

I know in my heart that he was doing what he loved when he left us. Ivan was in the shape of his life. He kept getting faster as he got older.” 

Ms Bentley said that she went on a four hour cycle with Ivan three weeks ago where he was his typical brimming with energy self.

“In the usual Ivan fashion, he blasted the downhills leaving me in his wake! Part of me thought “I want to keep up” and the other part thought “well, I guess I am doing my job as a coach since he is so fast.'” 

Ms Bentley added that Ivan loved triathlon and over their years training together he became the ‘elder statesman’ of their training group.

“He was no longer the rookie doing 45 minute rides and 1000m swims. He was a confident athlete routinely throwing down three to four hour rides, ninety-minute runs and 2500-3000 m swims and strength work.

Ivan lived more in the last twelve years than many of us live in a lifetime. He got out of his comfort zone. He travelled. He trained. He raced."