From Robbie

The first time I met Ivan I was probably around 10 years old. I was told that he worked with my father Frank at DEH. It was most likely Ivan that encouraged my dad to get out of the house and go fishing with him. Since they both were in early stages of divorce, what better way to heir grievances than beer and fishing? More importantly, I was brought along so that I could meet his two sons, both of whom would eventually become the closest thing I have to brothers. My Dad rarely left the house, but whenever he did it was usually because of Ivan. I can remember going over to their house in Diablo at the ass crack of dawn, being introduced to this wild eyed, long haired hippy man who seemed not at all like my father. Then I was lead into the house to meet Adrian and Oliver, who were far more interested in the Thundercats on TV than me. Grunts were made by way of greeting, then we all loaded up the car and left. It may have been the first time I had ever been fishing, although my dad briefly owned a boat I have no recollection of he or I ever having used it, let alone gone fishing. I'm sure I left an awkward impression with the Klasovsky boys, but I was certainly fascinated with my dad's new friend. Little did I know at the time, but the Klasovsky's were about to move into the house directly across the street from me on Clayton. Since my parents had also split, hanging out at the Klasovsky house was my solace. From that moment on, they became a permanent fixture in my life. Ivan was like a second father, one who always had a cool story to tell or new experience to force me into. Adrian, Oliver and I became inseparable for almost a decade thereafter. Adrian was like an older brother (who would give me frequent beatings) and Ollie was my little brother (who would get me in trouble). I'm ashamed to admit that I spent more of my childhood with Ivan than with my own father, but I'm fortunate that I had someone like Ivan in my life. Growing up with Adrian & Oliver allowed me to experience things I never would have otherwise. I have so many fond memories of wild adventures, and Ivan was always there looking out for us. I gave Ivan a hard time a lot, poked fun at his drawl, but I did so only out of love and familiarity. I sarcastically kept transcribing The Book of Ivan, a collection of proverbs and ultimate truths that Ivan would say to us. Looking back I realize how much of his philosophies influenced who I am today (for better or worse). He pushed me just like he would his own boys, and encouraged me to connect with my own father who didn't know how. I will always hold Ivan with the highest regard and I really regret that I never got to see him as an adult. And although I haven't seen Adrian & Oliver in nearly 2 decades, I still regard them as brothers who probably know me better than anyone else.