I would just like to write and send my condulences to your family. As we would all like to be home with you, we still have a job to do over here. We all know you will be looking over us.


2nd Platoon Marines!!!

While I did not ever have the pleasure of meeting Ivan, I have had the good fortune to have his Uncle Mike (also a Marine), cousin Christopher and "Grumpus" Denis as part of my extended family for the past 8 years. My heart goes out to all of the family. Having lived on the ranch in Hopland and getting to know Mac & Alice's spirit, I know that they are with him now. Ivan will forever be remembered. As the daughter of a Marine, he will forever have my respect and thanks.

I'm Wally Hawkins Jackie Wilson's Godfather, I remember a Wonderful, sweet, kind little freckled face kid that would come to mass on Sunday with Denise and Jackie and Grandmother and help corral Jackie and bring her back to her seat or to make her turn back around and stop looking at the pews behind her where Pam and I would sit. I remember on many occasions I would feel this quiet presents standing next to me without a word and as I looked down there was Ivan saying...HI WALLY! in his quiet little voice. I would give him a hug and let him know I was Happy to see him. Such a wonderful, well mannered little man. Although extremely sad for all of us conected to the Wilson's just know that Ivan was wonderful and blessed by God and that Ivan's with the Lord. He left protecting others in Harm's way just as he protected his little sister to do the right thing. Thank you Ivan for being a light in my life and you will always be in our prayers and in our hearts.

Wally and Pam Hawkins

Sonny Boy Ivan (my nickname for him), will greatly be missed and I feel so many emotions right now that it is still hard to fully express my genuine feelings. These are thoughts that I would like published in your paper… My feelings are …
“Ivan lived life on life’s terms.” He was always a happy and loving son, even though he had his ins and outs. He had his good days and bad days – overall he was a very happy and well-loved young man with a promising future! He experienced DEFEATS and TRIUMPHS in his life, but those things never kept him from moving forward in life. He experienced so many things in his short life and I believe the things he did that led him to becoming a U.S. Marine made him the man he is today! He choose to join the Marines when other things just weren’t working in his world, but he felt it was one of the best decisions he made in a very long time when he made that first call to them. All I can say is that my son paid the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE serving his country especially in this time of war, but he fought the hard fight and always preserved no matter what! As his mom, I want to say how very proud I am of him for all he accomplished and I know and believe he is amongst the other fallen Marines in the heavenly skies. He patrolled the streets of our country and countries afar and now he is patrolling the golden streets of Heaven and as I look up to the blue sky, I will proudly smile knowing my son is looking down on me and smiling back at me. As you always told me Ivan… “Mom, Bee Happy (note the spelling) lol…”
I always signed my letters or e-mails saying this “Love you, Mean It,” to my children. And so My Sonny Boy Ivan know I am ever so proud of you and will miss you and will always hold you close to my heart…You will never be forgotten by Jackis Khan (nickname for his 19 yr sister Jackie), Nate Dogg (nickname for his 3 yr old little brother) and as you always called me “Momma!” Love you, Mean it!!
I wrote this on 7-26-08
Today, after speaking to Wilson, I sit and shed some more tears...seeing you through there eyes is so wonderful and knowing you were well liked and taken cared of I know I can find some solance in that. I miss you oh so much and know that your in a better place now; Sonny Boy Ivan you need feel no more pain, confusion, or any fears you felt, you can now feel an over abundance of joy, laughter, happiness and just whatever!! No rules where u are... so live it up My Sonny Boy Ivan!! My sunshine, my moonlight: my life!! Jacks and Nate Dogg miss u tons too and so just send us your signs and we will do what is necessary to fullfill all your wildest dreams via us!! Yours Forever, Momma xxxxooo

ivan -
i miss you so much but know your in a better place with Nick and all your other friends.. and family.
I will never forgot all the things we did growing up and sharing the time we had with momma and nathaniel as well as the trips we went on.
I can't express how much you influenced me. I am living life for the both of us and will do the things you never got to do.
I love you big brother.
Rest in peace

From a fellow Marine of a different era. I appreciate Ivan Wilson's service, dedication and sacrifice in the proud tradition of the Corps. But we who served know that those who wait for us to return also sacrifice, often more than we do. Just know that Marines, past, present and future know that we can only strive to match such dedication as Ivan's. Semper fi. RDM, USMC retired. Lakeport