IHSAN MEHMET PALA, after a brief illness, at the age of 79 we said goodbye on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Markham-Stouffville Hospital as he was surrounded by his loved ones. Born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, he was the son of the late Nezihe and Rasih Pala, beloved husband of Keziban, father ('Baba') of Serra Shular and Rasih Pala and brother of the late Gunseli Yigit. He took great pride in being dear ‘Dede’ of Ayden and Ethan Shular, and Chase Pala. He was also the dear father-in-law of Blaine Shular and Claire Pala, dear brother-in-law of Saniye Oner and Ali Akatli, dear uncle ‘Dayi’ of Ozan Yigit (Ulya Yigit) and Kaan Yigit (Donna Hall), and great uncle for Rose, Connor and Eren Yigit.

Ihsan arrived in Canada in 1970 with his new wife and lifelong partner Keziban, to start a long and successful career at IBM as a pioneer in the IT industry. He enjoyed a passion for sports, especially soccer, and was both a longtime coach and a talented woodworker. He will be remembered in the practical yet beautiful furniture he designed and built for many. But he will live on most assuredly in the characters he shaped, as a father, uncle, grandfather, coach and friend.

Nur icinde yatsin, mekani Cennet olsun; may he rest in peace. In his memory and in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.