Foil: 36 Panel: 3 Column: 1 Line: 18

Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Leader

Honored by:
Ms. Jane Bakos

September, 2020

Hi Dad,

In memory of your 90th birthday on September 11th, each of your children and your grandson wanted to send you a message! We are honored to keep your memory safe at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with your name boldly engraved in their Wall of Honor!! (near Amelia Earhart!) Perhaps one day our ancestors will get a glimpse of what you meant to us!!

Dear Dad,

It doesn't seem possible that this year we celebrate your 90th birthday. Much has happened in the last 30 years . . . The space shuttle Challenger exploded, The Dow Jones Industrial Average had the largest daily percentage drop in US stock market history, the Berlin Wall came down, Bill Clinton is elected as the 42nd President (you probably don't care about that), and George W. Bush is elected President in 2001. (Jane and I both voted for him).

No doubt you have been watching it all. With the upcoming Presidential election in full campaign mode, I would love to gather your insights about the policies and other world matters. The top issues cover everything from Global Warming to Racial Riots to Covid-19 and a myriad of other events that streamline the media every day.

But, let's back up . . . What happened to me in the last 30 years. I continued my shopping center marketing career by moving from Boca Raton to Atlanta, then on to a developer in Chattanooga. While I worked hard, all three entities also provided me the opportunity to expand my knowledge, meet great people and travel across the United States and to foreign countries. I actually got to teach marketing seminars in India. Great experience . . . would not go on vacation there. My last company also bought Meridian Mall which returned me to my roots!

John, James, Jane and I have all kept in touch on a regular basis. You would be proud to know that your sons acquired your salesmanship skills and are both quite accomplished in their respective fields of sales and management. They learned a great deal from you.

We miss you, but know that you are keeping a watchful eye over us. Thanks for being an integral part in what we all are today.

Love Always, Barb

Dear Dad,

Happy Birthday! It is hard to believe that this year you would have turned 90 years old. Although we have been apart a very long time, I continue to remember your bits of wisdom and quiet guidance as I navigate through life's challenges and triumphs, so you are always with me if not in person.

I miss you and love you! James

Dear Grandpa,

Happy Birthday! September 11th, what a date in history that will live forever. Although next year will be 20 years since the attack in New York, it seems like only yesterday. What a year 2020 has been! Pandemics, fires, hurricanes, political turmoil, and economic upheaval. It's been one for the record books. Through it all, our family has persevered. We are very fortunate. We all have our health, our homes, and our loved ones. Though it has been a tough year, we are all so very grateful for what we have. Thank you for keeping an eye on us, helping us to navigate the craziness of 2020. Mom is doing well. She has her fair share of aches and pains, but she's holding the helm of the ship that is our family, and she continues to keep us all in line. Barb is well too; she's enjoying life and smiling a lot. Please continue to keep a close eye on both of them. Myself, I've got no complaints. I have my own share of struggles, but thankfully I have a very loving family to help me through them. With the support of those around me, I've managed to build a pretty good life, all things considered. I think you?€™d be very proud. Please give our best to all of the family, friends, and loved ones that are up there with you. We miss you all very much!

Love you Grandpa, Bobby

Happy Birthday Dad!

Hard to believe you are 90. You are missed greatly here but do know that the lessons you taught and point of view are being put to good use. While the world has gone off the deep end we have found ways to work through things. Jane, Bobby, Barb, James are always around and we try to stay in touch which is a little easier these days. I hope you and Mom are well!

Always in my thoughts, Love, John II

Hey Dad,

Are you watching all the turmoil in the world from heaven?? We are all, luckily, doing just fine. Last year, when one could still travel, Barb and I went back to Michigan to attend my 50th high school reunion. Yep, 50 years! We had the rare opportunity to visit our childhood home on Orchard Lane. . .you know, the first home that you and Mom built when you were just in your 20's! It remains much the same and was such fun to walk through the rooms of memories! While the bar you had built downstairs is still there, the ol' player piano is gone! That's where we first saw the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in 1964, and where you used to have neighborhood parties with the Waldies, Dvoraks, and the Biergans! The yard looks good, except the lake is gone....no more boating or ice skating! Our years there will always be special!

I think of you every time I see a red cardinal!!! Keep sending them!!!

Love, Jane

(Jane Bakos, Barb Faucette, John Ivankovich, James Ivankovich and Bobby Bakos)