Ivan Ray Champlin left this Earth on June 10, 2018. Born in October 1939, "Little Ivan" grew up in Greenacres, CA. In 1957, he graduated from Bakersfield High School. After high school, Ivan worked for a time at "the parking lot" downtown and it was there he met the love of his life, Alva Jean Ezell, on a blind date. In 1963, Ivan and Alva were married in Reno, NV and over the next decade had 3 children. Ivan persevered through Bakersfield College and California State University Bakersfield while working and supporting a wife and 3 children. A dream was met when he was hired as a teacher at Central School with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where Ivan touched the lives of incarcerated youth until his retirement in 2003 after more than 28 years of service. Family and friendship were important to Ivan. One of his most notable friendships began with a French pen pal project in High School. This lifelong friendship inspired Ivan's love of antiques and everything French. He majored in French in college, became proficient in the French language, collected French antiques and traveled to Europe. Travel, cooking, and family genealogy were some of his interest during his lifetime. Ivan leaves behind many dear friends and family, including his wife of 55 years, Alva; a daughter and husband, Jenee and Kevin Morris; a son and wife, Timothy and Carrie Champlin; and a daughter and husband, Nicole and Charles Bristol. Ivan leaves behind 5 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and 2 great-grandsons. He is also survived by a sister JoAnn Poteet of Santa Maria, CA and many family and friends. A graveside celebration of life will be held at Shafter Memorial Cemetery, Tuesday, June 19 at 10 am. A viewing will be held at Peter's Mortuary Monday, June 18, 4 to 8 pm. A reception will follow at the family home.