HAVERHILL - Ivars John Lavins of Haverhill, MA, died Sunday June 19, 2022 peacefully in his sleep. Born Ivars Janis Lavins in 1934 in Jelgava, Latvia.

He survived WWII as a refugee in both Poland and Germany with his mother and sister.

Ivars received a Masters Degree in Electronics Engineering from Notheastern University. Veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1961, where he learned about camera repair and photo processing. After his service, he went on to work in electronics engineering for vacuum, temperature control and medical equipment companies.

He loved classical music and opera, he had a lovely tenor singing voice, he had some training in his younger years, and while not religious in his later years, he enjoyed singing in church. He also loved photography and was introduced to it while in the armed services.

Predeceased by his wife Biruta Lavins, mother and father Harry and Maria Lavins and sister Ilona Ezerins. He is survived by son Peter Lavins, daughter Sarma Lavins and half sister Ruth Matthews.

Ivars was a funny, kind, generous man, who would help anyone, he was open minded and accepting of the differences in people and always looking to make someone smile or laugh. He would sing at any and every opportunity made available to him. He enjoyed going to the opera in the theater district of Boston at every chance he got. He was also a wonderful Husband, Father and Uncle to his family.

The family will have a small, private celebration of his life soon. They ask that any donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangments by Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com