Ivan Stanley Wahl

It is with profound sadness that we mark the passing of Ivan Wahl, who died peacefully at home in the early hours of Wednesday March 12th 2025.  He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Corny, and siblings Roy, Beth, George and Winnie (died in infancy).  Ivan leaves to mourn his life-partner and true love Sharon—together they built a life supporting each other through both joyous and difficult times.  Their shared values, commitment to family, love of travel, and the pursuit of the finer things in life, brought them many years of happiness and laughter. Ivan was father to Rick, Sean and Kim, father-in-law to Carlos and Jessica, and Grandfather to Rosie and Sam—all of whom will miss his love, guidance and protection.  

Ivan was born on May 19, 1946, raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and spent his formative career-building years in Toronto pursuing a number of professional goals.  After marrying and achieving financial success, Ivan and Sharon bought property and eventually relocated to Florida where they built their dream home.  Celebrating life and enjoying the tropical weather, they welcomed family and friends—frequent and cherished visitors over the years included Sharon’s siblings Michael, Carol and Marilyn, and Ivan’s niece Cindy.  Friends and extended family in both Saskatoon and Toronto will keenly feel Ivan’s absence.

As a visionary force in the Canadian Mortgage Industry for over 30 years, Ivan was the first honouree of the Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame.  He was an inspiring leader, motivating those around him, and never hesitating to share the financial success of his ventures with his team.  Ivan founded and expanded several companies throughout his lifetime: FirstLine Trust, Xceed Mortgage, and Encompass Home Service Corp.  FirstLine Trust and Xceed were pioneers in the Canadian mortgage-backed securitization market, and their innovative approach transformed residential lending practices. As a result, home-owners received the benefits of improved access, choice, and affordability beyond what major banks could offer.

While still at FirstLine, Ivan spearheaded the idea of providing home warranty services as an integral part of the client's mortgage package. This program planted the seeds for Encompass Home Service Corp. which Ivan co-founded in 2001.  Providing mortgage clients with access to home warranty services proved to be so successful that it has since become a common feature of mortgages offered by non-bank-lenders.  An entrepreneur to the end, Ivan recently began expanding Encompass’s reach into the much larger United States market.  

No formal services are planned at this time.