Sydney Oliver Iwan was born September 21, 1945, in Murdo, South Dakota, the son of Oliver and Stella (Brower) Iwan. Syd grew up on the Iwan ranch in northwest Mellette County and attended his first few years of school at home with his mother as his teacher. Later, he attended Murdo School and graduated from Murdo High School in 1963. During his grade school and high school years, he learned to play the piano and became an accomplished pianist.

After high school, Syd attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls. He graduated from college in 1967 acquiring two BA degrees, one in business administration and the other in music.

After college, Syd joined the Navy. He became a supply officer spending most of his service aboard the destroyer Samuel N. Moore DD-747. During this time, he became good friends with the captain of the ship, Stanislaus Sowinski. Stanislaus later became a well-known Southwestern artist. Syd owned many of his paintings. Syd left the Navy in 1971 with the rank of First Lieutenant. He returned to his family’s ranch and spent the rest of his life in the ranching business. The ranch later extended across the White River into Jackson County.

On June 22, 1979, Syd married the local country school teacher, Corinne Wilson. In 1986, Corinne and Syd welcomed their son, Chance Oliver Iwan. Chance was born with developmental disabilities and was later diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Because of Chance’s medical needs, the family moved to Philip in 2010.

Throughout his life, Syd had several hobbies and interests. He did professional photography for many years. This included weddings, graduations, and scenic photography. He sold his scenic photos at local establishments as well as at the Mt. Rushmore gift shop.

Another interest was in writing which led to a weekly article entitled “Lookin’ Around.” He wrote these articles for over 30 years, and they appeared each week in several area newspapers.

Playing the piano always remained as Syd’s favorite thing to do. He played at weddings, funerals, and other special occasions. At some events he was both the photographer and the pianist. Syd belonged to the Belvidere Community Church and was the main pianist. He rarely missed a Sunday or special event.

Syd served as Church secretary, treasurer, and elder until recent years when his health began to deteriorate. He also was the last Commander of the American Legion Post in Belvidere.

Syd died Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Syd is survived by his wife, Corrine and his son, Chance, both of Philip; daughter Jessica (Iris) Iwan of Pierre, grandsons Mellette, Tim and Taylor Bartlett of Pierre; sister, Patricia (Gary) Jones of Huron; nephews Lee (Brenda) Jones of San Antonio, TX, Scott (Laura) Jones of Huron, and Jason (Tasha) Jones of Pierre; and his long-time friend, Lanny Mickelson, of San Diego, California.

Syd was preceded in death by his parents, Stella and Oliver Iwan, and his son, Ira Sharpfish.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. August 8, at the Belvidere Community Church, with Pastor Gary McCubbin, Chuck Willard and John Kaiser officiating.

Interment with military honors will be at the Belvidere Cemetery.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 162 Philip, SD 57567.

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