March 23, 1941 - October 14, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Jim passed away peacefully at home in the company of Katherine, his 3 children, and his 2 beloved cats.
He grew up in the Capital Hill region of Burnaby B.C. , with 2 older, and 2 younger siblings.
A natural athlete in any sport he played, but excelled at boxing, winning many trophies, awards, and was named "Emerald Boy" for his prowess.
Working in his father's furnace installation business, he was introduced to the trades early in life, subsequently becoming the youngest pipefitter in B.C. at age 18. He went on to become a certified sheet metal tradesman, eventually teaching Sheet Metal work at B.C.I.T.
Marriage at a very young age produced three children, Jo-Anne, Danny, and J.J. His business acumen as well as hard work allowed him to retire at the age of 42, which afforded him the time to focus on pursuits he enjoyed, high altitude snowmobiling, hunting on horseback with his brother Tom, boating on the Fraser River and the ocean, RV'ing and camping.
At age 62 he realized a lifelong ambition to own a Mobile Home Park, purchasing the Arden Mobile Home Park in Courtenay.
Shortly thereafter, he met Katherine. As a hands on owner, he devoted much time to the Park, as well as travelling extensively with Katherine.
Although sometimes irascible, he had much affection for many of the Park residents, and often helped them out personally and privately, without fanfare.
He could be hysterically funny in certain situations. Lying on a gurney with a broken, dislocated ankle in the tiny hospital of Atutaki, Cook Islands, he had the staff laughing so hard the laughter could be heard out on the street.
He accompanied Katherine to an International political conference in Dakar Senegal. At a dinner held in a palatial ballroom, the guests were dignitaries from many countries, the atmosphere was pleasant and cordially restrained, except for Jim's table! It was rocking! His over-the-top humour emerged to have his tables occupants laughing non stop with guests from other tables craning their necks to see why that table was having so much fun!
In many ways he was a larger than life persona.
He is survived by Katherine, her children Dr Christine de Clercy, Dr Peter Ferguson (Colin), Anthony Diener (Brooklyn), Dr Colin Diener, Andrea (Ella, Cole, Kira, Anna), Eric Diener, Skye.
His children Jo-Anne, Ray (Jackson, Jordan) Danny, (Ashley, Alanna) J.J. (Keira), brothers George and Tom, sisters Yvonne, Marlene and their families.
Many thanks to brother Tommy and wife Georgette for being wonderful travelling companions and many kindnesses, and to Dr Howard and the VIHA for compassion and assistance during Jim's palliative care at home.
The new Park administration elected not to hold a collective memorial service for Park residents, friends, neighbours and business associates.
A Celebration of Life service may be held on the mainland in the spring.