It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, JIM, in the early hours of Wednesday, February 19th, 2020 at Luther Court in Victoria. Jim was born on the farm in Tiefengrund, Sask. to Gertrude and Ernest Krock. He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine, brother Ron Krock of Creston, B.C., sister Deborah Clark (Sebastiaan) of Fairmont, B.C., god daughter Carla Krock of Creston, B.C., god son Christopher Hinrichs of Port Moody, B.C, as well as nieces in Canada and the United States. He was also god papa to Robert Zastre. Jim was predeceased by his older brother, Glenn.
The Krock family moved to Saskatoon in 1943 where Jim attended Caswell and Pleasant Hill Public schools, City Park and Bedford Road Collegiate, and the University of Saskatchewan. He was the Accounting Manager at the Quaker Oats Plant in Saskatoon until he and Cathy moved to Victoria in 1967.
Jim met Cathy on a cold winter’s night while skating at the Arena in Saskatoon. They were married in Regina in 1966 and decided a move to Victoria and a warmer climate would be nice. Jim was the Accounting Manager for the Greater Victoria School Board and later held an accounting position with British Columbia Buildings Corporation (BCBC), retiring from BCBC.
A man of many talents, Jim loved all animals, especially pussy cats. All shapes, sizes and length of fur were welcome. Our first cat, Tom, who lived in the house we purchased was actually written in on the deed of the house. Tom was the first of many rescue cats welcomed by the Krock household.
Jim also enjoyed many hobbies, including helping Cathy in her classroom after he retired. He loved to read books of an historical nature and to play the piano. He took courses in Chinese cooking, welding, blacksmithing, stained glass, gardening and many more. He was learning the organ and built his first computer from a Heath kit in the early seventies. We still skated with the ‘old timers’ at the Oak Bay Rec. Centre the year Jim suffered a cardiac arrest.
I am grateful for our good friend, Elizabeth Kay Rogers, who has been a tower of strength these last few years. Thank you, Kay, and thank you Dr. John Kelly for your expert help and friendship.
Jim had a beautiful smile and if he had any wish, it would be to smile a welcome to whomever you meet.
Cathy would also like to thank the very fine staff at Luther Court for the care and kindness Jim received….it truly is a home away from home.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 3787 Cedar Hill Road on Tuesday, March 3 at 1:30 p.m. An Interment will take place at Royal Oak Burial Park on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at 11:30 am.
Should you wish to make a ‘gift” to a charity in Jim’s name please consider – The B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Victoria Humane Society 3648 Robb Place in Victoria, B.C. V9E 1C8 or the Karren Stinson Bursary Fund in care of Lutheran Church of the Cross.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Thomas Ranco
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Marie and Colin Green Hi Cathy,
We were thinking of you on the 5th. We were in Vancouver for the Rugby Sevens World Championship.
Jim had an interesting life. He attempted many things and always seemed to be looking around for a new Challenge. A bright man, he impressed as someone who was caring and interested in other people. He always had a ready smile. He will be very much missed.
Remember all of the good times Cathy and all of those wonderful memories.Love, Marie and Colin Green
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Lynda Clark Cathy,
I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. You have been in my prayers. I have warm memories of him from our visits to Victoria. May God watch over you and give you peace and strength in the days ahead.
Love, Lynda Clark
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Dennis Truss Dear Cathy. Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing. I remember Jim very well from the early days of BCBC where his competence, calm manner and ability to get along with others were much valued at a time when so much had to be done in not enough time. He was a very steadying influence on his co-workers and was valued highly by everyone around him. I am sure that many good memories will give you comfort in the days and months ahead.
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Tim Hegedus Dear Kathy,
I was so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Tim Hegedus
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Randall Ulrich Cathy, I’m very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a nice man and very much of a renaissance man I would term him because of his desire to experience everything. However his love of the cats was what brought us together. His smile was classic and his chuckle will always bring a smile to my face. I send my love and support to at this, your time of grief.
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Suzanne Rose Dear Kathy,
Terry and I were so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. We have such fond memories of our wonderful neighbours on Blenkinsop. May your heart be filled with peace at this sad time.
Love from Suzanne and Terry Rose
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Lori Marsh Cathy – I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. I actually just thought of him recently and was wondering how he was doing. He was such a lovely man, very caring and giving and had a heart of gold and always had a smile on his face (except when he was cursing the “system” we worked on) which always made me smile. He taught me a lot. He will be greatly missed.
Lori Marsh (Co-worker)
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Trevor and Rebecca Folliott and family We’re so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We’ll always remember the lovely visit we had with you both on our trip to the coast when Jackson was a baby. You’re so right, Jim sure had a beautiful smile and such gentle soul with a great sense of humour. We’re sorry we can’t make it to the funeral but please know we’re thinking about you lots and with you in spirit. Hugs Cathy ❤️
Love Trevor and Rebecca Folliott and family
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Gisela and Jack Jack and I were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I shall always admire Jim’s mental agility as he helped me become a treasurer of a bursary fund those many years ago. It was much appreciated. May our good Lord give you strength in the difficult days and weeks ahead, Cathy.
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Trudi Burchieri Aunt Cathy,
What a beautiful obituary and picture of Uncle Jim. He was such a gentle and kind man. He will be missed.Love
Trudi and a Michael
Dear Cathy,
My belated condolences for the loss of your husband. I thought I would write you to let you know that in my collection of Pierre Berton books there is a signed copy by Pierre Berton (The Last Spike: The Great Railway 1881-1885) which was “To J.A. Krock Pierre Berton Nov 71” Also, “To. Jim, Merry Christmas Love, Cathy XX” I can’t remember when I purchased this book and from where it came but over the past 20 years I scavenged the earth to add only the best possible books to my personal collection of 50+ books by Mr. Berton. Some how it was meant to be that your gift to Jim so long ago will be a part of this treasure. Warmest wishes Tom Ranco Montreal August 25, 2023.