Jim Percival, age 83, died peacefully Friday March 2, 2007 at The Priory in Victoria. Predeceased by his beloved wife Joan in 1990, he is survived by his son Jim (Karen), granddaughter Sarah, sister Marg (Bob) Stuart and brother Ed (Kay). Jim was born November 23, 1923 in Port of Spain, Trinidad. His family then moved to Barbados then to Toronto. He was young when they moved, and Toronto became his home where he spent most of his life. After serving with the RCAF in WWII, he attended University College at the University of Toronto followed by Normal School. He then taught school in a two-room schoolhouse in rural Ontario. Changing occupations, he started with Remington Rand and finally with the Department of Highways of Ontario. Here, he got in on the ground floor of computers and final retired from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications. His accomplishments in the Financial Branch remain legendary. Although always the intellect, he was also a true sportsman, excelling at canoeing, skiing, hockey, and tennis. He remembered watching Red Storey (Argonauts) and George Hainsworth and Charlie Conacher (Leafs) like it was yesterday. Dad never seemed to surprise us with his strength of spirit and passion to carry on. Jim and his son spent many a day creating great memories that will be cherished forever. Jim also had a very special place in his heart for his granddaughter Sarah of whom he loved dearly and was so very proud of. She always put a smile on his face. His family and friends, even his picnic/putt-putt gang, will lovingly remember Jim. All who knew and loved him will miss him, and he will always be thought of as a kind and caring gentleman. Many thanks to all the nurses and staff at the Priory, Hiscock Building who showed Dad nothing but dignity and compassion. We thank our family and friends from Victoria, Mission, Ontario and Nova Scotia for their support during this most difficult time.
No service by request. Internment to follow at a later date in Toronto. Flowers gratefully declined. An open house will be held at 784 Sunridge Valley Drive in Victoria 1:00 – 5:00 pm, Sunday March 11, 2007. Donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Parkinson Society Canada.
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