It is with tremendous sorrow and heart -break, that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Jim passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Marg Allen. He is survived by his loving wife Rita, who was his rock throughout these past few months providing the special care which allowed him to stay at home as he wished. He is greatly missed by his children Lyndsay (Iain), Chris (Kim), Mike, grandchildren Tyson, Brianna, Emily & Ashley, who were Jim’s pride and joy, brothers Dave (Sharon) and Murray (Lana), Tas, Brenda, Rita’s daughters Tricia, Lisa, Jenny and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many, many dear friends.
Taken far too soon from us, Dad lived his life to the fullest. He was proud to say he was from Esquimalt where he grew up, attended school, participated in Cubs, Scouts, played ice hockey and was the drummer with the band Prism Bar. After graduation Jim started his career with Weston Bakeries delivering bread throughout the Victoria area and then became Island Manager until his retirement. Over this time in business Jim enjoyed many strong friendships which continued until his passing.
Dad enjoyed many activities throughout his life, from his love of music, waterskiing at Shawnigan and Sproat Lakes, to boating around the Gulf Islands and travelling to the warmer destinations of Mexico, Hawaii and Arizona. Over the past few years he thoroughly enjoyed camping with Rita in “Harvey”, both on and off the Island. He always enjoyed the time around the campfire with family and friends, frequently with a glass of ‘Crown’ in hand. Jimmy and Rita spent many happy times at Cowichan Lake with their close group of friends leaving all with great memories.
Family was everything to Dad. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for any one of us. He loved us as much as we loved him. We always knew he was there for us.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hartford and Cindy, Rita and Jim’s caring neighbours and members of the Hospice and Palliative Care Teams for their strong support during these past few months and a special thank you to Tricia and Lisa for their tremendous help and guidance throughout Jim’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Friday, August 27, 2021. Click the image below to watch a recording of the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Rob Duncan
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John & Sherrie It is with great sadness that we acknowledge Jim’s passing. May the fond memories bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
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Lynne Johnstone Rita and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of Jim. Jim was an owner in our building as well as President of our Strata Council for many years and did a wonderful job. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
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Mark and Michele To Rita, Jimmy’s wife and soulmate, his children Chris, Lindsay and Mike, his brothers, their wives, all his family and many many friends…our deepest and sincere condolences. Jimmy had a rare gift of making people feel like they mattered and were important to him. He took the time to make sure you were ok. His zest for life and living it to the fullest was infectious, as was his smile and sense of humour. We spent many many nights solving the problems of the world over some wine, beer or a bottle of whiskey and a campfire. We were truly blessed to have had him in our lives. Gone but never forgotten…love you buddy. Till we meet again XO
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Don Stewart Dear Rita and family.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing.
I was truly saddened when I heard the news. I suspected he was not feeling well as per the note I sent him in January and based on the short reply I received back!
Jim was a colleague at Weston. Although he worked on the Island and I was based in the prairies I attended many meetings with Jim from Vancouver to Toronto. I knew him well as I also spent time with him on the Island. Jim loved the Island and you would never get him to leave it. He was a true character and Bd talked sincerity in everything he did.
A true gentleman gone way too soon!
My condolences once again, and just remember that knowing him was a gift that will provide a lot of great memories!
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Patti Hooey It is with great sorrow that I read the passing of Jim. I cherish the memories of friendship over the years. Jim was a kind & gentle sole, with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all that knew him, but especially his Family who were always first of mind. May you find peace together knowing he loved you.
Patti Hooey
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Patti Hooey It is with great sorrow that I read the passing of Jim. I cherish the memories of friendship over the years. Jim was a kind & gentle sole, with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all that knew him, but especially his Family who were always first of mind. May you find peace together knowing he loved you.
Thinking of you at this heart-breaking time
Patti Hooey
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joe Cummings I had the great pleasure of knowing Jim both as I grew up and as an adult. I cannot recall a time he wasn’t laughing, smiling, and joking at any of the many family parties we had at his mom and dad’s home.
I remember Jim taking me and my brother waterskiing at Shawnigan Lake when we were young. Sadly, we failed to figure out how to waterski but I will never forget that he spent an entire afternoon patiently trying to teach us how to stand up, enjoy the ride and not faceplant 3 seconds after the boat started.
As an adult, I got to chance to work with him as Weston’s island representative, and unlike many people I had to deal with, he always had the absolute best attitude towards not only me but all my guys. He laughed every time I made buns jokes (even though he must have heard them a thousand times) and created such a great sense of fellowship with everyone that we all looked forward to his visits.
I will miss him. He was a great guy, and his passing is a sad loss, indeed.
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Anne Courcelle Our sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family, this world lost a great gentleman, your infectious smile will always be missed, you were one of a kind our friend, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Don & Anne.
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JOHN R CLEGHORN I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to the entire Allen clan. While our paths seldom crossed over the years, there was a time when Jim and I, and others of our group, spent hours in Scouts, at school, skating at the arena, and practicing in the short-lived, yet long-remembered, Prism Bar. All sorts of good memories and happy times have flooded back to me. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss of such a great guy.
Rick Cleghorn
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Charlie Underwood From my entire family our heartfelt condolences to Rita, Dave & Sharon, Murray & Lana, and the rest of the “Allen Clan,” my extended Canadian family, for the loss of a husband, a brother, uncle, grandfather, and good friend. Joni and I, along with David and Tracy, wish you peace in your time of grief. We are with you in mind and spirit.
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Bill Phillips I send my most sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family. I trust and hope you will find comfort knowing that he lived such a full life and was so very well respected by everyone he touched.
Jimmy was a good man…a good friend, always there for you, he would never let anybody down. He was totally committed to his family and friends as well as everything he took on. His great sense of humour came with an infectious laugh…more like a giggle that was unique only to him.
As saddened as I am of his passing, I can’t help but smile when I think of him. God Bless You Jimmy.
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Darcy Nowell Very sad to have heard of Jim’s passing. I worked with Jim for a few years at Weston’s. He was never far away over the last 30 odd years. Always popping up when you least expected him to. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
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Leslie So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We went to school together, from Kindergarten at Lampson to Graduation in1970 at Esq. High. He was such a gentle soul. Our lives crisscrossed many times throughout the years and always in Esquimalt. It was great to meet up with Jim, over several family dinners at the Renaissance. He, with his Mum and I, with my Dad. Rest In Peace Jim, you are now free..
Regards to his family. Leslie Reece(Nute)
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Alene Cartwright I met Jim and his great friends, in the early 80’s at Sprout Lake while on a camping trip with a group of friends from BCTel. Jim, Tass, Bill, Murray, Deb, Lana, Jimmy and so many others spent the entire weekend waterskiing … a perfect summer weekend. I can still see Jim’s kind and gentle smile.
My deepest condolences.
Sincerely, Alene
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Judith Boocock We are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing when he should have had many more years of life. We first met him in 1985 when we visited Canada for the first time and were able to put faces to names in our family tree. He will be at peace and out of pain now after his battle with cancer. Our love goes to all the family.
Philip & Judith Boocock (nee Allen) + sons Paul & Nick
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Debra Ryan My condolences to Jim’s wife, family and friends. Jim and I knew each other from our teen years growing up in Esquimalt. We would run into each other over the years and we would always catch up on life ! Jim always had a twinkle in his eye and a hug good-bye till the next time we ran into each other. Always remembered, never forgotten my friend <3
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Keith Hagedorn Again the world has lost ” one great guy “. Jim had a way of bringing out the best in everybody if it was at work, at a party or just as a friend. We will always think back on the great times we had with Jim, and the rest of the Westons family of guys and their wives. It was never a dreary day when we were all together. We will miss you leading us all astray. It was always great. I wish that I could have bailed him out of this one. Love you and will miss you always. The Hagz , Keith and Sandy
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Kirk Miller To Jim’s family my sincere condolences for your loss. I had the opportunity to work with him for ten years on the Island and enjoyed many social gatherings as a good friend of his. He will be missed by myself and others who had the chance to spend time with him . Kirk Miller
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Jim de Goede To Rita, the Allen brothers and Jim’s extended family and close friends. It was sad and struck close to home to hear from Murray of Jim’s passing. To all of you who are left to shoulder the burden of this loss, our condolences. Jim was warm, friendly, a good brother and parent. Please know that Shari and I are thinking of you all. Shari and Jim de Goede
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Rob Tornberg My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends that were blessed to have had Jim in their lives. As a former co-worker, but more importantly, friend, I was fortunate to have him in my life. He could write reams of stories, however anyone that new Jim and saw that twinkle in his eye, knew there was something good about to happen.
Love you brother…
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Jim Allan I’ve known Jim since childhood when he lived on Craigflower and we lived on Gosper and I continued to see him throughout his working career with Weston Bakeries. We shared a lot of memories and we always enjoyed talking about our similarities … our shared name, even though he spelt his last name All”e”n and we spelt it All”a”n … both of our parents were named Bill and Marg. … our house numbers were both 1060, we both had 2 brothers, etc. etc.
He will truly be missed by all that knew him and our thoughts are with all of his family and friends. RIP my friend!
Jim Allan
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Scott and Hollie Coulter We will cherish all the fun memories with you over the years at Westons, Cowichan Lake, parties and road trips. So many laughs and good conversations with you. It is hard for us to believe you are gone. May you rest in piece my friend. Love Scott and Hollie Coulter❤️
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Danny and Gail Loving hugs to all of you. A big loss for all of us. He was always happy and enjoying life.
We will miss his cheeky smile and the fun he brought to everyone around him. My condolences to everyone. May he Rest In Peace now.
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Mike Briggs Trudy and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. We worked closely for many years at Weston’s Bakery and I considered him a good friend. Our thoughts go out to Rita, Chris and Lindsey as well as the rest of Jim’s family and friends. Rest in peace Jimmy. Mike & Trudy Briggs
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Deb & Andre Courcelle With love to Rita & Family. Jimmy’s personality & warmth was infectious. We will carry him with us in our hearts & memories ❤️ We miss you dearest friend. Wrapping you in a hug. Love Deb & Andre.
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Ron De Laet So sorry to hear of your loss.I worked with Jim and he was a pleasure to work with. My sincere condolences to his entire family. A life lived to the fullest and will be truly missed. Embrace the good times you all had with him, he’d like it no other way.
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Pam Park It’s hard to believe you are really gone Jim – I, Pam, have had you in my life since I was 14 & you were 15 – Kevin worked with you at Westons for several years & you were best man at Kev & my wedding – loved watching your band play at the old Fraser Street Hall – you certainly loved those drums – be safe & healthy now my friend & I have no clue who I will argue with anymore❤️
Love Pam & Kevin Park
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Terry and Irene Metcalfe What a beautiful life he lived, our hearts go out to all who loved him. He was a great friend and co-worker/boss. he will be truly missed, we share in your sorrow.
Sincerely Terry and Irene Metcalfe
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Peter Tyrrell Peter Tyrrell
My heartfelt condolences to all of Jim’s wonderful family and friends that I have had the pleasure of coming in contact with over the many years feeling lucky to have known Jim. My relationship started as the keyboard player in our band Prism Bar in the late 60’s and I kept connected with Jim as many Esquimaltonians did on an annual basis. His infectious smile will be missed by many.
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Anne O’Gorman From Anne and Andy O’Gorman – we are so very saddened by this tremendous loss in the lives of all who knew and loved Jim. His smile, wicked sense of humour and his love for family and friends will always be remembered.
What a meaningful, thoughtful, fitting obituary. Thank you for that special good-bye.
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Dan Herzog To the entire family of Jim, I send you all my deepest condolences as a very special man was take far to soon. I have been and will be forever grateful for Jim being my Island Dad. He welcomed me is as his own and was always there whenever needed! Jim was a great man with a massive heart that I am sure touched many, many lucky people.
Sincerely,
Herzy
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Brian Duncan A wonderful tribute to a wonderful man. He will surely be missed by all who loved him. Keep him in your hearts with a good memory. Rock n’ roll heaven will welcome him with open arms. I look forward to a celebration of life for one who wasn’t afraid to live it……
Brian Duncan
I got to know Jim as he met, dated, and married my sister Tas. As brothers-in-law do, we bumped into each other from time to time in subsequent years at family events and such. I knew he was a nice guy and a good man. I knew that he loved his family, worked hard, and really enjoyed a rich and full life with them and his friends in many ways.
I liked him but I didn’t know him well.
That thought struck me today during the memorial service as loved ones painted a rich portrait of him through their stories and remembrances and later through the photo collage. I came to realize what a truly special man, husband, father, grandfather, and friend he was to so many people (including the Duncan family). He was a remarkable person and I wish very much I had known him better. He was truly a good one. I am so sorry he was taken so soon. My condolences to all of his family and friends. Your loss is truly great.