JAMES GILCHRIST MENZIES

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JAMES GILCHRIST MENZIES On July 30th, 2011, Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years in the presence of family. He is survived by his sons Ian (Penny) of Inglis, Bill (Eleanor) of Winnipeg, Gordon (Lisa) of Winnipeg, and Peter of Dawson City, Yukon; his grandchildren Karl (Sheola) of Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, and Allyson and Kara of Halifax, Nova Scotia; his brother Tom of Winnipeg; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Verna, in September 2008. Dad was born in Winnipeg in 1915, the eldest son of William and Margaret Menzies, who had immigrated to Canada from Scotland several years earlier. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate, he enrolled in Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 1939. At the outbreak of World War II, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and the Gulf of St. Lawrence commanding a Fairmile vessel escorting convoys and patrolling for enemy submarines. Following the end of the war, Dad and Mom were married in 1946 and then settled in Crystal City where he, with much support and assistance from Mom, started the Crystal City Pharmacy. A proud moment for him was the opening of a new pharmacy building in 1965 in which he practiced his profession until his retirement in 1988 at the age of 73 years young. Jim was very active in the community throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Crystal City Lions Club, served on the school board and on the hospital board, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Masons, and was a dedicated supporter of community initiatives and events. Dad had a wonderful singing voice, would often break out in song, and was a member of the United Church choir for many years. He had a green thumb, especially when it came to his tomatoes and flowers. He and Mom enjoyed countless friendships, (frequently involving games of bridge and get togethers at the cottage), many enduring throughout their lives. He cherished the family time he spent each summer at the cottage at Rock Lake, especially when the family was young, tooling around in the Capsule, watching his sons learn how to swim, paddle a canoe, and appreciate the outdoors. Dad was a wonderful father, proud and supportive, always providing a positive outlook. He was a loving partner to Mom (especially during her last years when she was in ill health), and a much respected member of the community. He had a disarming sense of humour that made anyone he met immediately feel at ease. He enjoyed an active and healthy life, living independently until he passed away. We loved him because he was kind and giving. We admired him because he was never envious or unforgiving, and we will remember him for always seeing the positive side of life. A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2011 in the Crystal City United Church. Graham's Funeral Service of Pilot Mound in care of arrangements (telephone 204-825-2848). The family wishes to express its sincere appreciation for the compassionate care provided to Dad by physicians, nurses, and staff at Rock Lake Hospital in Crystal City, Swan Lake Hospital, Portage General Hospital, Prairie View Lodge in Pilot Mound, and the home care staff of Rock Lake Health District, and to Dad's many friends that made regular visits to him. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Dad's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Plan Canada, or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 03, 2011