DR. JAMES HAROLD NEILSON EASTWOOD

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DR. JAMES HAROLD NEILSON EASTWOOD Suddenly on Monday, October 1, 2007, our wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, James Harold Neilson, passed away, with his loving family at his side. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Barbara. Father to daughters Diane Rice (Kevin) and Karen Hurst (Gordon); and son Mark (Susan). Grandfather to Andrew, Genevieve, Stephen, Jenna, Matthew, Mitchell, Holly, Kelsey and Katie and great-grandfather to Adrian. Uncle to Doug (Anita) of Edmonton, Pam (Danny) and Brian (Olivia), both of Winnipeg. Jim was born on October 7, 1923, in Winnipeg. He attended Norwood School; United College; University of Manitoba where he received his BA and BSc. He then went on to the University of Toronto and University of Waterloo, where he received his degree in Optometry. He started his practice in 1952 and was still active. His main practice was Steinbach, where he was well known and very well respected. Jim's early years were spent in a variety of endeavors. He was a lumberjack on Vancouver Island and was involved heavily in the YMCA which led to being a counselor at Camp Stephens. One of his favourite pastimes was working at Minaki Lodge, primarily as a boatman during the summers. Minaki was one of Jim's true loves. He would chop his way through the ice to arrive as soon as he could in the spring, and wouldn't leave until the snow flew. Boats were his passion, but especially his ChrisCraft The Breezy. Another favourite place was Palm Springs, where he wintered for over 20 years. Jim travelled extensively to all parts of the world with his wife Barb. Jim was involved in numerous sport activities, which kept him young and fit. Jim was the diving champion at U of M, and participated in gymnastics, skiing, windsurfing and tennis, which he played until this summer. He enjoyed his tennis matches with all his buddies at the Winter Club. His family was very important to him and we relied on him for his guidance, support and his never ending love. We will truly miss him. Jim was an inspiration to all who met and knew him. He was patient, humble, loving, gentle, giving and caring. But also a great jokester. Jim was a true gentleman. He was well known for his Ojibway prayer and was always asked to sing it at family occasions. Sweet Dreams Dad, we love you. To know Jim was a gift. A memorial service took place on Friday, October 5 at Fort Garry United Church. Flowers gratefully declined and donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society would be appreciated. Email condolences may be sent through www.chapellawn.mb.ca. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 06, 2007