JAMES CALDERWOOD

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JAMES CALDERWOOD November 16, 1920 - May 21, 2008 Unexpectedly on May 21, 2008 while recovering from surgery, James Calderwood passed away at the age of 87 at Victoria Hospital. James had lived a good long life and was loving husband to Loreen who predeceased him in 1982, and a father to Candy (Glenn) and Connie (Bruce). He was grandfather to Priscilla, Justin, Melanie and Heather and a great-grandfather to Payton, Priscilla's five month old son. He was predeceased by his brothers William and Frank. In 1985 he retired from the City of Winnipeg Transit after over 30 years of driving a bus. Anyone who rode a bus those years would most likely have hopped on one of his buses as he drove such a wide variety of routes. Over the years he was honoured with both Driver of the Month and Driver of the Year. As well as picturing James behind the wheel of a bus, you also couldn't think of him without picturing a small, white poodle by his side. He loved each of his companions and enjoyed having his little boy by his side. All the neighbours knew James and his dog. His grandchildren were very important to him. He enjoyed watching them grow up and he was interested in all their latest accomplishments. It thrilled him to be a great-grampa. James was a good dad to Candy and Connie, helping each daughter whenever needed. That was his nature - to help out anyone who needed a hand. He'd gladly drive across town and back if you needed him to. In the last month of his life he lived with Candy, her husband Glenn, their daughters Melanie and Heather, as well as granddaughter Priscilla and great-grandson Payton. From their gazebo or living room window he could watch deer grazing in the yard, as well as all the other critters coming and going. He was happy to be with family. His daughter Connie was a fixture at his hospital bedside, checking up on dad hoping as did the rest of us that he'd soon be back home with family. Unfortunately James' heart wasn't strong enough to carry him through to recovery. He did however go painlessly for which we are all grateful. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Victoria Hospital ICU with whom dad still joked up to the end. The nurses there said he was a real pleasure and he loved to kibitz and tease them. Rest well dad - we love you and miss you. Give mom a hug from us. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2008