GORDON LESLIE JAMES

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GORDON LESLIE JAMES In Victoria, BC, with daughters, Donna Lynn and Brenda Jean and grandsons, Richard Curtis and Jason Rogers by his side, Gordon Leslie James passed over in the morning of Tuesday, June 3, 2008 to be with his Bonnie Lassie , Jean Ellen (nee Mackie). Gordon was born in Carman, Manitoba on January 27, 1928 to Charles and Olive James. He was the fourth child of seven and was a descendant from Red River families. His early years were spent in the Town of Carman, to the farm life at Swan River to the bustling city of Winnipeg. This tall, handsome gentleman met Jean, a tall beautiful blonde, at the Tip Top Club for tall people. They married and settled in St. James Assiniboia to raise their family. Gordon chose the outdoor career of Letter Carrier which he did for almost four decades; most of that time in Winnipeg. He was the athletic-type who enjoyed playing baseball, bowling, curling, golfing and was a sharp marksman. Even in those gruelling Manitoba winters, trudging through snow to deliver the mail, Gordon thought nothing of it to come home afterwards and ask his girls if they would like to go skating or tobogganing before dinner. Most times it was he who would decide to do both! Gordon so enjoyed skating at the duck pond in Assinboine Park. Once in a while, Gordon could be found doodling or sketching on paper or plucking on his guitar but mostly could be heard singing or yodelling old western tunes to serenade his Wub , Jean. Other members of the family and, possibly, the sound of a golf club smacking a ball on a snowless course in winter beckoned Gordon to put in a transfer with the post office and move his family to Victoria in 1974. Here he added square dancing and many long walks to his long list of activities he enjoyed. The above picture of dad is quite rare. Nine out of ten pictures will show a glimpse of his sense of humour of him making a face and/or gesturing. Anyone beside him could be poked or tickled just before the shutter is pressed. Predeceased by parents, Charles and Olive; infant sister, Anna; brothers, Thomas and Donald and sisters, Norma and Victoria and by his loving wife, Jean (2004). In addition to Gordon's daughters and grandsons, he is survived by his remaining sibling; brother, Edward (Mary) and sister-in-law, Ruby James (brother, Donald - deceased); along with many nieces and nephews; step-granddaughter, Shayni Clarke (Ken and Alexander); son-in-law to be Francis Martin and other relatives. He will be missed by his golfing buddies from Cedar Hill Golf Course who get together for Wednesday afternoon coffee at MacDonald's. We would like to thank Dr. Williams, the home support workers, nurses and staff at Victoria Hospice for the TLC given to Dad. Dad requested no service. Arrangements through McCall Bros. Funeral Directors. Cremation and interment at Royal Oak Burial Park and Crematorium. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon, #107 - 1001 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 4C9 or to the British Columbia Lung Association, 2675 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 2K2 would be greatly appreciated. A gathering with family and friends will take place at home on Saturday, June 14, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com. McCall's of Victoria, BC (1-800-870-4210)

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 13, 2008