WILLIAM JAMES (JIM) BATY

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WILLIAM JAMES (JIM) BATY With sadness in our hearts but also joy at having him in our lives for so long, we announce the passing of William James (Jim) Baty at Deer Lodge Centre, 3 East, on January 31, 2011 due to complications associated with Lewy Body Disease. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Lorna; daughter Peggy (Dennis); son Doug (Lisa); daughter Janet (Michael); grandchildren Cameron, Melonie, John, Denise, Kevin, Deanna, Damien, Somir and Sarah; great-grandchildren Brock, Ruby, Lane, Loren, Tyler, Emily and Lilly; brothers David (Laura) and Alan (Pat), and sister-in-law Louise. Predeceased by his parents William and Isabella, infant sister Margaret and brother George. Jim was born April 5, 1926 in Selkirk, MB. In 1943 at the age of 17 he enlisted in the R.C.A.F. serving as tail gunner on the Halifax and Lancaster Bombers for the 408 (Goose) Squadron until the end of the Second World War. He completed a full tour of missions against the enemy and was a member of the Caterpillar Club' having had to parachute to safety after their plane was shot down. After the war Jim met and married Lorna Law and they moved to Winnipeg and together raised their family in the North End. Jim cared about the North End community, coaching many youth hockey and soccer teams and serving as president of the Neighbourhood Watch. They lived in the family home for 50 years before illness forced their move to assisted living at Concordia Village II. Jim was employed by City Hydro for 38 years and rose through the ranks as line gang driver, mechanic, serviceman and ultimately to supervisor of the Steam Division at the time of his retirement. An avid outdoorsman, Jim, Lorna and the family enjoyed many summers tenting at Clear Lake and then later in the motor home he built, as well as 20 years trading the cold Manitoba winters for fishing in the gulf in Texas. He and Lorna traveled throughout Canada, England, Europe and cruised to Alaska, the Caribbean and Panama. Jim thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family, and especially loved being a grandfather. He taught all the grandchildren (granddaughters included) how to fish. They all loved going with Grandpa as it was always a happy, fun-filled adventure. He also shared his strong beliefs of honesty, integrity and compassion as the moral compass for their lives. Such a great example he was! The family would like to thank Dr. Peter Kuegle for his care of Jim over the years, Concordia Village II Home Care Associates and Deer Lodge Centre, especially the 3 East staff for the gentle, compassionate care they provided to him and the family during those final two weeks. After working 38 years along Main Street, Jim observed many acts of kindness by the Salvation Army and in lieu of flowers please make donations in Jim's name to the Salvation Army. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family interment. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Gilbart Funeral Chapel, 309 Eveline, Selkirk, MB followed by a light luncheon at St. Clements Parish Hall. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 03, 2011