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JAMES MARTIN SISLER
Date of Passing: Mar 03, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAMES MARTIN (JIM) SISLER The family of James Martin (Jim) Sisler are sad to announce his passing on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 in Kelowna, BC, where Jim and his wife of 57 years, Alice Sisler (nee Barber) retired in 1990. He leaves in mourning his wife and his two sons, Jeff (Cathy) and their children, Rebecca, Danny and Julia of Winnipeg, and Murray (Vivian) of Richmond BC. He leaves his three siblings, Barbara Smith (Maurice), Roddy Sisler (Marianne) and Sandra Schjerning (Nick), and sisters-in-law Betty and Berenice Sisler, Luella Rutledge, and their families. Dad was predeceased by his brothers Bill and George and his brother-in-law Bill Rutledge. Jim was born in 1927 in Winnipeg and grew up on Silvia Street in Elmwood. He was proud of his roots in "Ward 3" and attended Glenwood, Lord Selkirk, and St. John's Tech High Schools. He was proud of his connection with Sisler High School, which was named after his father, a noted educator and school principal. Jim graduated from the U of Manitoba with a BSc in Agriculture in 1950 and from the U of Michigan with a MPH degree in 1953. Jim met Alice in 1955 when she caught his eye, of course, playing the piano. They married in 1957 and raised their two sons on Westdale Place in St. Vital in a very close neighbourhood, and at their cottage at Tannis Lake, Ontario, where Dad built a family cottage in 1969. Dad and Mom returned every summer to the lake after their move to BC which allowed them to stay connected with their grandkids, friends and family in Manitoba. Professionally, Jim worked as a Public Health Inspector for the Province and was passionate about improving food safety standards for restaurants and food processing plants. He retired in 1990, and he and Alice moved to Kelowna where they formed lasting friendships. The love of music marked every aspect of his life. Dad sang and played the banjo ukulele, and with Mom on the piano, they performed at parties, family gatherings, and especially with the B.C. Old Time Fiddlers, with whom they entertained at care homes and community events. For their 50th wedding anniversary, Dad and Mom recorded a CD of their music which is treasured. Dad's other love was sports and fitness. He was a regular at the "Downtown Y" and was an accomplished four wall handball player, known as the "Silver Fox" to his friends in the Manitoba Handball Association and at the Winnipeg Canoe Club. Special thanks to Margaret and Darrell Porubanec for their help and devotion through Dad's illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in Kelowna at Springfield Funeral Home. An interment service will occur at a later date in Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be left at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 07, 2015
Condolences & Memories (10 entries)
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, but if he was good enough for Alice, he was good enough for me. If you can judge a family by one of its components, then the Sisler family is as good or better than all the posted tributes. My condolences to (Big) Alice, Dr. Jeff and Murray and the extended family. - Posted by: Bill Coe (Co-worker of Alice's.) on: May 30, 2015
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Jim and I always met at Foodservice Evaluation Officers meetings in the States in the 1980's. Jim was always the life of the party and we all loved his music. I remember once in Duluth, Minn. we "borrowed" the piano in the bar, put it on the elevator and took to the 7th floor and my room there. about twenty of us sang and had a great time with Jim providing the music. All was fun until hotel security got a noise complaint and knocked on the door. They threatened to kick us all out of the hotel but thanks to some smooth talk by Jim we were able to get off the hook. Farewell Jim - I look forward to singing with you on the other side. Dave Blaise - Posted by: David Blaise (Friend) on: May 15, 2015
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I was pleased to have spoken to Jim this winter when I called from Texas. I have many happy memories of our good times at neighbourhood get togethers and am still enjoying their 50th CD recording. My love to Alice, Jeff, Murray and their families. Kay Goodman - Posted by: Kay Goodman (Friend and neighbour ) on: Mar 13, 2015
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Our family has very fond memories of the hospitality Mr. Sisler showed us when we would visit Tannis Lake including the singalongs and mini-golf course carved out of the forest. He was larger than life and full of enthusiasm! - Posted by: Doug Grimes (Family friend from St. Vital) on: Mar 10, 2015
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My deepest sympathy to the Sisler family for your loss. Joan Glover (TD Bank in St. Vital). Alice, I watched your boys grow into amazing men, may you take comfort in a job well done. God bless you all and take good care. - Posted by: Joan Glover (Friend) on: Mar 09, 2015
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My condolences to you Alice and your family. - Posted by: Helen McKenzie () on: Mar 08, 2015
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Alice & family, Sorry to hear about Jim's passing. He was definitely one of the good guys. I've always cherished those handball games at the Canoe Club and the camaradarie afterwards upstairs. Jim had the best "court chatter" ever. Sample: after a particularily "flukey" shot, "have you read my book on this game?, Chapter 4 describes that shot! I am not ashamed to say I still use some of his lines when I'm playing these days. Ron Mruss sent out a notice re: Jim, on the MHA e-mail chain. Super picture with the obit. Thinking of you, Ed Gilroy - Posted by: Ed Gilroy (Handball Friend) on: Mar 08, 2015
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It is with A heavy heart that another old friend has passed. My Bill had many fun times together before and after I was in the picture. Jim was in our wedding party, and when he fell for Alice we thought it a perfect match. WE had SOME great TIMES with home dinners, 'tea dances' in the kitchen at Tannis Lake, and cross country skiing on the lake. Our condolences to Alice and the family. - Posted by: Doreen Langdon (Long time friend) on: Mar 07, 2015
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I will remember Mr Sisler as a devoted and proud family man. Enthusiastic... Very proud of Jeff and Murray.... loving to Alice.... welcoming to all of Jeff and Murray's friends, including myself. A life well lived.... a lasting legacy for all who knew him Condolences to Mrs Sisler, Jeff, Murray, and family - Posted by: Jim Head (Friend of Jeff) on: Mar 07, 2015
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My sincere sympathy to Alice, and specially to Jeff and Cathy and their family. - Posted by: Joyce Ramsay (Friend of the Sisler family in Elmwood, St. Vital and Victoria Beach. ) on: Mar 07, 2015