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JIM PIGDEN Obituary pic

JIM PIGDEN

Born: Dec 29, 1940

Date of Passing: Sep 22, 2021

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JIM PIGDEN
December 29, 1940 - September 22, 2021

It is with the deepest sadness that we share the passing of our husband and father, Jim.
Jim will be forever loved and cherished by his wife Elaine and daughters, Allison (her husband Matt) and Pam, late son Garrett, his siblings, and so many dear friends.
Jim flew as a pilot with Air Canada for 35 years and spent several years in the Air Force before that. He never considered it "going to work" - it was always "I'm going flying".
Jim and Elaine lived in Winnipeg for many years and in 2020 made a huge and happy move to live in the Niagara Region of Ontario.
Jim loved life to the fullest and we, his family, are certain that he would want you to raise a glass of cheer in his honour.
Jim supported many different charities so, in lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation to a charity that is important to you.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 02, 2021

Condolences & Memories (23 entries)

  • My dear Elaine. I don't know what made me go online to look for you. I was thinking of you. I am deeply sorry to hear about Jim. I never met him but I remember our phone conversations about Jim and how happy you were. Over time we have lost touch. Please contact me as I would love to reconnect. Kerrie Moore kerrie.moore@shaw.ca - Posted by: Kerrie moore (Very old friend and roommate in the aiines) on: Sep 01, 2022

  • Dearest Elaine and family, It was with great sadness and compassion that we recently heard of the loss of your husband and dad. We knew that Jim had had some health issues but it still came as a shock and a loss to all of us at Panache. Please accept our sincere condolences and know that we care and send our love and prayers. Jim had held the title of “Father of the Bride” to Elaine’s role as MOB in The Wonderful Wedding Show for many years and together they were always a couple of the “stars of the show”! Jim was always so tall, dashing and handsome and the love in his eyes (only for Elaine) made every lady in the audience swoon! He was always the perfect gentleman and the pair of them,both on the runway and in real life, had such a strong mutual connection of trust, humour and deepest love! I always chuckled when I would call their home for Elaine, to book her for a show or to go over some work details, and to hear Jim’s hilarious message on their home phone! Jed Klampett was the opposite of sophisticated, professional Jim and yet the message just seemed to suit him! We are deeply sorry for this loss to your family but know that you are in our hearts at this time. We are also so glad that we share a faith that promises us that the love we have for someone in this lifetime, continues into the next Rest In Peace, dear Jim! You are fondly remembered. Jane Campbell and Jennifer Milner and your Panache family - Posted by: E JANE CAMPBELL (Model agent and friend) on: Oct 16, 2021

  • Jim and Elaine were our neighbours for many years. Jim would always be there to lend a helping hand. It was a pleasure also to have worked with Jim and Elaine with Air Canada .We enjoyed sharing social functions with Jim and Elaine. Our condolences to Elaine Allison and Pam our prayers are with you. Steve and Evelyn Geiger. - Posted by: Steve and Evelyn Geiger (Friend) on: Oct 08, 2021

  • Elaine and family, sending along my heartfelt condolences to you on Jim's passing. We have lost a wonderful person and he will be sorely missed. It seems I've known Jim off and on over 60 years and he will always be there when needed with calmness in his voice and assurance. Rest peacefully my dear friend. - Posted by: Jean Serres (Friends since teenagers ) on: Oct 07, 2021

  • My deepest condolences Elaine and Allyson and extended family. Jim was truly a kind, decent and thoughtful human being. He was very much respected in his ability to do his job and on top of that was a witty, handsome guy with whom the ladies loved to chat😁I remember Jim as always wanting to do his best at his job, his relationships and in life. Jim your many kindnesses to so many people will be long remembered. Rest In Peace old friend. Hope your view is unprecedented from the “top”. May sweet memories sustain all who are grieving during this difficult time and may Jim’s loving personality wrap around you in this time of need! Rilla C. - Posted by: Rilla Carlson (Old friend) on: Oct 06, 2021

  • Elaine, Pam and Allison, My heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your husband/dad. I work at the Reh-fit Centre where Jim would come frequently to exercise and socialize. He was a pleasure to work with at the Centre. We had many conversations about a variety of topics over the years. He spoke very highly and was very proud of all 3 of you. He will be truly missed. I will always remember his positive attitude, genuine smile and charismatic personality. - Posted by: Shauna Watt (Friend ) on: Oct 04, 2021

  • Elaine and all the Pigden family: Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of a great man. We first met when I was posted to Gimli in 1964 (barrack block mates) and shared many activities along with flying. Our careers in Air Canada lessened time together but the friendship remained intact. May he rest in peace. Bob Clarke - Posted by: Bob Clarke (Friend and Colleague) on: Oct 03, 2021

  • It was our fortune to meet Jim, Elaine and Allison on a Caribbean vacation and we always enjoyed our times together over the years. Jim had a great sense of humor and always had a positive outlook. We remember how he loved speaking about his flying career. Another fond memory was Jim's 'out in the back 40' message on the answering machine. We send love, hugs and healing thoughts to Elaine and family as you grieve. Jim and Garrett are together again and free to fly forever. Sincerely, Roberta & Gord - Posted by: Roberta & Gord Gunther (Friends) on: Oct 03, 2021

  • Elaine: We were shocked and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Will has many pleasant memories of golfing with Jim at Bridges, and visiting with him at the condo complex. We wish you the strength to cope with the difficult days ahead. - Posted by: Will and Mavis Tishinski (friends) on: Oct 03, 2021

  • #309 686 Sturgeon Road, Winnipeg, MB. R2Y 2M3. Oct. 2nd, 2021. Dear Pam, Perhaps you won’t remember Helen and Ed Hughes of 39 Valley View Drive. Our children were Ruth-Avril (who used to babysit you occasionally) and Paul. We read of your Dad’s passing today and our hearts were deeply touched as we recalled the early years of your family. Your Mom, Jackie, was a beautiful and loving lady whom we admired greatly. Your Dad was a dashingly handsome, caring Dad. We used to see them taking you and your brother for a walk down VV Drive and it was truly a delightful sight. You yourself were a lovely wee girl and your brother Garrett was a cute little guy. I can honestly say, Pam, you were part of a beautiful family. After your parents moved we were not in direct touch, but we became aware of the disruptions that brought change. Our hearts grieved to hear of Garrett’s untimely passing – and the hardships your parents endured, especially your dear Mom. Now, your Dad’s passing brings back memories of better days to us and we want to express to you our appreciation for you all as a family and pass on our sincere condolences to your Mom. Helen and I pray that you will receive comfort from God during this time of loss. We ourselves are still in grief from the loss of our daughter, Ruth-Avril, who died of cancer two years ago. We know how hard it is and how we all wish things could have been different. We find a measure of comfort and peace in knowing that God Who is described as “the God of all comfort” does bring comfort to us as we leave the unanswered questions with Him and let Him carry us through. With warm wishes for God’s best blessings as you go forward, Ed and Helen Hughes. - Posted by: Edward Duncan Hughes (Neighbour) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Pam, thinking of you, at this time of loss. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you. Hugs. - Posted by: Tracey Gledhill (School friend of Pam) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Jim was a good friend of my ex-husband from the Air Force days. I first met Jim in the mid Sixties and remember him as an impressive engaging person. I often flew with Jim who was always a gentleman. Over the years our children have remained friends and still are today. I send my heartfelt sympathies to his family, especially Pam who will forever live with a hole in her heart. Love Joyce❤️ - Posted by: Joyce Christenson (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • I just saw Jim's smiling face in the Free Press passages and I was so saddened to read of his passing. Jim was a part of our "Panache" team for many years and his lovely deep voice, twinkling eyes, genuine smile and readiness with a joke were always appreciated. He was truly a genuine, lovely, warm and charismatic man. I always enjoyed being able to book him for an event or just to chat on the phone when calling for Elaine. I really wish I had the opportunity to have him as a captain on an Air Canada flight but only got to know him after he retired from flying. I bet he was great at his job! He always had wonderful anecdotes to share when I would ask him about his career. Elaine and Allison (Pam & Garrett) I can only imagine the huge loss in your lives and wish you all heartfelt condolences through this sad time. I will remember him with much fondness and will always be reminded of him when I eat date square. - Posted by: melissa J campbell (friend) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • It is with great sadness but many Happy Memories introducing JIM to the Airbus world and fly by wire. We did many sim sessions and years of flights on A320/330/340. Most memorable were our sing alongside with 6 fellow aviators in various simulators doing training. Jim would lead every song and all us old goats would sing along and when stumbled just made up the words. Thousand tears of laughter re hashing our Brutal sim sessions. All in seriousness but good fun. May your WINGS take you everywhere with your very Positive attitude. Kersh in Kingston - Posted by: Don Kershaw (Fellow Captain ACA) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • IT WAS ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO ""GO FLYING"" WITH JIM...AS OUR AIR CANADA CAPT....HE WAS A TRUE TEAM PLAYER...AND HE MADE OUR JOB IN THE CABIN....SO MUCH EASIER....WE WILL MISS HIM...C AND D - Posted by: C and D MCCORMICK (FRIEND) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Elaine and Allison our deepest condolences. Jim will be missed! I remember our A-340 course together in Miami. I was so fortunate to have such a professional to work with-a true gentleman! Kate and I will raise a glass to Jim. Dominic and Kate - Posted by: Dominic Marini (Friend and fellow pilot) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • A fine man and pilot. A life well lived. - Posted by: Warren Wallace (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • First of all my deepest condolences to you, family and friends. From the moment we first met Jim and I became amicable friends. I really enjoyed working with him. He was a really wonderful pleasant person. I was totally surprised to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed! Brian in Oakville - Posted by: Brian Godberson (Fellow Pilot /friend) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Dear Elaine and family. I was very saddened to read of the passing of Jim. My very heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this sad time in your life. - Posted by: Debbie Shumila (Friend) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Dear Elaine and family, So sorry to learn of Jim's passing. May it be of comfort to all of you in knowing he has met the face of God. - Posted by: Darlene Hoffman (Former walking friend at the Rehfit Centre) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Fond memories from yesteryear. Sincere Condolences - Posted by: Bill Shinnan (Friends) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • I was very saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We worked together many times over the years at Air Canada, and always enjoyed the camaraderie of the profession. Jim was a true professional, but never let that interfere with enjoying his passion for life. I will miss seeing him at retirement functions, where we all reminisce. I fondly remember Jim's impersonations of old Western sidekicks, Gabby Hayes and Walter Brennan. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Elaine and all their families. Sincerely, Kim and Lynn Sharpe - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Work colleague) on: Oct 02, 2021

  • Elaine, my sincerest condolences with the passing of Jim. It was always a pleasure working at Air Canada, and sharing the pleasantness of people such as both of you. As time goes by, these memories definitely don't fade. Rest easy, JIm. Elaine, my prayers are with you. Claude Nolin - Posted by: Claude Nolin (Air Canada employee) on: Oct 02, 2021

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