WILLIAM ESMOND JARVIS

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WILLIAM ESMOND JARVIS It is with great sadness the family of William Esmond Jarvis announces his passing in Kenora, ON on December 30, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. Esmond will always be remembered and greatly missed by his loving wife Leona (Seaberg) and youngest son Morgan; and from his previous marriage, daughter Cheryl (Bob Woods) and grandsons, Brenden and Andrew in Ottawa, son Darrell (Jennifer) and granddaughters, Emily and Sarah in Toronto, son Dennis (Kelly) and granddaughters, Brianna and Paige in Ottawa. He was very proud of the successes and achievements of his children and grandchildren. Esmond was born at Gladstone, MB in 1931, one of seven children. He was predeceased by his parents, Fredrick and Dorothy; brother Jim; sisters-in-law Jacky; and Alice and brother-in-law Bert Ridd. He is survived by his sister Kate; and brothers, Ed (Jean), Alf, Jack (Ella), Allan (Bea); sister-in-law Marj; brother-in-law Walter Seaberg (Christine); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Esmond maintained and valued a close friendship with his graduating class from the University of Manitoba. Esmond attended Palestine Public School and Gladstone High School. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in Agriculture in 1955 and from Michigan State University (1960) with a Masters degree. He had a most satisfying career in Agriculture. The first 12 years were spent with the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, beginning in Swan River as an Agriculture Representative and after varied positions, five years as Deputy Minister. In 1967, he joined Agriculture Canada in Ottawa to spend 10 years first as Assistant then as Associate Deputy Minister of Agriculture and also with the Grains Group. In 1977 he moved back to Winnipeg to serve as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Wheat Board for 13 years. In 1990, he was appointed Canada's High Commissioner to New Zealand and five neighbouring South Pacific countries, and Ambassador to Fiji. Upon his retirement, Esmond remained in New Zealand with Leona and youngest son Morgan, returning in 2003 to Canada to live at their home on Lake of the Woods in Ontario. Over his lifetime Esmond received many recognitions. He was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Gold Medal for General Proficiency upon his graduation from the University of Manitoba. During his working career, he was awarded the Nuffield Travelling Fellowship and later the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award. Esmond enjoyed an active participation in numerous agricultural organizations, the United Church and many community groups including the Winnipeg Gyro Club. He loved sports and outdoor activities and gained great satisfaction from building the lake home. During his years in New Zealand Esmond enjoyed, among many other happy associations, being an active member of the Whangamata Golf Club and Whangamata Probus Club. He was pleased to be part of a very successful campaign in Whangamata to raise money for a major redevelopment and expansion of the memorial hall, the main Community Centre. Many thanks to Dr. Garry Schroeder and Dr. Ralph Wong who made every effort to help Esmond in his fight to live. A special thank you to Dr. Beveridge, and staff at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital for their wonderful care and comfort. In lieu of flowers, donations to CancerCare Manitoba (675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9) or Lake of the Woods District Hospital (21 Sylvan St West, Kenora, ON P9N 3W7) are gratefully accepted. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at St. Alban's Anglican Cathedral, 312 Main St. South, Kenora. Funeral arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home, Kenora. Ph. 807-468-8633.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2005