Obituary of James Donald McTavish

James "Jim" Donald McTavish

(October 1, 1937 - May 18, 2019)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing on May 18, 2019 of Jim McTavish, age 81, of Daysland, Alberta.

Jim will be greatly missed by his loving wife Helen; children Janine (Peter) Stewart of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Doug (Kari) of Ardrossan, Alberta, and Shirley (Keith) Krienke of Langdon, Alberta; five grandchildren Jade (Ashley), Matt, Aidan, Kale and Charlie; great-grandchildren Declan and Cedric; and siblings Gordon (Pat) McTavish of Camrose, and Diana (Eugene) Jackson of Bowden. 

Jim was born in Daysland to parents Donald and Evelyn McTavish.  Jim was the eldest of five children: Bruce, Jean, Gordon and Diana.

After working for Canadian Superior and farming in the Sundre area, Jim and Helen moved to the old Olesen farm in 1973 where they worked side by side for many years.  Despite farming full time, Jim continued his career with the gas industry at the plant just south of the farm.  At the age of 40 he went back to studying and achieved certification for his welding and earned a “B” Pressure ticket.   He was very proud of going back to school at that age.   As a hard-working and determined man he could achieve his goals, sometimes out of sheer stubbornness.  He was a jack of all trades that could fix anything, handy skills to have when you are running a farm!  

Jim had a special bond with animals, especially dogs. He always had at least one special friend at his side.  Jim was a strong man who also had a kind, gentle nature. He was a good listener, always enjoying time with friends and neighbors and hearing all the stories and news.  As life changed with the loss of mobility, he accepted these changes with dignity and patience, never being mean or unkind.

He was very proud of his children, his grandchildren and great- grandchildren. To all of us who knew him, Jim will live on forever in many fond memories.   

The family would like to extend special thanks to all the staff at the Galahad Care Centre for their top quality, tender care of our husband, father, brother and uncle.  Galahad is a special place and we were so fortunate to have him there under their loving care since 2015.

A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23, 2019 from the CityLights Church (4920 48 Street Camrose) with Rev. Mary Ann Pastuck officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Green View Cemetery, Rosalind at a later date.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in James's memory may be made to Galahad Health Care Centre Auxiliary Society (Box 88, Galahad AB, T0B 1R0).