James (Jim) Martin Steffan
July 25, 1940 – October 14, 2011
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Steffan. After a year-long battle with cancer, Jim passed away on Friday, October 14, 2011 at the Victoria Hospice. He is survived by his loving wife, Fran (Pinky) of 43 years; and his children, John (Lysa), Rhonda and Tony (Renita). He is also survived by his sisters, Ester, Cecile and Agnes; brother, Basil; and grandchildren, Tyler, Jared, Nick and Natysha.
Born the third youngest of 11 children in Rouyn, Quebec, Jim left the small farming town for a career in the Canadian Army. Jim had a long military career retiring in 1994 after 37 years. Jim was very active during his time in the service, completing tours of Congo, Cyrpus, Egypt and Germany to name a few. One of the highlights of his time in the army was the year he spent on the newly formed Canadian Armed Forces Motorcycle Display Team travelling Canada during the Canadian Centennial performing stunts. After many years as a vehicle technician, Jim retired to Trail, BC. In 1997 he and Fran moved back to Victoria, BC to be with family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Prince Edward Branch #91 (Langford), 761 Station Avenue, on Friday, October 21, 2011 at 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
26 Responses
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I knew Jim for many years both as a fellow rider on the Motorcycle Display Team & as a vehicle repair technician. To most of us, Jim had a well balanced disposition with a great sense of humour. I’d lost contact with Jim in the past 15 years as I had gotten out of the forces.
Still, I will miss Jim’s friendly face as I’m sure all of you will also. My sincerest condolences to his family & may God bless you all.
Trevor Fairchild
I was a fellow trick-rider with Jim on the Motorcycle Display team in 1966/67. I was also his PT Instructor and “Crash-the-Clown” once we began our cross-Canada tour. After a year of training and 6 months packed into a 40 passenger bus and risking our butts doing tricks, jumps and precision riding; we became the proverbial “band=of-brothers” and inseperable for those many months. I lost track of Steff when the team was disbanded but we became avid pen-pals via email, a couple of years ago. Nothing had changed! We became instant buddies again and exchanged many wonderful jokes and stories. I will miss him and extend my heartfelt condolences to those who loved him. He will be received in the Kingdom of the Lord. “Bravo Zulu Jim…..over and out”! Your friend-Mike
Dear Frances
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. May you have wonderful memories of Jim in better health. Give our condolences to your sons and daughter and may you have peace on this difficult day.
With much love, Mary and Darrell
Fran and family, what an amazing person this world has lost. The only consolation is that he no longer suffers the pain he carried for the last while. May the memories you have be the highlight of your day as you go through this time of grief. He will always be remembered to me by the childhood memories that are so special to me. Thank Jim and Fran for the kindness and love you’ve shown me and my family over the years!
Dear Fran,
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you & the family. Will be praying for you as you deal with this great loss in your life. May God give you the grace you need at this sad time.
Carolyn & Jim
Sorry for your lost, I knew Jim in Lahr, Germany. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dearest Tony, Renita, and Willow
Sending you my love and heartfelt prayers on the passing of your Dad…
God bless
Annie xo
Sorry to hear of ur loss Jim was a great man, Our thoughts and hearts go out to all of the family…
Hello Fran, Valerie and I were very saddened by Jim’s sudden passing. I have been in contact with him for quite a while now by emails and enjoyed out chats during the past year or so. Our thoughts are with you John, Tony and Rhonda during this difficult time.
Fran, we’re so saddened by Jim’s death. He was such a good friend for so many years. Our sincere condolences. We’re thinking of you, John, Tony & Rhonda through this difficult time.
Love, Donna & Gerry