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
Dear great aunt Fran, although I never really got to know my great uncle, I can see he was a great man and so many have so many incredible things to say about him. The world lost a great man, but God has received an even better angel. I visit my Grandma Agnes all the time and she talks about Jimmy almost every time we talk. My greatest sympathies goes to you and your family.
Dear Fran and family~
My heartfelt condolences to all..Jim was a good friend, and altho many years had passed between visits, he was always there in our hearts.
May the wonderful memories of Jim sustain you in your time of sorrow. Love Dar
Fran and Family. I wish to express my sincere condolences on your loss of Jim. We are going to miss him at our PacSigs reunions. He will be missed by all.
FRAN AND FAMILY!!! We will all miss Jim he was a great friend, now I don’t have anyone to say our saying shutup to. he is in a better place with no more pain. FRAN if you need anything donot hesitate
to call us.
Vern and Maw
I learned about Jims’ passing from another Member of the CAF Motorcycle Display Team. Time has taken her toll on us but my memories are of Jim as he was on the bike doing some crazy trick. May we all meet again. My condolences to you and your family.
Fran and Family,I wish to express my sympathy on Jim’s passing. I knew Jimmy at 1 Sig Sqn in Calgary and was with him at 57 CDN Sig Unit in the Congo, met up with him again at the Pacific
Sigs reunions, he will be missed by all vvv 73’s Jim
My deepest condolences to you and your family. I knew Jim on the Motorcycle Team and he was a great friend to all who knew him.
Fran, today I learned that Jim had passed away. It was not many months ago that he informed me that he was on his “last posting” We first met in Winnipeg in 1958 when we were attached to 2RCHA. We made many memorable trips to Kenora and my parents even had a spare room for him which they called “Steffan’s room”. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Jim was one-of-a-kind and a true friend.
Bill and Gwen
Dear Fran & family,Bruce and I wish to convey our sympathy at this time. We always enjoyed playing shuffleboard with you both. Jim always had a smile and a joke for one and all. He will surely be missed. Sincerely,Bruce and Georgia Logan.
Fran, we send you heartfelt condolences and wishes for much better days ahead, with your cherished memories of all the good times with Jim. May God be with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Love, Sonny & Shirley