It is with tremendous sorrow and heart -break, that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. Jim passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous and valiant battle with cancer.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Marg Allen. He is survived by his loving wife Rita, who was his rock throughout these past few months providing the special care which allowed him to stay at home as he wished. He is greatly missed by his children Lyndsay (Iain), Chris (Kim), Mike, grandchildren Tyson, Brianna, Emily & Ashley, who were Jim’s pride and joy, brothers Dave (Sharon) and Murray (Lana), Tas, Brenda, Rita’s daughters Tricia, Lisa, Jenny and their families, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members and many, many dear friends.
Taken far too soon from us, Dad lived his life to the fullest. He was proud to say he was from Esquimalt where he grew up, attended school, participated in Cubs, Scouts, played ice hockey and was the drummer with the band Prism Bar. After graduation Jim started his career with Weston Bakeries delivering bread throughout the Victoria area and then became Island Manager until his retirement. Over this time in business Jim enjoyed many strong friendships which continued until his passing.
Dad enjoyed many activities throughout his life, from his love of music, waterskiing at Shawnigan and Sproat Lakes, to boating around the Gulf Islands and travelling to the warmer destinations of Mexico, Hawaii and Arizona. Over the past few years he thoroughly enjoyed camping with Rita in “Harvey”, both on and off the Island. He always enjoyed the time around the campfire with family and friends, frequently with a glass of ‘Crown’ in hand. Jimmy and Rita spent many happy times at Cowichan Lake with their close group of friends leaving all with great memories.
Family was everything to Dad. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for any one of us. He loved us as much as we loved him. We always knew he was there for us.
The family would like to thank Dr. Hartford and Cindy, Rita and Jim’s caring neighbours and members of the Hospice and Palliative Care Teams for their strong support during these past few months and a special thank you to Tricia and Lisa for their tremendous help and guidance throughout Jim’s illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life was held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens on Friday, August 27, 2021. Click the image below to watch a recording of the service.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
33 Responses
To Rita, Jimmy’s wife and soulmate, his children Chris, Lindsay and Mike, his brothers, their wives, all his family and many many friends…our deepest and sincere condolences. Jimmy had a rare gift of making people feel like they mattered and were important to him. He took the time to make sure you were ok. His zest for life and living it to the fullest was infectious, as was his smile and sense of humour. We spent many many nights solving the problems of the world over some wine, beer or a bottle of whiskey and a campfire. We were truly blessed to have had him in our lives. Gone but never forgotten…love you buddy. Till we meet again XO
Dear Rita and family.
Please accept my sincerest condolences on Jim’s passing.
I was truly saddened when I heard the news. I suspected he was not feeling well as per the note I sent him in January and based on the short reply I received back!
Jim was a colleague at Weston. Although he worked on the Island and I was based in the prairies I attended many meetings with Jim from Vancouver to Toronto. I knew him well as I also spent time with him on the Island. Jim loved the Island and you would never get him to leave it. He was a true character and Bd talked sincerity in everything he did.
A true gentleman gone way too soon!
My condolences once again, and just remember that knowing him was a gift that will provide a lot of great memories!
It is with great sorrow that I read the passing of Jim. I cherish the memories of friendship over the years. Jim was a kind & gentle sole, with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all that knew him, but especially his Family who were always first of mind. May you find peace together knowing he loved you.
Patti Hooey
It is with great sorrow that I read the passing of Jim. I cherish the memories of friendship over the years. Jim was a kind & gentle sole, with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all that knew him, but especially his Family who were always first of mind. May you find peace together knowing he loved you.
Thinking of you at this heart-breaking time
Patti Hooey
I had the great pleasure of knowing Jim both as I grew up and as an adult. I cannot recall a time he wasn’t laughing, smiling, and joking at any of the many family parties we had at his mom and dad’s home.
I remember Jim taking me and my brother waterskiing at Shawnigan Lake when we were young. Sadly, we failed to figure out how to waterski but I will never forget that he spent an entire afternoon patiently trying to teach us how to stand up, enjoy the ride and not faceplant 3 seconds after the boat started.
As an adult, I got to chance to work with him as Weston’s island representative, and unlike many people I had to deal with, he always had the absolute best attitude towards not only me but all my guys. He laughed every time I made buns jokes (even though he must have heard them a thousand times) and created such a great sense of fellowship with everyone that we all looked forward to his visits.
I will miss him. He was a great guy, and his passing is a sad loss, indeed.
Our sincere condolences to Jimmy’s family, this world lost a great gentleman, your infectious smile will always be missed, you were one of a kind our friend, you will always hold a special place in our hearts. Don & Anne.
I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. My condolences to the entire Allen clan. While our paths seldom crossed over the years, there was a time when Jim and I, and others of our group, spent hours in Scouts, at school, skating at the arena, and practicing in the short-lived, yet long-remembered, Prism Bar. All sorts of good memories and happy times have flooded back to me. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss of such a great guy.
Rick Cleghorn
From my entire family our heartfelt condolences to Rita, Dave & Sharon, Murray & Lana, and the rest of the “Allen Clan,” my extended Canadian family, for the loss of a husband, a brother, uncle, grandfather, and good friend. Joni and I, along with David and Tracy, wish you peace in your time of grief. We are with you in mind and spirit.
I send my most sincere condolences to all of Jim’s family. I trust and hope you will find comfort knowing that he lived such a full life and was so very well respected by everyone he touched.
Jimmy was a good man…a good friend, always there for you, he would never let anybody down. He was totally committed to his family and friends as well as everything he took on. His great sense of humour came with an infectious laugh…more like a giggle that was unique only to him.
As saddened as I am of his passing, I can’t help but smile when I think of him. God Bless You Jimmy.
Very sad to have heard of Jim’s passing. I worked with Jim for a few years at Weston’s. He was never far away over the last 30 odd years. Always popping up when you least expected him to. Condolences to his family. He will be missed.