James (Jim) Watson Provan, 73, of Victoria, British Columbia, died on Friday, November 15th, 2013 after a difficult but short battle with Scleroderma.
He was born in Ayr, Scotland on August 31, 1940 to May (nee Jardine) and Malcolm Provan. Jim held a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado. He was married to Barbara Anita Provan (nee Ketz) on September 3, 1971. Barbara passed away in their Victoria family home on May 1, 2005.
Jim was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University for over 20 years and in 1993 moved with his family to Victoria where he was the Dean of Engineering at the University of Victoria. The most cherished part of his career was his teaching. He continued to teach one course a year up until 2011.
He is survived by his three children, Monika Schultz (nee Provan), Kristian Provan and Karsten Provan; his four grandchildren, Hayden and Lia Schultz and Sydney and Malcolm Provan; his three brothers, twin brother Neil Provan, Donald Provan and Alexander Provan; as well as all of his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews. He was also survived by his life partner, Angelika Ehlers, who brought a great deal of love and joy to him in the last eight years of his life.
Please join us for a celebration of Jim’s life on Saturday, November 23rd, at the University Club, University of Victoria at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Scleroderma Association of British Columbia (www.sclerodermabc.ca) in Jim’s name. Thank you. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
-
Eric Marceau
-
Lindsey and Stephen Kavanagh Stephen and I both have warm and happy memories of Jim. We send our condolences to all the Provan family. Love Lindsey and Stephen
-
Penny Codding I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jim Provan when he was Dean of Engineering at UVic and I was the new Provost. Jim was unfailingly kind and helpful in our interactions. He was a strong advocate for his colleagues in Engineering, a good university citizen and a fine person. I send you my condolences on his loss. The world is a better place because of Jim.
Sincerely
Penny Codding
-
Rob & Mira Kristian/Meredith, Monika and Karsten
We were very saddened to hear of the loss of your Father. May you all find peace in fond memories of Jim. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences.
-
Alan Cleven Sincere condolences from the class of McGill Mechanical Engineering 71. We fondly remember his valiant efforts to teach us Mechanics of Deformable Solids – not an easy task!
He was a dedicated teacher, and clearly left a good impression on all of us!
-
Steve + Anne Housser Our sincere condolences to Karsten and your siblings Monika and Kristian on the loss of your Dad. Best wishes during a difficult time. Cherish the memories. Sincerely, Steve + Anne.
-
Mary and Alan Waterhouse To Monika, Kristian, Karsten and families,
We were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. Although we haven’t kept in touch over the last few years, we have many fond memories of Jim and Barbara, from when you lived in Rosemere, One of which was when we met you in Scotland, and Jim showed us around all his childhood haunts in Ayr.
Take care,
Mary and Alan
-
Andrew Wetmore My sincere condolences. Jim lived a full life, he had a beautiful family of wonderful people and contributed immensely to his profession.
-
Annette Gärtner Our deepest condolences
Annette, Martin, Dagmar und Karl from Germany (Koblenz)
-
JDavid Ofeiffer So sorry to learn of Jim Provan’s death. I had the greatest respect for his wisdom and teaching. Barbara, Jim, my wife Sherley and I spent some quality time together. Now I am the last survivor of the four.
JDavid Pfeiffer, Associate Prof. (retired) McGill Univ.
-
Chris and Debi Upton Very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest condolences, Angelika.
-
Eva Benn Our deepest condolences to Monica, Karsten and Kristian and your families. Our thoughts are with you.
a big hughuge from Dorit, Eva and all of our family
-
ann + stan You are a brilliantly shining and lovely family . . . flying out into the world straight from the heart of Jims wisdom, kindness and great faith in life and the people he loved. . . .We hold you all in our hearts as you find your ways in this new world.. They don’t make enough Jims. it is good that he has three children that carry on the impeccable qualities that are the legacy of their parents for future generations. We send our love. Ann + Stan
-
Sheila Sheldon Collyer Dear Monika, Kristian and Karsten, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. He was a good friend during my years at McGill and UVic.
“Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.” Robert Louis Stevenson
My thoughts are with you during this time of loss.
Sheila
-
Aman & Anul Nijjar and Family Our deepest condolences to the Provan famiily. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
-
Stephan Bauer My deepest condolences to Monika, Kristian and Karsten and their families. Jim was a great man that will never be forgotten.
-
Ian and Mary Ann Gallacher Our thoughts are with the Provan family, at this difficult time.
-
Ross Dunn I am so sorry to hear this sad news Kristian, Meredith and family.
Kristian, I didn’t have the good fortune of knowing your Dad, but knowing your character was probably a dilution of his he must have been a heck of a great man and a character.
Sincere condolences from your friends; Ross, Sara, and the kids.
-
andrew bardell Nothing but great memories of jim skiing and laughing . Monika, Kristian, and Karsten our thoughts are with you guys.
-
Roel Hurkens My deepest condolences on Jim’s passing. I always enjoyed my interactions with Jim at UVic. As Dean, he was always accessible, attentive, and very friendly. He left me feeling like my views were important and worthy of consideration, and thus I always looked forward to our next interaction.
I wish the family peace in this difficult transition time.
-
Chris and Regina Bowers Kristian,
Regina and I wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. God speed.
-
Philip Waterhouse My deepest condolences , I new Mr.Provan when he lived in Rosemère, Québec , he was a nice man , with a great sense of humour , who was always willing to give a helping hand to others , I am sad to hear of his passing , a great man has left this world .
-
Karin McTaggart Condolences and love from the McTaggart Family.
-
Gail Bowers To Monika, Kristian and Karsten and to Angelika. I was deeply saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. May the memories of Jim help you find peace
-
Paul and Suzanne McGroarty Suzanne and Paul McGroarty will miss Jim Provan.
We shared with Jim and Angelika, get-togethers for family events, as well Saturday walks around Elk Lake (and other trails) followed by dinner at a variety of restaurants and the occasional taste of scotch.
We extend our deepest sympathy to all of Jim’s Family, especially to Monika, Kristian and Karsten.
Cheers to you Jim, a very special man.
-
Heidi & Todd Mason Monika, Jesse, Hayden and Lia,
We were saddened to here of Jim’s passing, please accept our sincerest condolences. Wishing you peace in these difficult times.
I was very sad to discover, so late in the game, that Dr. Provan had passed away. He was a very demanding teacher while at McGill, but always very fair and insightful. I am sure that many of his students have fond memories of knowledge gained thru a student’s view of “adversity” on their path to becoming Mechanical Engineers. Given his later works, it is clear that he is a heavy loss to industry and to the nation