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
27 Responses
Our thoughts are with the Provan family, at this difficult time.
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.
Nothing but great memories of jim skiing and laughing . Monika, Kristian, and Karsten our thoughts are with you guys.
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.
Kristian,
Regina and I wish to express our deepest condolences to you and your family. God speed.
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 .
Condolences and love from the McTaggart Family.
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
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.
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.