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
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
My sincere condolences. Jim lived a full life, he had a beautiful family of wonderful people and contributed immensely to his profession.
Our deepest condolences
Annette, Martin, Dagmar und Karl from Germany (Koblenz)
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.
Very sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest condolences, Angelika.
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
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
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
Our deepest condolences to the Provan famiily. Our thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
My deepest condolences to Monika, Kristian and Karsten and their families. Jim was a great man that will never be forgotten.