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
I was telling my lady about Jim and just looked up his name. He was my senior thesis advisor at McGill in 1971-72. He was energetic, smart, positive and cheerful. My condolences to his family and friends.
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
Stephen and I both have warm and happy memories of Jim. We send our condolences to all the Provan family. Love Lindsey and Stephen
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
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.
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!
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.