Newton,
Thomas James (Jim)
Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep
at Nanaimo Hospital on August 12 after
a stoic battle against prostate cancer.
Born 1914 in Cornwall, UK; imigrated
to Luanshya, Zambia in 1936, married
Wilma Matthews in 1939. A fi tter-andturner
by trade, he moved up the ranks
to become Sectional Engineer at Roan
Antelope Copper Mines, where he was
a much liked popular colleague and active member of the communty.
He couldn’t do enough for his family who were always the centre of
his world. He loved to travel - many enjoyable family holidays in South
Africa, Zimbabwe, a family world cruise and then he and Wilma took a
plane trip around the world checking out possible retirement places.
Immigrated into Canada in 1969 retirng in Port Coquitlam, BC. Where he
continued his woodworking hobby. Despite not being a keen gardener, he
was a hardworking partner to his gardener wife. When ALS struck Wilma
down, he turned his hand to making disability aids for her, nursing her
tirelessly until she passed away in 1987.
Moved to Coquitlam, where he met and married his second love, Margit
Maans in 1991. With Margit, Dad continued to pursue his travel and
family interests, visitng relatives in the UK and Finland, and making
trips to the USA s well as enjoying some Alaskan cruises. They moved to
Nanaimo Seniors Village in 2005. sadly in June this year he lost Margit,
to whom he gave unstinting tender care in her fi nal years.
He was above all, a devoted family man, gifted home improver, mechanical
whiz, and such pleasant company whatever the diffi culties he faced.
Predeceased by Wilma (1987), Margit (2008), and sister Dorothy (2007)
who lived in South Africa, step-granddaughter Melanie (2005).
Survived by his twin Phyllis in Cornwall UK, daugther Denise in
Birmingham UK, son Roger (Lois) Pitt Meadows BC, step-daughter
Sonja, Ladysmith, Vancouver Island, grandchildren Carina, Troy, Tony,
great-grandchildren Kylie, Cole, step-grandchildren Sherry, Chris, Anita,
Angie and special grandpuppies Mikko and Ben.
Many thanks to the superb aides and nurses at Nanaimo Seniors Village
and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for their care during his fi nal
illness.
Dad we’ll miss your warmth, kindness, gentleness and generosity of spirit
so much. You’ve always been there for us, through thick and thin - always
positive and cheerful with a supportive word when needed. Your spirit
will live in our hearts forever never to be forgotten.
No service by request.
Telford’s Mid-Island Memorial Services
250-751-2254