Obituary of James Borden Hume

James Borden (Jim) Hume passed away peacefully at home on Friday March 27, 2009 at the age of 58 years. Jim will be missed and remembered by his long-time partner Murlyne Fong; his children and their mother, Kate, David and Penny Hume; sister Joy Jackson (George) and brother Peter; he is also survived by parents-in-law Eric and Connie Morris; brother-in-law Chris Morris (Lorrie Keon); nieces Jemison Jackson (Ingo Abresch), Sarah Morris, Lynsey Keon; nephew Tyler Keon; and his grand-niece Isla Abresch. Jim was predeceased by his father Thomas, mother Mae and nephew Christopher. Jim was born on November 6, 1950 in Halifax Nova Scotia, where his father was stationed as a naval Chief Petty Officer. The family settled in Calgary in 1959 where Jim completed his secondary schooling at Viscount Bennett High School (1967) and received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Calgary (1972). He was admitted as a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1978. In 1982, Jim was appointed the Executive Vice President of the Kahanoff Group of Companies and in 1990 he was appointed as its President and CEO. Under Jim’s direction, the Kahanoff Foundation earned recognition as a leader in the field of philanthropy in both Canada and Israel. For Jim, his work was the perfect job as it introduced him to countless creative and passionate people while working at the community crossroads of business, academic, political and community leadership. His own leadership and innovative thinking were sought after in the corporate and non-profit sectors alike, as evidenced by the many directorships that he held, including: Hudson’s Bay Company; Southwestern Resources Ltd.; Pembrook Resources Ltd.; Canada Israel Opportunity Fund; CBD Technologies Ltd.; Ecotrust Canada; Canada West Foundation; Alberta Performing Arts Stabilization Fund; United Way of Calgary; Philanthropic Foundations of Canada; Southern Alberta Institute of Technology; The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy; William Roper Hull Child and Family Services; YMCA Calgary and YMCA Canada. Jim’s accomplishments were also recognised through the receipt of various awards and honours, including: Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta – Distinguished Service Award; Fellow of Chartered Accountants; Queen’s Jubilee Medal; Canada 125 Anniversary Medal; and Alberta Venture Top 50 in Alberta. Amongst his accomplishments, Jim was particularly proud of his vision that led to the establishment of the Kahanoff Centre for Charitable Activities and his personal activities as an investor in several resource companies. An incredibly devoted father, Jim fostered a love for sports in both of his children and was a dedicated athlete, having competed in triathlons and marathons locally and internationally, as well as relaxing while fly fishing, biking and skiing whenever time allowed. Music, travel, learning and reading were among his favourite pastimes. Jim was grateful for his phenomenal life. A Memorial Service will be held at University of Calgary Rozsa Centre (2500 University Dr NW) on Wednesday, April 1 2009 at 2:30p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If family and friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Jim’s honour to Ecotrust Canada, www.ecotrust.ca, a charity admired by Jim. In living memory of Jim Hume, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.