Obituary of William James McGill

Native Calgarian Jim McGill said his goodbyes and quietly departed early morning after his 96th birthday and Father’s Day, on Monday, June 16, 2008. Jim became an engineer during the Dirty Thirties, graduating from Queen’s University in 1937 with a B.Sc. in Mining and M.Sc. in Geology. During WWII, he served as a Flight Lieutenant with the RCAF. Among his many accomplishments he worked with Calgary Herald reporter Joan Morrison in 1976 to effect the restoration of the name of Banff’s "Castle Mountain". Jim was dearly loved by his family and friends and all who know him considered Jim a fine gentleman. Two favourite sayings of his were: "He who laughs, lasts!" (Poole) and "Never, never, never give up" (Churchill). Besides Ruth, his cherished wife of twenty-nine years, Jim will be remembered by his loving son and daughter-in-law Russell and Trudy, (daughter Bonnie) of Kelowna, BC; daughter and son-in-law Maureen (Ray) of New York; Ruth’s son and daughter-in-law Brian and Jan Evans of Calgary, their children and grandchildren;, daughter and son-in-law Kathy and Brad Ellis of Toronto and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, all his siblings and his first wife Irene. A Private Graveside Service will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. Jim’s remains will be placed in the Garden of Remembrance at the church of which he engineered the building for his congregation. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email jordanp@cancer.ab.ca. The family would like to thank the staff at Millrise Place for taking such good care of Jim as well as the staff of Unit 73 at Rockyview General Hospital. In living memory of Jim McGill, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.