Obituary of James Maxwell Mallett Dobson

James Maxwell Mallett Dobson passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, October 24th, 2005, with his family by his side. He was 40 years old. For the past five years, James had been gallantly battling against brain cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Julie Thomson, his parents Maxwell and Sonia Dobson and his brother Jeremy Dobson. James was born on June 24, 1965 in London, England. Later that year, his parents took him to west Wales when his father accepted a post at the University of Wales. He enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the rural calm of a small university town. James excelled both academically and at sports, including swimming, tennis and basketball. Physics, Chemistry and especially Geology occupied his mind during High School, such that he won a place at Leeds University to read Geology. Three successful years as an undergraduate that included mapping in the hazardous terrain of eastern Turkey culminated in a B.Sc. honours degree and the winning of a prestigious BP scholarship to study for a Ph.D. at Royal Holloway College London University. His first taste of Canada was a mapping expedition to the Foothills and Rocky Mountains just southwest of Calgary as part of his doctorate project. James immediately felt at home in the region and made many friends during his two summer work terms here. Upon completing his Ph.D. in 1990, he returned to Calgary to begin his career with Pan Canadian Petroleum, this in turn led to other successful tenures at Crestar, El Paso and British Gas. James made many more friends, and was extremely proud to receive his Canadian citizenship. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed demonstrating his athletic abilities in a wide variety of pursuits such as golf, skiing, squash, tennis and soccer. James was a member of the Villains Football Club for fifteen years. James married his best friend and true love Julie Thomson at Knox United Church on September 30th, 2000. They enjoyed many travels together, starting with their honeymoon in Hawaii and then to Ireland, France, England, Italy and Mexico. Most treasured were their weekends up at the cottage in Invermere, BC. During their marriage of five years they developed a strong bond of love and adoration for one another. James’ family wish to thank Dr. E. Macrae, Dr. P. Forsyth, Dr. G. Cairncross and Dr. G. Sutherland for their medical skills and unfailing support. Through their considerable efforts, James was able to enjoy many happy and fulfilling moments and occasions over the last 5 years. We would also like to thank our palliative home care nurse Shannon Gibbs and our many loyal and supportive friends and family. A Memorial Service will be held at Knox United Church (506 – 4th Street S.W.) on Friday, October 28, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Donations in memory of James Dobson can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Dr. P. Forsyth, Brain Tumour Research at 1331 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 944 – 2433. In living memory of James Dobson, 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.