Obituary of James Albert Staples

Jim Hampshire departed this life on Saturday, September 17, 2005 in the arms of his loving family. Jim was born in London, England on July 28, 1917. In his teens, he joined the Norwood Paragon Cycling Club and raced on both track and road. In 1939 he won the “National Tandem 1 Mile” championship and was on the short list for the 1940 Olympics, which were cancelled due to World War II. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery and in 1944 was transferred to the Gordon Highlanders. Jim married Unity Joan on August 12, 1941 and in 1952 they immigrated to Canada with their two children. The family drove from Toronto to Calgary in a ten year-old car on the Trans-Canada Highway before it was built. What an adventure! They have made Calgary their home ever since. Jim was first employed by the Royal Bank and then Riley’s Reproductions. He later served as Secretary-treasurer to the Anglican Diocese of Calgary for some years. In 1970, he formed his own agency – H & M Travel, and was there until his retirement. Since then he and Unity have travelled the world and enjoyed a full life including planning trips for the Southwood Seniors. Jim leaves to mourn his wife of sixty-four years, Unity (nee Clarke); daughter Carol (Gord) Fuller; son Keith (Cathy) Hampshire; five grandchildren, Gwenda Lorenzetti, Theresa Lorenzetti, Melissa (Blair) Foursha, Christian (Megan) Hampshire, and Laura Hampshire; and one very treasured great- grandson, Mark Heritage, his soccer buddy. He is also survived by his sister Gladys Harden; brother Thomas Hampshire; and their children. Funeral Services will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church (7 Sunmills Green S.E.) on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Jim Hampshire, 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.