Obituary of Adam James BRINKER

March 28, 1923 - Bowden, Alberta
September 27, 2021 - Calgary, Alberta

Jim Brinker, beloved husband of Elsie McKay of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the age of 98.

Jim grew up a farm near Innisfail, but the family became unsettled after the death of his mother, Louise, when he was fifteen years old.

In February 1942, at the tender age of eighteen, he enlisted in the RCAF and became a tail gunner flying in Halifax bombers, with the rank of Flying Officer. During his tenure, he flew approximately forty-two combat missions, and earned the nickname “Eagle Eyes”, which was later reused by his golfing partners for his ability to track the flight of everyone else’s golf balls. After the war he became an assistant in the Imperial Oil geology lab near Devon. After taking various courses and gaining experience, Jim assumed the full duties of geologist and then drilling supervisor. By 1977 he was Operations Manager at Aquitaine Oil and finished his career as Senior Operations Manager with Canterra. After his retirement at age sixty-five, he kept busy by joining the federal Employment Insurance Board of Referees, where he served for fourteen years.

Jim was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time at his acreage near Sundre. Thanks to Elsie’s encouragement he also became an experienced world traveler during his retirement. Their home was the site of many family gatherings, and Jim was always available to provide support and assistance to his family.

Jim is survived by his daughter Joni (Dale) of Campbell River, sons, Curtis (Anne) of Edson, Stuart (Bonnie) of High River, and Steven (Patsy) of Nakusp, BC; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Jadienne, Robyn, Clayton, Coleman, Cian, Aarin, Tosh and Garret; and six great-grandchildren, Everest, Jasper, Jett, Rylee, Andi, and Kaida.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Reception will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Hospitality Center of the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to confirm one of the following, (A) COVID vaccination (date requested), OR (B) a negative COVID test (within 72 hours), OR (C) Medical exemption AND valid government identification (with name & date of birth) OR (D) Under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Adam Brinker, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.