Obituary of Leonard "Jim" Tilbury

September 28, 1947 - Melita, Manitoba

March 31, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Leonard “Jim” Tilbury, beloved husband of Ruby (nee Moar) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, March 31, 2023 at the age of 75 years.

Jim was born in Melita, MB on September 28, 1947. He met Ruby in Melita, and they married on January 29, 1965. Jim and Ruby moved to Edmonton, AB where Jim worked for Quality construction then moved to Kapchinsky Bark Ranch in New Sarepta, AB. He and Ruby moved to Calgary, AB where Jim worked at ATCO as a flooring specialist, later moving to Kitsle & Bassen working from 1969 - 1974 as an equipment operator. Jim opened Tilbury Excavating Ltd. in 1975, operating as an Owner/Operator excavating basements and acreage properties in the Calgary Area. He excavated/created PASKAPOO SKI HILL (now known as COP), he was involved in the development of communities of Dalhousie, Silver Springs and other NW Communities and the now exclusive areas on escarpment ridge/Spring bank. He was the main excavator in creating Red Wood Meadows Golf Course.

Jim graduated Grade eight and convocated from the school of HARD KNOCKS. His accomplishments in life can be seen in the neighbourhoods he helped create. Jim’s tenacity is seen in his children and their children. His kindness and adornment is felt in all those who were privileged to know him.

Jim had a passion for CNN in the last seven years, making sure he was up to date on TRUMP issues. If you ever needed information on US Politics, you could be guaranteed Jim would have the answer.

Jim will be most remembered for: Coral; “always being there no matter what telling me to keep myself together”, Jamie; “the smell of Dove and seeing him wash all the way up to his elbows”, Jamie Rayne; “all the laughs and get me another treat for the dogs”, Jenna;”hairless legs and antics”, Lauren; “Vicks and Buckleys the cure for everything”, Cindy; “his ability to leave his family speechless for all the right reasons”, John;”speechless, humm like my kenworth”, Taner; “well it’s about time you woke up and did my snow with that shit eating grin”, Corey;”best friend conversation’s and his goofy pokes and laughter”, Devin;”You’re not working hard enough if the swat isn’t running down the crack of your ass!”, Jordan;”The hairbrush and the papa scent of Vicks that will stay with me forever”.

Jim’s most memorable vacation was a trip to Hawaii in 1980; pretty sure anyone who reads this knows the story. Jim took to long haul trucking, travelling many miles over 20 years. He always said the BEST TRIP was going home. 

Besides his loving wife Ruby, Jim is survived by his daughter Coral (John) of Calgary and granddaughter Jamie, grandsons, Devin (Kerri), Corey, and Taner; son Jamie (Cindy) of Calgary and granddaughters, Jordan, Jenna, and Lauren all of Calgary; estranged daughter Tracey (Family). Jim is also survived by his three brothers, Bob, George, and Wayne (Diane) all of Melita, MB, and four sisters, Jean (Delmar) of Melita, MB, Joyce (Clarke) of Calgary, Pat (Cal) of Brandon, and Sherry (Earl) of Melita; and brother-in-law Don (Barb) of Winnipeg, MB, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Jim Tilbury, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.