Obituary of James Bryson McLachlan

May 4, 1934 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

September 29, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

James (Jim) McLachlan passed away on September 29, 2023 at the age of 89.

He was the son of John McLachlan and Katherine Jurek and grew up in the Weston neighbourhood of Winnipeg near the CPR Weston shops where his father worked.  In grade 10 Jim left school and began working in Winnipeg. He was married to Margot in 1956.  Jim and his family move to Brandon, Manitoba in 1962 as a result of a transfer by his employer.  Jim then spent most of his life living in Brandon.  He was very much an entrepreneur, and started up a landscaping / garden centre business and water well drilling business.  For much of his early time in Brandon, Jim was an active member of the Kinsmen Club.  In 1986 he went into the mutual fund business until his retirement in 1996.

Jim married Isabel in 1993, and after his retirement they were able to do some travelling together.  After Isabel’s death in 2017, Jim moved into an independent seniors living facility.  In November 2018 he moved to Calgary and lived in Wentworth Manor, an assisted living facility.  The move to Calgary allowed Jim to spend much more time with his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kerry.  He especially enjoyed being taken out to dinner or coming over to their house for dinner.  Living in Calgary also allowed him to see the rest of his family more.  

Jim always had a keen interest in working in the yard, and planted many trees, shrubs and flowers for as long as he was able to do so.  He loved beautiful landscaping, and was always commenting on flowers and trees right into the last months of his life.

After a brief hospital stay, Jim passed away on September 29, 2023 at the age of 89 with Kevin and Kerry at his side.

Jim was a kind and generous person, and tried to help those around him in need.  He was always concerned about his family.  Several members of the Wentworth staff commented on his kindness towards them.   

Jim is survived by his son Kevin and daughter-in-law Kerry of Calgary, his son Ross and daughter-in-law Trish of Whitehorse and by his grandsons Bryson, Kevin and Shane.

Jim’s family would like to thank the staff of Wentworth Manor in Calgary for looking after him in his final years.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family here.

In living memory of James “Jim” Bryson McLachlan, 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.