Obituary of Joachim Nicholas Michael STRILCHUK

March 27, 1937 – February 26, 2012 Jim Strilchuk passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 26, 2012 while vacationing in the Turks and Caicos with two of his favourite people, his wife, Gladys and his grandson, Jamison. Jim spent the last week of his life living it to the fullest, laughing and loving with everything he had. He died with his wife, Gladys, close by and his best friend and grandson, Jamison right by his side. Jim was born in Mundare, Alberta and earned degrees from the University of Alberta and the University of British Columbia. He was called to the Bar in 1963. Jim loved being a lawyer and helping others along the way. He would give the shirt off his back to a family member, friend or client in need. Jim was a practicing lawyer until the day he died. He was waiting with extreme pride for his son Michael to graduate from law school later this year and join the firm. Jim, a dedicated lawyer, was loved and respected by his many friends and family. He was the rock that held the Strilchuk family together. Jim valued family and relationships with friends the most in life. His mission was to ensure that his family wanted for nothing and that they knew they were loved. He was an honest man. He was a giver in the truest sense. Jim always said that when his time came, he wanted it to be fast. He wasn’t ready to get old. Jim’s passing, although incredibly sad and tragic, was quick. Suffering was not an option. Jim passed away in the arms of his grandson Jamison. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Nicholas Strilchuk (1995) and Anne Strilchuk (2008). He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Gladys (Thielen) Strilchuk, son Michael, daughter Kathryn (Joe Sheldrake), grandson Jamison, AJ and Patrick Sheldrake, his bonus grandsons and daughter Joanne Bjarnason (Dave) and grandson Nicholas D’Onofrio. The Strilchuk family is large. Sisters Nicole (Bob) Donlevy, Rosemary (Paul) Palichuk and Mary Lou (Phil) Gibeau and brother Jon (Anne) Strilchuk leave to mourn the loss of their brother. Jim had many nieces and nephews who looked up to and admired their Uncle Jim. Surviving Jim is also his longtime business partner, dear friend and surrogate family member, Melanie (Rod) Jarvis. We owe Mel many things for what she has done for Jim and his family over the past 30 years. Jim lived large and with all his heart. He would not want a sorrow-filled send off. At this time, and at Jim’s repeated request, a funeral will not be held. A private family Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to either the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, 110, 1202 Centre St. S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 5A5 Telephone: (403) 263-5300 www.lls.org/canada or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca. In living memory of Jim Strilchuk, 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