James MOFFATT

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MOFFATT: James Owen (Jim) Moffatt, beloved husband of the late Emily Reid Moffatt, passed away at Virden Health Centre on Thursday, April 30, 2015 in his 99th year. Born in Stettler, Alberta on September 14, 1916, Jim lived on the farm with his parents and 5 siblings until moving to Edmonton. He left school in 1932 to help his grandparents on their farm and at age 17 began working for an Edmonton grocery store delivering groceries with a horse and wagon, horse and sleigh, and even a bicycle. Jim enlisted in the army in Calgary on November 6, 1940 and joined his regiment in Winnipeg where he completed a carpentry course. He was posted overseas in November 1941 and shipped to France as part of the D-Day invasion force at Normandy in June 1944. Injured in battle on March 23, 1945 Jim’s army career was ended. Discharged in Calgary in October 1945, Jim returned to carpentry work and worked in many towns and cities across Western Canada before being moved to Virden in 1971 to build the Westman Nursing Home. He enjoyed being a part of the Virden community, and in December 1972 Jim married Emily Reid. He gave generously of his time and for his efforts of community service he was awarded a Life Membership in the Virden Curling Club, the Wellview Golf Club, the Virden Legion, and the Virden Auditorium Theatre. Along with countless recognitions, he was awarded the Town of Virden Citizen of the Year Award 2010, and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Jim was honored to be invited and to attend a reception with Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at Government House in May 2014. Jim was predeceased by his wife Emily and stepson Garry Reid; his brothers Bill and Steve, and sisters Irene and Vie. He leaves behind his stepchildren: Don (Laura) Reid, Bonnie Reid, Bob (Sharon) Reid, Katherine Bonk and Bruce Bonk as well as grandchildren & great grandchildren: Kent (Rochelle) Reid, Ashley & Eric; Lisa (Conrad) Hoy and Alexa; Jessica Reid; Kalee (Court) Lang, Helaina, Colton, Sharla & Bryce; Lesya (Malcolm) Oldcorn, Lila, Madelyn & Buck; David (Lane) Bonk, Vesper & Ondine; Julie Bonk (Nick Alexiuk); sister, Mary Cowherd; and special feline friend and companion, Rudy. Funeral Service will be held from St. Mary’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 2:00 PM with Fr. Don Bernhardt officiating. Interment will be in Virden Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made to the Virden Auditorium Theatre, P.O. Box 1982 Virden, MB R0M 2C0, St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Virden, or a charity of your choice in memory of Jim.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 07, 2015