We regret to announce the passing of James Robert Colpitts. Jim passed unexpectedly at his home in Revelstoke, B.C. on September 11, 2020 at the age of 63. Jim was born in Toronto, Ontario, on October 27th, 1956.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Trina (Manning); dear children, Benjamin, Ryan and Hayley, (Hayley Lewis); step-daughter, Melissa (Mike Flieger); step-son, Sean Rodas- Reyes; sister Patricia, (Bob Ferguson); and brother Murray (Mary Ellen). He also leaves behind his much-loved grandchildren Myah, Shayla, Lily, Henry and Noah, as well as
many cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends. He was pre-deceased by his mother June Boland, his father Martin, and his special auntie Betty.
Jim started school at Rippleton Road Public School, in Don Mills, Ontario. In 1963, Jim’s family moved to Ottawa. There, he developed lifelong friendships with Rob G., Kent, Peter, Willi, and Rob D. They sustained each other through the joys and sorrows of life and shared a passion for the snow, the mountains and skiing. They were more than
friends, they were brothers.
Jim graduated from Laurentian High School in 1975 and went on to study Engineering at Carleton University. He graduated in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering and wore his steel pinky ring, the symbol of somber responsibility for Canadian engineers, with great pride.
Jim married Anna May Gaffney in 1985, in Ottawa, Ontario, where they had three children, Ben, Ryan, and Hayley. He instilled a love of hiking and camping from early on, but really that was just to keep them in shape for ski season. All of Jim’s kids developed the same passion for the mountains and skiing as he had.
As the kids grew he was patient and kind through all their challenges and successes. But his kindness extended far beyond his family, to friends and strangers alike. He was a beautiful soul.
Trina and Jim were married in 2004, after being friends for many years. They became a team, creating a loving blended family and happy memories along the way.
Jim had high expectations for the grandkids: become decent skiers and go to university. He had them on skis by the time they were three. They all knew how important they were.
Jim had a long and successful career, primarily in the defence industry. He worked as a mechanical engineer in Montreal and Toronto and then started a 29-year career with General Dynamics, beginning in Ottawa and then moving to Calgary. His personal mandate was always to ensure the success of his company and protect the jobs of his
colleagues. He was set to retire on October 30, 2020.
It is with heavy hearts, but hearts filled with love, that we say farewell to our Jim. Jim was a fine man, a dad who gave unconditional love, the truest of friends, a loving brother, a dedicated grandfather, a remarkable husband, and truly great human being. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Because of Jim, we know this is true.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jim Colpitts Memorial STEM Fund at everloved.com/life-of/James-colpitts/ Funds will be donated directly to Alison Jamieson Girls’ Academy in Calgary, AB and Elm Street School in Medicine Hat, AB to enhance science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programmes.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Jim’s family by viewing his obituary at:
www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke, B.C.
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