1923
2012
LORIMER, James Gibson
James (Jim) Lorimer passed away peacefully on October 25, 2012 at the age of 89 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cicely (Lee) Lorimer, grandsons Ian Moseley and David (Laura) Moseley, son in law Lloyd Moseley and many nieces and nephews.. Predeceased by his wife Cicely, daughter Yvonne Moseley , brothers Malcolm, George and Duncan, sister Margaret Strong and dear friend Gladys Hautula.
Jim was born in Victoria B.C in 1923 and moved to the family home in North Sooke in 1924. After graduating Grade twelve, he attended Victoria College (now UVIC) and in 1943, he joined the Army – Canadian Scottish, the regiment in which the four brothers would serve during the war. Tragedy struck the Lorimer family in August 1944 when brother George was killed in Normandy. Peacetime found Jim at UBC studying for a Law degree and in 1949 he started his first practice in Grand Forks, BC. Politics entered the picture when he signed up in 1949 as a member of the C.C.F. His sponsor was MLA Rupert Haggen and Jim managed two of his campaigns for re-election. He moved to Burnaby in 1954. While settling in Burnaby and still practicing law, Jim was himself an unsuccessful candidate for the Federal seat of Vancouver-Quadra in the mid-fifties. Civic politics beckoned in the mid-sixties and he was a Burnaby Alderman from 1966 to 1968. Over the next few years he ran several times for the NDP MLA position in the then riding of Burnaby-Willingdon winning two terms from 1969 to 1975 and a third term from 1979 to 1983. During the Dave Barrett government of 1972-1975 Jim was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs and for a short time Commercial Transport. Some highlights were the transfer of Oakalla Prison farm lands to Burnaby for Park use, the introduction of the fast bus transit system in 1973 and the design and construction of the Seabus system. Jim also served as Chairperson of the BC Harbours Board from 1972-1975 and initiated the BC Court of Appeal Reference on behalf of the Provincial Government for the declaration that Roberts Bank and Georgia Strait were in Provincial and not Federal jurisdiction. After political life, Jim returned to law for a few more years and gradually entered retirement. He was proud and honored to be recognized by both Grand Forks and Burnaby as a Freeman. In 2009, a site along Chub Creek, a tributary of Still Creek was named Jim Lorimer Park in recognition of his many contributions to the community.
Jim had innumerable friends throughout his life. Many a good time was had around the pool table in his basement. He will be remembered for his good nature, his sense of humour and his constant companion , his pipe.
A Celebration of Life will be held in January 2013. Time and place to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Jim's name to the Sooke Region Museum, Box 774, Sooke, BC v9z 1h7 (toll free 1-866-888-4748) or Burnaby General Hospital Foundation, 3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC v5g 2x6 (604-431-2881)
Online condolences may be expressed at www.Dignitymemorial.com First Memorial Funeral Services
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14 Entries
February 21, 2013
Zelda Morrison
Heatfelt sympathies to all the family & friends - A truly lovely man with a lovely loving family - he will always be remembered - Zelda, Michele & Jack Jr. Morrison, Nelson BC
November 17, 2012
We are thinking of you Lee at this sad time with the loss of "Uncle" Jim and Yvonne. We have fond memories of visits to your home and trips to Burnaby Mountain. xoxo
Brian and Glenys Parry
Nicky and Janet and families
November 13, 2012
Amy Hill
Oh James, I miss you, you hilarious man! You made my Gramma so very happy in those special years you spent together. I love you Jim!
November 10, 2012
Margaret Wales
Jim will be sadly missed and remembered very fondly by the family in England. A wonderful man with a great sense of humour. Our thoughts are with you Lee xx
November 9, 2012
shelly lorimer
RIP Uncle Jim, you were such a wonderful man and will be dearly missed.. I miss the times at Christina Lake.. xoxo
November 7, 2012
David Clutton
I had the privilege of meeting Jim as one the five Freeman featured in the “From The Heart: The Freeman Legacy” project. Jim made a great contribution to that project, as he did with many things in his life. Jim was a respectful, warm, engaging and gracious person. When the project finished, I felt I had a new friend in Jim (and I am sure my experience was not unique).
I feel blessed to have met and known Jim and was so sorry to hear of his passing. Please accept my deep and heartfelt condolences. I hope the many happy memories of Jim offer comfort to Jim's family, loved ones, and friends.
November 5, 2012
Kathy Corrigan
My deepest condolences to Lee and family. Jim had so many friends and supporters who will remember not only the many contributions to his community and his province, but also what a wonderful and witty man he was. Derek and I have fond memories of practicing law with Jim early in our careers, and it is also a privilege to serve in the (renamed)riding he represented in his illustrious provincial political career. Freeman Jim Lorimer will be missed.
November 5, 2012
Gary Lauk
I am deeply saddened at the loss of my old colleague and friend. Gary Lauk
November 5, 2012
gary lauk
My deepest sadness at the loss of my dear colleague and golf partner.
November 4, 2012
Ruth Lowther
Warm condolences for the family of Jim Lorimer. xoox
November 4, 2012
Lois and Alf Hopkins
We spent many great times with the Lorimers and Lois lived with them for a year in Burnaby and even worked for him periodically in his Law Office in Grand Forks. Our family have many fond memories of this wonderful man, his dear wife and two dear daughters. Our sympathy to you, Lee on the loss of your dear father and sister, Yvonne. We love you, Lois and Alf Hopkins (Cardston, AB)
November 3, 2012
My sympathy to Lee Lorimer. I am the daughter of Lois and Rupert Haggen and met Jim many times. Our families were very good friends and Jim
supported my parents and the NDP in general.for so long. My husband and I, with our 4 children, rented your family's cottage at Christina Lake over 50 years ago! Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew him
Margaret Skelcher, Sechelt BC
November 3, 2012
Sharon Olsen
great guy, fun time in Cuba
November 3, 2012
Svend Robinson
Jim was a good man and a friend and political colleague for many years. He made our community and our province a better place. Condolences to Jim's family and friends.
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