James Westendorf
July 1, 2024
July 1, 2024
July 1, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ( James ) Jim Westendorf after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by family Jim passed away at night on July 1, 2024 at Melville Hospice Home in White Rock, B.C. He was 84 years old.
Jim was born in Flin Flon, Manitoba and was the eldest of 6 children. Jim is survived by his partner Judy, his children Sandy (Mike), Karen(Reg), Lianne (Réal), Caroline (Jason), Rod (Monique), 13 grandchildren ( Jenna, Lauren, Mikki, Jared, Ben, Josh, Adam, Alain, Stephanie, Andre, Riley, Gabi and Alex ) and 3 great-grandchildren (Finn, Sophie and Sage ) as well as 5 siblings (Tom, Rick, Bob, Pat and Bernice ). Jim was predeceased by his wife and the love of his life, Flo/Florence at a very young age and, his parents Ben and Augusta.
Jim had fond memories of his youth, in Narol, MB and later on in St. Norbert, MB on the family dairy and grain farm. He resided, worked and eventually raised his own family on that farm and would often regale us with stories about that time in his life. He was a veterinary pharmaceutical rep for some time until he purchased his own dairy farm in Dufresne, MB. A few years later, due to a back injury, Jim reluctantly had to leave farm life behind so he ventured into sales once again, real estate specifically. His outgoing personality, kindness, easy banter and charm were a natural fit for this new role which carried him into retirement. Jim’s other impressive occupations included welder and plant manager.
Our father was an example of a well-lived, and diverse life. Jim moved to British Columbia in 1989 and although he resided in many areas throughout the years, his favorite was in the Shuswap. He had beautiful views of Shuswap Lake and would spend hours on the water, by the fire and in the woods. He even built himself a tiny rustic wood cabin in the back of his main residence with no running water, nor electricity, but it had a wood burning stove, and it was his happy place all to himself where he often stated he had the best sleeps. He called it “The Roost”.
Jim was a great dancer and lover of music. He taught himself to play accordion and guitar and some of our favorite memories are of him playing away in the evenings on the farm or at the lake. He also had a deep love and appreciation for history and languages and excelled at both. He enjoyed travelling throughout North America, Britain and Europe. He had the uncanny good fortune of always bumping into someone he knew - no matter where in the world he was. Jim truly had friends the world over.
Friends and family were of the utmost importance to Jim. He carried with him, the love of all those who were close to him.
He was extremely close to his siblings and enjoyed many parties and get togethers. He had 50 plus year long friendships that he treasured and valued and also had the good fortune of finding true love and companionship later in life again with Judy. His love of people was inspired by an enthusiasm for life; his parties were as epic! He always brought the laughter and was known and loved for bringing joy and good cheer wherever he went and whenever he gathered with loved ones. This was made clear whenever he visited family in Germany. He took several trips to Germany over the years and cultivated a beautiful connection with the history, culture, language and especially with extended family. Our cousin Heiner is like a brother to our Dad and they had a strong bond and a loving respect for one another.
Jim’s children and grandchildren were his pride and joy! His love for his family, knew no bounds. We will miss his boisterous laugh, his corny jokes, his legendary Brunch Crepes, his big, strong comforting hands and warm, loving embrace. Dad, you are forever in our hearts. May you be at peace and keep dancing and making friends.
We wish to thank the staff at Melville Hospice Centre for their wonderful care and support. In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to plant a tree in loving memory of Jim via alivingtribute.ca or The Canadian Cancer Foundation.
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
Jimmy truly was one of a kind...loved a good time with friends and a bonfire...of which we had many..he will be missed..he had lots of friends in whiterock realestate community...
~ Philip graham
Dear Family,
I have considered Jim a dear friend ever since I came to know the Westendorf clan in 1958. My deceased wife, Debbie and I always joked with Jim whenever we met. That and his devastation over the loss of Flo are among my strongest memories. He had a love for people that easily led to meaningful relationships. I will remember Jim and his suffering family in my prayers. Our hope is in the Lord!
~ Neil Dowbiggin
My family was very saddened to hear of Jim’s passing (‘Jimmy’) to us.
He was a great friend of my parents, father of my bestie from age 2, and our families were so close that we had matching kitchens, regular dinners and sleepovers.
This tender obituary reminded me of his accordian playing which was legendary. I will never forget his kindly, jovial ways, wild parties (kids hiding out), love of family, friends and life.
I am also grateful my husband and children got to meet him on a stopover in Vancouver.
Rest in peace Jimmy, - warmest condolences to those who loved you and whose lives you touched, and I hope you have found my Dad in heaven for a card game or cigar and of course a joke or three.
I’ll be planting a tree in your honour.
Lots of love
Nancy
~ Nancy Esler
Jim will be missed.
I have so many fond memories of Jim. On the farm, throwing alfalfa bales with a pitch fork high on to the hay wagon. Bringing me as a kid with his kids to St. Adolphe in the summer to use the pool.
So many parties, jokes and laughs together.
Travelling to Germany with Dad and him. Learning to Prost! with Heiner and Jim.
Sitting on the hotel balcony in Modane France laughing and joking with Jim after consuming too much wine. Somehow picking up a snoring habit from him on that trip. Must have been too many beers and schnapps.
Jim always had a joke, smile or teasing for everyone right to the end.
Spending time with Jim in the Shuswap. Enjoying the lake, showing off the roost and watching him with his mini cannon.
Watching the video of the train setup he had in Casa Grande that he was so proud of.
Jim showing me his finished miniature building models that he built for pretty much each of the family in the last few years.
Jim has so many friends. You can't really go anywhere, even abroad, without bumping into someone who knew Jim.
Jim had many of his struggles with health problems over the last 2 years.
All his children, Judy and his siblings experienced worry and concern as these health issues happened and supported him any way they could and he felt loved..
My condolences to Sandy, Karen, Lianne, Caroline and Rod on the loss of your Dad. He loved you all so much.
Special thank you for Sandy and Karen for spending as much time as you could with him over the last month. I know that you made a huge difference to the quality and consistency of care that he received while in hospice , especially the last month and that he appreciated that support and all those moments with you.
My condolences to Judy. You are what kept him going through this struggle in the last few years and he loved you immensely. Thank you for being in his life. Big hugs to you
To my siblings, this is a very hard loss for all of us. Hugs to all.
Condolences to Gord I. , you've been like a brother to Jim for decades and brought him many smiles with your phone calls, visits and jokes. I know that you miss him.
Finally my condolences to Heiner, my cousin. Jim and you were like brothers and I know that he loved you like one and that you loved him back.
We will miss you Uncle Jim! Thank you for always bringing such joy to our lives. Always the life of the party and full of mischief. Sending love to all Jim’s children, grandchildren, siblings, loved ones, and friends.
Lisa
~ Lisa WestendorfTo the family, my heartfelt condolences to you all! Your dear Dad was an exceptional man. I called him my “like Dad,” because not only was he a great friend and confident, he was like a Dad to me, someone who I could always count on, and lean on for “fatherly” advice. I’m really missing him, as I’m sure you all are as well. What a blessing to have known this great guy! He will never be forgotten! RIP Jimmy ❤️
This is a beautiful obituary for a beautiful man! I feel so lucky and honoured to have gotten to know Jim over the last few years, both from stories Ben and the family told me, to spending time with him when we visited. Jim's smile and laughter was so warm and welcoming I felt like I already knew him when I met him. I know he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who all meant the world to him. Sending my love to you all. ~ hana
Our sweet Uncle Jimmy was a huge heart on two legs. I remember the first time I met him…I must have been 4 and he was so charming and sweet. He and Tom took my siblings and me out for ice cream and I have no idea how we managed to communicate…hands and feet, sparkly eyes, smiles and laughter? These two exotic (to me at least), funny speaking men were so wonderful, that this is truly one of my first memories.
After that Uncle Jimmy just kept on coming back to Germany and he was so loved by all of us, we were so excited whenever we heard that he or one of the Canadian family members planned a visit. It meant great fun was on the way.
Whenever I was in Canada, Jimmy was..may I say…omnipresent. If he wasn’t physically around at some point he was the topic. But very often, when I would go visit Bob, Jimmy was already sitting in one of the recliners, drinking a beer with Bob. when I went to see Tom and Annette for breakfast Jimmy popped by and had breakfast too. When I went to see Pat and Marc, we would go by Jimmys house to spend time together. He was around so much because he was incredibly social and always knew how to cheer everyone up.
I am sending my condolences to the whole family, to Judy ( I am so thankful he found you) and his many friends.
Love from Julia
~ Julia
To the family of our beloved Jimmy
wirhout a doubt, he was one of a kind and God broke the mold after him! He was kind, fun, loving and never hesitated to share those beautiful gifts ❤️
We will never forget him and will miss him forever 🙏🏼
~ Marilyn & Stewart MacIntosh
Sad news! He was on my list to call this week! Jim was such a lovely person! Well respected as a successful realtor in White Rock.
His family was so important to Jim! He will be sadly missed by many!
My sincerest condolences to Jim's children and to his siblings. To lose such a good friend is hard, but I know the hurt of losing such a wonderful dad. But you have "come from good people", and his legacy lives on in you. He was always up for a laugh, or a rant (esp. our mutual opinion on politicians) willing to help anyone in any way he could, and honest conversations about any topic that came to mind.
Jim's greatest joy was his kids and he struggled with wanting to be closer to you all in Winnipeg, or his love of the Coast where he also had such deep affection for (and good times with) his brothers and sisters.
Rest in peace Jimmy. I sure wish you could have had a few more years.
Uncle Jim always made me feel special. He always went out of his way to see me when I went in to town or when I passed by blind bay way back when. I love him and will always remember him. He was a great man.
~ Nicole OKeefe
My deapest condolences to Jim`s whole family, I feel so sorry for you and your wonderful obituary brings me to tears. I haven`t seen Jimmy for such a long time, but I will always remember his warm laughter and his sparkling eyes. As my sister Julia wrote above: we were always exited when the Canadian family was visiting. And I remember Pat saying: "Blood is thicker than water". I feel this special bond. I lit a candle for Jimmy and I`m sure that many people around the world will think of him.
Love to all of you,
Katja
~ Katja König
We are so deeply saddened to hear this news. Jim was such an incredible addition to our lives and we so cherish the time that we got to spend with him. His spirit, care, love and kindness will never be forgotten. Lots of love to your family from ours.
~ Janelle, José & Florencia del Pozo
Ajit and I would like to express our deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved partner, father, brother, cousin and friend.
Jim was referred to me as a realtor when I moved to South Surrey in 1993. Coming from Winnipeg, the real estate market here seemed overwhelming, but I immediately knew that I had chosen the perfect person to guide me in the right direction. We had so much fun house hunting that we almost regretted it when we finally closed a deal. Fortunately, our relationship did not end there. We went on to develop a strong friendship that has lasted to this day.
One of Jim’s favourite sayings was, “A joy shared is twice the joy, a pain shared is half the pain.” True to the adage, Jim and I confided in each other and encouraged each other to overcome difficulties. We also shared many good times. He introduced me to his friends, some of them becoming my own good friends. We had memorable gatherings, often resulting in Jim singing King of the Road at the top of his lungs after a few or more liberating cocktails. Someone posted about the miniature canon he had acquired. I have a memory of him using it to shoot at a rubber chicken. Oh, that was funny!
As time
moved on, Ajit came into my life and Judy into his. The dinner parties
continued, albeit a little more subdued as we were all getting wiser. Hum, maybe!
Jim and Ajit hit it off, getting along
like a house on fire—another of Jim’s famous sayings. They often went out for
coffee at Tim Horton’s to talk about politics and banter about various public figures.
They had plans to create a think tank of spirited people who could envision
better public policies and governments. Sadly, that did not come to fruition.
Jim was a truly remarkable person. He was generous, smart, insightful, optimistic, fun, and kind. Ajit and I are grateful he was in our lives. We appreciated him and enjoyed his company.
Jim, we love you and will miss you terribly. Here’s to the king of the road on his journey to heaven. Cheers!
Louise Tremblay and Ajit Mehat
~ Louise and Ajit
I`m very sad,because Jimmy passed away. It was always a pleasure when he came to visit Germany! We all felt very comfortable in his company! He was warm, humorous and sensitiv ! I have many fond memories of him and am glad, that I had the chance to meet him and I will miss him! Good bye dear Jimmy, I hope to see you one day again! Love Annelie
~ Annelie lehmann