Father, spouse, brother, uncle, and valued friend, Jim died peacefully in his sleep on New Year’s Eve. He is survived by his sister Pat (Macdonald), brother Dick (Jackie), son Mark, his two daughters Lynn and Diane, and his partner of 25 years Liz Leduc.
Jim loved the ocean and everything maritime. Born in Vancouver in 1936, he grew up near the Fraser River and served in the Canadian Navy.
Jim did spend some years on land, working with the Atomic Energy Commission in Ontario, where he married and raised his family.
After retiring from the Commission, Jim took up a new career in construction and renovation, splitting his time and talents between England and his hometown of Vancouver.
After settling down in West Van, he returned to his first love; all things maritime. He taught sailboarding and was part-owner of the marina in Ambleside. Later, he moved next door to become club manager at Hollyburn Sailing Club.
For these organizations, Jim contributed his marine knowledge and experience, and his skills as a jack-of-all-trades. He was generous in sharing his skills, knowledge and experience with anyone who asked.
Jim loved to work with his hands. During this time, while restoring boats and machinery, he also became an accomplished wood carver and glass blower.
Jim’s interests in conservation and nature were fulfilled with his volunteer time (of over 12 years) to the West Vancouver Streamkeepers, as a member and as a director of the society. He was recognised for his contributions by being presented with the 2011 Watershed Steward Award from the Coho Society of the North Shore, and the District of West Vancouver’s Community Award for the Environment in 2014.
On Jim’s 84th birthday, Friday, January 17, family and friends will gather to celebrate his life at Hollyburn Sailing Club, 1326 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s name, to the West Vancouver Streamkeeper Society, or to a charity of your choice.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Herbert Walter Torry Tuesday December 31st 2019..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique