On October 7, 2020, James Roy Betts, beloved son, husband and father, passed away all too soon at the age of 72. To the end, he held the hand of his loving wife of 51 years, Maureen, who was by his side.
Born April 7, 1948 in the Town of Lunenburg, N.S. to Margaret (née Lynch) and Roy Betts, Jim grew up on the East Coast and loved its people and places. He graduated from the Lunenburg Academy and had a natural affinity for numbers. He went on to obtain his Masters in Mathematics from Dalhousie University in 1975. A portion of his thesis was published in the Canadian Mathematical Bulletin. On occasion, Jim would proudly attempt to explain “Three Remarks on the Measurement of Unit Spheres” to the bewilderment of his children, none of whom inherited his talents in mathematics.
After completing his education, Imperial Oil hired Jim and he worked there until he retired at the age of 55. Over the years, he had the chance to work in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and Ontario while holding various roles for the company. Jim had an amazing work ethic and was tireless in his efforts to provide for his family.
Jim loved being active and particularly enjoyed skiing and golfing. The family travelled extensively to ski hills across North America and, later in life, he and his wife were co-directors of the Senior Atlantic Ski Club. Jim also got Maureen involved in golf and they were long time members of Ashburn Golf Club. While never off with his math, unfortunately Jim’s driver did not always have the same level of accuracy. All the same, he loved the game and played for years with his family and a group of close and cherished friends.
After he retired, he built his dream cottage on Princess Inlet in his hometown of Lunenburg. It is hard to picture him happier than when he was swimming in the ocean, taking a boat cruise with his family or relaxing on the beach. Jim took every chance he had to travel the world with Maureen who will never forget those adventures and the time that they had together exploring new places. Attending family gatherings, most recently, Rosie’s Famous COVID Carport Supper Club, and watching his children and grandchildren grow up were all things he treasured.
It is an understatement to say that Jim will be greatly missed by his immediate & extended family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Maureen (née Ross); children, Michael (Wendy Wade), Jennifer (Rick Bennett), and Robert (Patricia); grandchildren, Owen, Jack & Josh Bennett and Emily & Samuel Betts as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Catherine Margaret and grandson Jeremy William Bennett.
A special thank you for the care Jim received from his family physician, Dr. N. Wayne MacLeod and all the staff of the Abbie J. Lane 9th Floor Geriatric Unit at the QEII. Their assistance through this difficult time was invaluable and will not be forgotten.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, Lunenburg, where a private family service will be held. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Catherine Margaret Betts Endowment Fund at the I.W.K. or to the Geriatric Assessment Unit of the Abbie Lane Hospital through www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Jim Roy Betts Wednesday October 7th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Lunenburg, Province: Nova Scotia