Jim Olding passed away at Douglas Care Home, Victoria, B.C., on December 26, 2016. He was 97 years old. Jim was born on February 23, 1919, in Eastbourne, England.
Predeceased by his wife, Patricia, Jim is survived by his two sons and their families, including grandchildren and now one great grandchild.
Jim immigrated with his parents to North Battleford, Saskatchewan, where his Father and Uncle operated the Olding and Olding law firm. After the Depression, the Family migrated to Victoria, but rather than following his Father into law, Jim headed down to California and earned his Pilot’s Licence from the Boeing School of Aeronautics.
WWll soon had Jim flying night raids while piloting Lancaster bombers. This was put to an end in 1943 when Captain Herbert Lutje, A Luftwaffe Ace, shot down Jim’s plane over Bevergern, Germany. Jim was the sole survivor of the crew of seven. He spent the rest of the war in German prison camps, including Stalag Luft 111, of Great Escape fame.
Trans Canada Airlines picked up many of the WW11 airmen, including Jim, who spent 37 years manning the Dorval – Trudeau Airport Flight Dispatch office. Flight Dispatch was at the hub of operations and there were few pilots who did not rely on Jim’s route selections. When in Dorval Jim worked as flight dispatch supervisor and when SOC was created Jim was one of the first Operational Control Managers.
All good things must come to an end and it was time for Pat and Jim to move on, this time, to Saltspring Island. Together with an architect, Jim built his own home with a view down to Sansum Narrows and a flight of steps that allowed Jim and Pat to share a private ocean swim on warm, Saltspring Days.
Jim’s gregariousness touched many people around the world and he will be truly missed by those that loved him. A special thank you goes out to the Staff at Douglas Care and John Preston at Wedgwood Heights, and to so many others as well.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, on Tuesday, January 10, 2016 at 3:00pm.
The Family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and care aids, especially Khelie, who cared for Jim.
Condolences May be offered to the family below
McCall Gardens
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Jim Guy McDougall Olding – February 12, 1919 – December 26, 2016.source
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