It is with sorrow but also relief that we announce the passing of Jim MacGillivray on March 2, 2016, at the age of 77 years, in Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He is survived by his wife Betty, son Kevin, daughter Kelly (Dave Ford), son-law Dave Scott (Janet Fisher), grandchildren: Caelum and Rhianna Scott, Riley and Ashley MacGillivray, sister Maureen (Gary) Marko, sister-in-law Sharon (Yosh) Sakakibara, sister-in-law Juanita (“Spud”) Bronkema and many nieces, nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his father James MacGillivray, mother Bessie and step-father John Voorsmith.
Jim was born June 20, 1938 in Greenock, Scotland to James and Elizabeth (Bessie) MacGillivray. The war years are remembered as “the most exciting time of my life” by a
young and mischievous boy. In 1948 Jim immigrated to Canada with his parents and young sister. They settled first
in Armstrong, moved to Kamloops, then Alert Bay and finally back to Vernon where Jim completed high school. He
completed his Bachelor and Master degrees in Psychology at UBC, worked at Riverview, then moved with his wife and
family in 1966 to Vernon where he worked for a time at the Mental Health Unit. But his real interest was in teaching
and he joined Okanagan College Staff as soon as it opened in the army camp buildings. He remained employed at the
college in Vernon and Kelowna until his retirement in 1998.
Another major interest was politics. He served on City Council from 1970 to 1978 as the youngest councillor and again from 2000 to 2005 as the oldest.
Jim was a self-taught and talented amateur musician. He had a beautiful tenor voice, played guitar and banjo. He
entertained us at house and beach parties for many years. This past summer, realizing he couldn’t play any longer,
he gave his prized banjo to his grandson. He was overjoyed at Christmas to see how passionately Caelum is playing.
Jim’s other passions were cross country skiing and running until he suffered a major leg injury which put an end to
those physical pursuits. He loved his family, his summer place at Okanagan Lake and his drinks with the lads. He and
Betty enjoyed many trips together up until 2014 when health became an issue. 2015 was a troubled year as Jim’s
health continued to decline, especially since June, with his final month leaving him completely incapacitated. So it is
with our blessing we see him pass on.
A memorial service for Jim will be announced at a later date closer to summer. Those wishing to do so may make a
memorial donation in Jim’s memory to North Okanagan Hospice Society (3506 27 Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S4). You
are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca Cremation arrangements entrusted to ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES ® Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237