James C. Henderson

We are very sad to announce the passing of James Calder Henderson on June 20, 2023. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eileen (Melnyk), daughters Joanne (Kenneth), Janice (Soukri), and much adored three grandchildren Alexandra, Thomas and Emma.

He truly loved his family and friends and embraced life with a flourish. He could often be seen on long walks in the area, where his walks became longer as he stopped to chat with whomever he ran into. If he wasn’t walking, he could be found on his bike cycling to Englishman River Falls or on a tennis court. For anyone walking by the house, either on the deck on 1st Avenue or park model in Mesa for many fun, happy years, he might have waved you over for a drink and chat because he was a social man to his core.  If you were really fortunate, you got to sample his infamous homemade “cheap wine” and questionable beer.

As much as he loved his friends old and new, he adored his family. Jim (Calder), the eldest son of Tom and Sadie from Dashwood, loved and was constantly amused by sisters Bonnie, Judy and Brooke and brother Dwight. He fell and stayed in love with his darling Eileen right up until he passed. He always found time to spend with his daughters to teach them life lessons, like how to mix a drink, swear in Morse code or tell one cloud from another. He adored his grandkids and enjoyed taking them swimming at the Four Poles or Spider Lake, teaching them tennis, or taking them on long walks through the trails.

Jim fought his battle against Alzheimer’s for several years but was well-cared for by the wonderful staff at Eagle Park Health Care Facility. He passed away in Qualicum, his much-loved hometown of many many years. He never lost his ability to make others smile and his sense of humour will be missed by all who knew him.

We will all truly miss our husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend.