James “ Jim ” Norman Warrener

July 4^th, 1931 – April 27^th, 2020

Peacefully on Monday, April 27^th, 2020 our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend James “Jim” Warrener was called home by his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Jim was predeceased by his beloved wife and best friend Joan in 2013 and we are comforted knowing they are together again.

Jim was born in Winnipeg on July 4^th, 1931 to Cyril & Hilda Warrener. Jim had many fond memories of his childhood growing up with his older siblings, sister Joyce and brother Steve in their family home on McAdam Avenue in Winnipeg’s North End.

Jim loved to tell stories of those years, revealing his growing steadfast Christian faith attending services and singing in the choir of St. Chrysostom’s Anglican Church on Bannerman Avenue. Singing hymns and listening to classical music was a source of great joy for Jim throughout his life.

Stories of playing baseball in the empty field behind their home, boy scout adventures with Steve, his Mum’s Sunday roast beef & yorkshires, and Joyce spoiling him with chocolate treats were all treasured memories. Going to the local theatre was a highlight of social life in those days, and Jim loved getting up on the stage before screenings to demonstrate his yoyo and bolo bat skills. The wide diversity of the North End cultural community greatly influenced Jim, helping him to develop a great love and keen interest in people.

These qualities served Jim well as he joined the workforce. Firstly as a paperboy, followed by Silverwood Dairies where he was a “sour cream bottle washer”. Following graduation from St. John’s High School in 1948, Jim began his studies in Civil Engineering, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil) from the University of Manitoba in 1953. He pursued and obtained his Master of Applied Science at the University of Toronto in 1954. Thus began Jim’s dedicated lifelong career as an Environmental Engineer, working for the Province of Manitoba specializing in water and wastewater management. Teaching courses at the Manitoba Water & Wastewater School at Red River Community College gave Jim a most welcome opportunity to connect with the younger generation.

Throughout his career, Jim was actively involved with both the Manitoba and Western Canadian Water and Wastewater Associations. He appreciated the awards and recognition bestowed over the years, but it was the friendships and connections made with people along the way that meant the most to Jim.

Sometime during 1955/56, Jim found himself with a colleague working in the town of Killarney, Manitoba. His colleague managed to arrange a “double date” with two nurses from the Killarney hospital. You can guess that this was the night when Jim met the love of his life – the beautiful Joan Challoner from Norquay, Saskatchewan. Jim and Joan were married on November 8^th, 1958 in St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Winnipeg.

Jim and Joan welcomed their son Donald “Don” on June 5^th, 1962 having settled in North Kildonan where they made many life-long friends.

One of life’s greatest joys for them both was becoming grandparents to Melissa when she arrived on April 14^th, 1992.  “Pa” as Jim was affectionately called by Melissa, would jump at any opportunity to “drop-in” to see her and would eagerly volunteer to take her for stroller rides up and down Kildonan Drive. The family cottage on Moonlight Bay of West Hawk Lake was a treasured summer retreat. Jim was in his “happy place” there puttering on the property, enjoying family and perfecting his horseshoe throwing skills.

Pervading through all aspects of Jim’s life, was his Christian faith. St. Saviour’s Anglican Church in East Kildonan was Jim & Joan’s parish home for the past 50 + years. His eager dedication to parish life and service was evident and inspiring.  His dedication to many different parish ministries was cheerfully offered and Jim was always ready to lend a hand or offer advice regarding parish building and property projects. This led to many years as the Chair of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land Property Committee.  Jim was in his element and was dedicated to making personal connections with the many parishes that he visited in the Diocese.

In 2015, Jim received the blessing of his great-grandson Lucas. Lucas and “Pa” adored each other and Jim’s eyes always sparkled whenever Lucas came into a room. Lucas’s cheery “Hi Pa” as he arrived for family get-togethers was always greeted with an equally exuberant “Heelllooooooo there” from Pa.

As Jim’s dementia progressed in recent years, he was welcomed into the loving and excellent care of assisted living at River Ridge Retirement Residence, and River East Personal Care Home (REPCH). Jim was able to continue to enjoy his favourite hobby of talking to people and sharing his “witty humour” – often joking around with staff and other residents looking to brighten someone’s day. He particularly looked forward every day to his visits with his son Don. Jim continued to enjoy attending church services and loved seeing the familiar faces of his church family and singing hymns.

Given the current pandemic situation, we were so grateful that Don was allowed to visit with his Dad when Jim’s condition worsened. Their morning visit on the day of his passing was truly a gift. Jim was conscious and able to hear and show response to the loving words that were spoken. Jim passed into the arms of his loving Saviour very peacefully in the early evening hours.

We are so thankful for the compassionate care of all the staff at River East Personal Care Home, and especially to his home community on Charity Lane. Thanks also to Rev. Edmund Laldin and Rev. Canon Rick Condo who have been such a support to our family, most especially during the time of Jim’s passing. Cherishing his memory are his son Don, daughter-in-law Sarah, and his beloved grand-daughter & family – Melissa, Eddie and Lucas.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church once the pandemic restrictions on public gatherings are lifted and it is safe to do so. It is expected to be sometime in the fall of 2020.

The finalized Memorial Service details will be announced through St. Saviour’s Anglican Church website:      www.stsaviourswinnipeg.com  As well as on the parish’s “Facebook” page.