HOLLIDAY, Heber James 'Jim' - (February 6th, 1928 - September 8th, 2020)
On Tuesday, September 8, 2020, Heber James (Jim) Holliday, loving husband, Dad, Granddad, Uncle and friend, passed away of a heart attack at the age of 92.
He was born near Dorchester on Thames, England on February 6, 1928 and attended school in Wallingford on scholarships.
He immigrated to Canada after marrying his loving wife of 65 years, Winifred (Win) Patricia Holliday.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, sister Anne and brother Bert.
He is survived by his daughters Jill and Sheila (Michael Tomasek) and his grandchildren Cody Veal and Sara Veal.
He was a long distance and always interested uncle to Colin, Duncan, Mark and Claire.
Jim was a WWII veteran and proudly served in the Royal Navy on the Opossum just before the war ended. He served as a radio mechanic, which he described as the precursor to his interest in computers. He continued his interest in service in the Royal Navy in Canada.
After the war, and while working for the Sun Alliance Insurance Company in England, he was offered an exciting opportunity to work in the Canadian office.
That prompted a quick engagement and wedding to the love of his life, Winifred. They immigrated to Canada in 1954 and started a new life in a new country.
Jim was a dedicated employee of Sun Alliance Insurance for 39 years. During that time he forged lifelong friendships.
Being able to retire at the age of 59 afforded him many years to do what he enjoyed and he had many interests. He was often at his computer, using his analytical mind to explore the world of computing, he subscribed to many blogs and news streaming sites.
He was always searching out the latest apps and gadgets to make things more efficient around the house, such as remote lighting, organizational shortcuts and creating shopping lists.
Jim also had a rarely seen creative side, and loved photography and nature and enjoyed sharing photos and slides of birds, flowers and fungi with family and clubs. He was a passionate birder, those appearing at his home feeder, and most recently in photos and videos shared by family and friends.
Jim also enjoyed offering a helping hand, by volunteering at North York hospital early in his retirement, and for many years later at Lakeridge Health in the dialysis unit.
We will miss his quick wit, sharp intellect, and very dry sense of humour. He loved to poke fun, and was always ready with a smile, and a teasing phrase. His way of showing how much he enjoyed your presence. He was a very private person, so when you were able to hear his stories and memories, it was a very special moment.
He was a steady presence and support, always ready for a discussion on life, work, and the world. He will be greatly missed.
Details of a combined funeral for Win and Jim will be posted here shortly.
Donations in Jim’s honour can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com .
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