James (Jim) Bannatyne

James Morice Bannatyne                   

With family by his side on October 17th, 2019, James Morice Bannatyne passed peacefully.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his children Grant (Angie) (Travis, Kristine and Zak); Cliff (Jackie) (Garrett and Kira); Scott (Jacqueline) (Courtney and Tyson), Gail (Lyall); brothers Herb, Grant and Ross; sisters Sheila and Nancy.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Mary; parents Morice and Lena Bannatyne; brothers Bob and Bruce and sister Donna.

Dad/Grandpa was born and raised on the family farm in Charleswood, where his strong work ethic was instilled in him. Dad was a hard worker and headed west at the age of 17 where he would find employment building grain elevators in Saskatchewan and Alberta. When he returned home to Charleswood, he worked at Yager builders and Gus’s garage before earning his ticket as a diesel mechanic and then going on to work for 35 years at C.P. Express before retirement.

In 1961, Dad built his own home on Community Row where his family was raised and where he lived right up until his passing.

 Dad was a jack of all trades. He was a skilled carpenter, plumber, electrician and was able to fix any appliance, machine or engine that needed repair. He had a large garden that he loved to tend, that some years would produce trophy sized vegetables with one pumpkin weighing 262 lbs. Any task that dad took on was done with detail and precision. We have yet to see a lawn with straighter lines than when dad cut the grass.

 Grampa’s love for his grandchildren was undeniable. He attended hockey, baseball and soccer games and also found time to watch horse riding lessons and tour the barn after which he loved. He liked to take his grandchildren on nature hikes along his parent’s old farm land where they would spot deer and other wildlife. Grampa loved his grandkids and also his grand dogs. We all knew to bring the pooches when we came to visit.

Sitting in his rocking chair on the patio or in the shade of his garage was where you would find him when coming for a visit. He would greet you with a friendly smile and if the grandchildren were along, you would have thought he had won the lottery. 

 Another of Dad’s favorite things were his weekly trips to Shelmerdine Garden Center with Gail. Dad definitely had a green thumb and the plants they purchased together, thrived under his care.

Dad was a truly a humble man who was generous and would help out anyone who asked.

A celebration of his life will take place on Friday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. at Charleswood United Church Hall.

We will miss him and will cherish his memory.

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society in memory of James Bannatyne.

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