James Arthur Hall

James Arthur Hall of Assiniboia, SK passed away March 23, 2012 at age 81. Predeceased by his wife Eunice (Morgan), and daughter Rhonda Sayese, Jim is survived by children: Lynne (Paul) Dias, Alison (Frank) Antonio, Bill (Lori), Wes (Francine); son-in-law Murray Sayese; 14 grandchildren: Richard, Jamie, Alexander, Amanda, Austin, Cody, Kyle, Ashley, Bryce, Mackenzie, Taneille, Karlie, David, Sarah and 7 great-grandchildren: Pearl, Emma, Jewel, Samuel, Ryder, Jayden and McKayla. He was also survived by his sister Dorothy McKechnie and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was born February 2, 1931 on the family farm four miles south of Crane Valley to Tom and Mary Hall growing up the youngest of five. On October 29, 1960, Jim married Eunice Morgan of Old Wives and resided on the family farm in Crane Valley raising their family until moving to Assiniboia in 1978. From barn dances to house parties, the door was always open. Lodge, sport, farm, friends, travel, and family all held a special place in Jim’s life. Jim was involved in masonry, both in the York and Scottish rites, and the Shrine beginning in 1964. He achieved high offices in all the orders in Masonry. His involvement took him for miles and for days far and near creating lasting friendships all over North America. Jim’s tremendous love of sports found him playing hockey, baseball, hunting, curling to spectating and watching his children play sports, then his grandchildren and any event on television. Jim experienced life as a banker, a teacher, a councillor, director of various associations and he even took a stab at politics. Ultimately, Jim was a farmer through and through. Even in retirement, when home, he was at the farm looking to help drive, move, or fix something. And those days where his strength eluded him, his friend Fred Engel allowed him to continue to be involved. Jim enjoyed being with people and experiencing life. Jim had held a pilot’s license and owned a plane at one time. He moved out to BC for a short time before returning to his rural roots. Although Assiniboia was ultimately home base, travel took Jim everywhere. He travelled for vacations, for sports, for Lodge, to take friends to appointments, and ultimately, he travelled to keep in touch with family. Dad, Uncle, Grandpa, Jim was there if he was needed whether in the form of words of wisdom, support or just his presence. CELEBRATION OF LIFE presided by Lori Klein and Les Wilcock with MASONIC FUNERAL CEREMONY conducted by Richard Hobbs was held on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 2:30 PM in St. Paul’s United Church, Assiniboia, SK. Donations in Memory of Jim may be made to the Shrine Hospital for Sick Children. Interment followed at Crane Valley Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com