James Victor Gavin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Victor Gavin at the age of 84. Jim passed away peacefully with his family at his bedside on August 24, 2021, in Halifax, N.S.

Born in Parrsboro, N.S., Jim was the son of the late Martin Douglas and Leta Mae Gavin (nee Gilroy). He is survived by his devoted wife, Elizabeth (Betty/Liz) Catherine Gavin (Nee Murphy), his children Janice Gavin, Martin Gavin (Jacqueline van Nieuwenhuizen) and Colin Gavin (Tamie Marshall) and his three loving grandchildren, Colleen Nicholl, Jim Gavin (Rachel Bonang) and Annie Gavin and two Step Grandchildren Meaghan and Kiersten Hackett as well as his former daughter-in-law Joan Muise.

Jim attended Saint Mary’s University and Technical College of Nova Scotia, (now Dalhousie), where he received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering in 1961. Jim was a noted Highway Engineer for 27 years retiring in 1993 as the Executive Director of Highway Services for the Department of Transportation.

He was an avid golfer and board member of the Oakfield Golf and Country Club. Jim was proud to average over 100 rounds a year usually with his “Fearsome 16” comrades. Golf was a passion for him as he was still playing over 70 rounds a year until 2014.

Another sport of passion for Jim was curling where he was a member of the Bluenose, Mayflower and Halifax Curling Clubs and was on the executive of the Stellarton Curling Club. His proudest moment in curling was wearing the Nova Scotia Provincial Crest on his back at the 1990 Senior Nationals in Whitehorse. Jim also volunteered in the 2003 Brier as the On Ice Sound Technical Lead.

Jim believed in giving back to the community as an active member of several community groups the PROBUS club, Scouts Canada as well as the Kinsmen Club.

In retirement he focused on his grandchildren. He was a regular at their hockey, soccer and rugby events and known by many parents as Jim’s Taxi. He realized great joy in watching the grandkids play sports, often attending several events a day…even if there was a golf conflict.

Most of Jim’s friends know his passion for music, in particular his dedication to being the Music Technical Lead for local, Canadian and World Figure Skating Championships. He was known in these circles as “The Music Man”, participating as Music Technical Chair at Canadian and World Championships often working alongside professionals from CBC, CTV and TSN as sound liaison to the organizing committees for these events. Skate Canada Nova Scotia recognized his achievements in 2017 inducting him into the Skate Canada Nova Scotia Hall of Fame as a builder of the sport for his services. Jim always said he enjoyed the grass roots of a local Saturday morning skating club equally as much as a Canadian or World Figure Skating Competition.

Jim’s Family would like to thank the staff and management of the Parkstone Enhanced Care Facility for their care and efforts.

Services will be held at Snows Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, on Monday August 30th, 2021. Visitation from 12-2pm with a Chapel service following immediately. Well wishers wishing to stay for the service, (not the visitation), are asked to RSVP with Snows Funeral Home. 902-455-0531.

Interment will take place at a later date in Parrsboro, N.S. in the Gavin Family Plot in the Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.