James Wesley Rose

It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of our provider, our father, and husband, Jim Rose. Jim died suddenly on Dec 1, 2020, in his home, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his infant son Jacob in May of 1976. He leaves behind his wife Jan, sons Joel (Lili) and Simon (Lauren), and his beloved trio of granddaughters, Ellie, Mirabel, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his two brothers, Don Rose (Ruth Humberstone) and Terry Rose (Suzanne).

He met Jan, his beloved wife of 49 years in Prince George and they were wed in 1971. Together they had three sons. Family meant everything to him and something he embodied every day of his life and in all of his work. He cherished his wife and sons and was immensely proud of everything about them and everything they achieved. He felt most at home on their property where he loved to work on his countless hobbies and projects and where he could spend time outside in nature and with their animals.

He was born in Victoria, BC to Jack and Eleanor Rose, the eldest of the three sons. He tolerated school, loved sports, and met many lifelong friends there. After high school, he applied his technical gifts to complete an apprenticeship as a steel fabricator and worked at Victoria Machinery Depot, which led on to his career passion, education. He accepted a teaching job and moved to Prince George, BC in 1969, like so many others “for just one year.” He taught high school art and shop classes and later transitioned to his role as Secondary School Apprenticeship Coordinator for School District 57. He later became the founding director of the Career Technical Center (CTC), a joint program between the school district and the College of New Caledonia Trades Division. The list of students he impacted positively is long and spans multiple decades and generations.

He was a builder in the truest sense and a master craftsman. He was a student and teacher of hands-on work his entire life, and his mastery was reflected in many forms. He hand-built a beautiful family home over several decades in several iterations including a rebuild after a major house fire in 1995. He continued to build other projects, ever improving, until the day he died.

His purpose transcended his talent and technical achievements. He moved amongst us with such ease and grace and like him, his relationships were authentic. He built and lived a steady and honest life. He was humble, witty, larger than life and quiet as a breeze. His impact was all-encompassing, and our loss immeasurable. He was a man for all seasons.

Our heartfelt thanks to the Prince George Fire Department and BC Ambulance Service. Special thank you to Constable Tyrosvoutis with the RCMP for his compassion and assistance. Enormous thank you to all family and friends who have helped us and continue to assist us in this very difficult time.

There will be no funeral by Jim’s request. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Jim Rose Legacy Endowment Fund at the College of New Caledonia.

“You are the salt of the earth” - Matthew 5:13