James (Jim) Grant Kalbfleisch of Waterloo died peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2017 with family by his side. He was the beloved husband of 54 years to Rebecca (nee Jardine); loving father of Jane, David (Danielle Droitsch), and Brian; and proud grandfather of Eleanor. He is survived by his sister, Carol Kalbfleisch (Douglas Campbell); his brothers, Jack (Sharon) and Peter (Lynn); Rebecca's sisters, Margaret Romcke and Isabel Bruce; and her brother, Fred Jardine (Janie). Jim is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends. The son of teachers, Janet and Claude Kalbfleisch, Jim was born in 1940 in Galt, Ontario and grew up in Orangeville. He earned his honours B.Sc. from the University of Toronto (1963) and his MA and PhD in mathematics from the University of Waterloo (1964, 1966). During his tenure as Professor of Statistics at the University of Waterloo, Jim served as Dean of Mathematics (1986-1990), Associate Provost (1990-1993), and Vice-President Academic and Provost (1993-2001). After retiring in 2001, Jim's 37 years of service to the University was rewarded with the unique and exceptional title of "Provost Emeritus." In retirement, Jim and Rebecca travelled extensively. Jim also loved theatre, music, and bridge, and he treasured his time with family and friends at the family cottage in Port Albert. Never one to be idle, Jim pursued many interests, most recently weaving. He was an enthusiastic member of the Kitchener-Waterloo Weaver's and Spinner's Guild. A Celebration of Life service for Jim will be held at 2:00 on Sunday, April 30 at the Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre (www.westmountfuneralchapel.com), 1001 Ottawa Street South in Kitchener, with two hours of visitation preceding the service. Family will also receive visitors from 2:00 to 4:30 Saturday, April 29. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any charity of choice. Jim's favourite charities included the KW Symphony, the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, and the Jim Kalbfleisch Award at the University of Waterloo.
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