James McCallum

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James “Papa” McCallum on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 in Vancouver, British Columbia at the age of 90. James was a beloved father, grandfather, partner, brother, uncle, and friend. Pre-deceased by wife Helen and sisters Janet and Peigi, James is survived by children Lorraine and Craig, grandchildren Elizabeth, Alexandra, Jordan, and Benjamin, cherished soulmate of twenty-two years Gail, sister Renee, and the many other family members and friends who he loved and laughed with.

Always a seeker, James was steadfast in his quest to understand life, soul, and spirit. His varied and colourful careers as a master gardener, educator, and government advisor took him on adventures across the globe. He loved his family, his pets, traveling, oil painting, organic cooking, good books, quiet times, meditating, Tai Chi, and coffee with friends. The last three years of his life were spent with his closest family and his wonderful care team at South Granville Park Lodge – where each day was filled with love, laughter, lattes, and licorice. A special thank you to all in his SGPL family for their kindness and excellent care.

James will be lovingly remembered for his cheeky sense of humour, gentle generosity, forgiving heart, and ability to see the good in everyone. Although he is deeply missed, we will never truly be without him, as the many trees and flowers he planted throughout Vancouver as a young man still stand tall today. In the often-repeated words of James McCallum: “that was then, this is now…get over it and keep on trucking!”