Mr. James Mathew Poyner

July 6, 1939 - March 14, 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James M. Poyner. He is survived by his loving wife Melanie, children Sue (Mark), Patrick (Kathy), Errin (Bill), Steffanie (Clark) and Sam (Olga), step-children Morgan, Adrienne (Roger), Justine (Joe), Meredith (Rob) , Matthew (Courtney), Kaitlin

(Chris) and Rhys (Mark), sisters Colleen Gibbons (Dick) and Deedee Poyner, cousins Maureen Olafson (Ivan), Mardi West (Tom), Allan Marshall, and Cheryl Mortsen (Jack), numerous nieces and nephews and the many grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews and one great-grandchild who knew

and loved him as Grampa or Poppa Jim. Born on July 6, 1939, Jim moved with his family between Ontario and B.C. before he finally enrolled in UBC in 1958 and settled in Vancouver. He was a member of the UBC Law School class of 1964 and was called to the B.C. Bar in 1965. He then began an illustrious

career in the practice of law that lasted over 50 years. As a partner in the law firm Poyner Baxter, Jim counselled many North Shore residents through difficult legal problems and particularly enjoyed taking on “the big guys”. Jim loved sports – especially when one of his children or grandchildren were playing – and

spent many seasons coaching baseball, soccer and hockey in West Vancouver. He was also a poet, songwriter and guitarist who sang with the Burstin’ with Broadway choir and gave wonderful performances in numerous “Lawyer Shows” with his cast mates at the TLABC. Jim was a member of the Vancouver Athletic Club and later the Hollyburn Country Club where he enjoyed daily workouts and the camaraderie of his fellow members. Most importantly, Jim was

absolutely devoted to his wife and children and to everyone who fit within his broad definition of “family”. More than anything

else, he loved being with his family at Whistler and at Thormanby Island and it is there that we will miss him the most. His Swedish pancakes – served with a big bowl of fruit salad – were legendary. He was an invaluableally, a formidable opponent and generous to a fault. His motto was “Do what you say, and

say what you do.” And he did. Jim left this life as he lived it – centre stage and surrounded by his loving family. Special thanks to the nursing staff at the St. Paul’s Hospital palliative ward who gave Jim such good care. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9,

2016 at Hollyburn Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Union Gospel Mission.