The Vancouver Technical Representative course that started in
January of this year has recently finished at the beginning of May.
The eight students that participated had recently completed their
final panel presentation. The CSC congratulates those who have
earned their Technical Representative designation and know they
will be excellent representatives of the CSC.
It is early days but if you are interested in the Principles of
Construction Documentation (PCD) course please contact me
as the chapter is likely going to hold this course again in the fall
and would like to have an idea of the interest level. As of now we
have heard from three people that have expressed interest. PCD
is the first course, and a pre-requisite, for all of the CSC education
streams. These are Certified Technical Representative, Certified
Construction Contract Administrator, and Certified Specification
Practitioner. It is also a strong foundational course for people
who are new to the construction industry or want to better
understand construction documentation (specifications, drawings
and schedules), products, bidding procedures and contracts. This
course is offered on-line by CSC Canada once a year and the
Vancouver chapter aims to hold one local class a year.
The CSC Vancouver chapter was planning to have a Construction
Contract Administration begin in the late winter or early spring.
Based on the schedule of those that were going to register the
Chapter has postponed the course until the fall. When the dates
have been confirmed I will e-mail those who have contacted me
in and post the information on the website.
The CSC Vancouver chapter has reached out to a few potential
instructors about teaching previous courses. If you are interested
in teaching a full course or would like to help co-teach a course
please contact me to discuss your interests.
For further information please contact me at robert@div7.ca
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Friday, 1 May 2015
Words from the Chair - Specifier: May 2015
I find myself with mixed emotions
writing my final column before turning
over the reins to a very capable
James Kelly, CTR of Soprema. Mixed
because I have such a passion for this
association and have so very much
enjoyed being a part of such a hardworking
and dedicated executive committee. That is the sad
part of the equation the other part is relief because I have my
own business to run and finding balance has been difficult on
occasion. I guess a third emotion is the pride in knowing that
there is a very capable team taking on the operations of the
association made up of both existing and new team members.
So much gets done on a daily basis for the Vancouver Chapter
by the many individuals who put aside their paying work and
don an impartial and unbiased industry hat for the betterment
of the association that I need to acknowledge them here. They
are in no particular order but deserve a virtual “high five” or
in today’s world “fist bump” so here goes…Vince Smith from
Cloverdale who has been and continues to be our treasurer,
George McCutcheon of North West PLAN Inc who has been
our Specification Officer, our Program Chair and currently
Secretary and adviser extraordinaire, Blair Bennett, CTR of
Soprema who retired this year as Director on the Nation Board
after many dedicated years of service. Melodie Schwartzman,
CTR of CGC who is our Member at Large, Past Chair,
Past Director and has agreed to stay on again this year. Mario
Maggio, CDT of C.R. Laurence Canada/U.S. Aluminum who
has been our Membership Officer for years and continues to be
a part of our group despite a promotion including more responsibilities!
Brad Morris, CSP of Morris Specifications Inc is our
Website Officer and has mastered the art of NOT rolling his
eyes when I either do not understand what he is talking about
or I get very enthusiastic over something he has been doing
for years…sorry Brad for causing you all the stress…you do
such a wonderful job for us, I had to apologize! Todd Gerrard
(CTR in waiting) of Enercorp Inc. for his tireless work on our
ever growing and ever expanding Trade Fair – Despite have a
run taken at us by a much larger trade show group. Thank you
Todd for stepping up and agreeing to become Vice-Chair! Eric Poxleitner, Architect of Keystone Architecture and planning Ltd
for all of his efforts in providing us with another great year of
programs and agreeing to stay on as Co-Chair of programs and
mentor our incoming program person. Robert Jahnsen (CTR in
Waiting as well) of Div 7 for another great job in Education.
Keep it up and you will never be able to leave Robert! Peggy
Perry CSP of Boldwing Continuum Architects Inc for joining us
mid-year as our Specifications Officer and for agreeing to stay
on this year, thank you Peggy. Finally to Glen Stokes, Partner
Architect, Bruce Carscadden Architect for his hard work and
dedication to our Newsletter. His job has been a bit like herding
feral cats and he has done it magnificently. I look forward to
sitting on the board as Director for this Chapter at the National
level and to working with the returning folk as well as some
new faces who join us officially June 1st! Help me welcome
Dennis Hodkinson, CCCA of Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.
who is taking over the Newsletter responsibilities, Leon Viger,
Senior Project Manager of MGBA | Mallen Gowing Berzins
Architecture who is to be Co-Chair of programs, Ryan Foster,
BC Sales Rep – Roxul Inc our new Marketing Chair and Brian
Maher, Technical Sales Representative – Dryvit who is taking
over the Trade Fair responsibilities. Without everyone’s time
and energy we would not be as successful as we are.
I should not finish without mentioning that the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, the BC Construction Association and the Canadian Construction Association have identified quality of documents as an ongoing priority and are actively examining the role their collective associations can play in addressing this important topic. If you would like to know more about this, please contact Fiona Famulak at president@vrca.bc.ca to see if there is a role you can play in their ongoing discussions.
Thank you for the opportunity to Chair this amazing organization, I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and encourage you to chat with one of us to see how you might become involved, we always welcome member involvement and a fresh perspective!
Kimberly J. Tompkins, CTR
Principal Tec Agencies Ltd
604-880-4470 (M)
866-928-0944 Toll Free
www.tecagencies.com
Proudly representing;
Cosella Dorken: www.cosella-dorken.com
EPRO: www.eproserv.com
Knight Wall: www.knightwallsystems.com
Lymtal – Iso-Flex: www.lymtal.com
ProtectoWrap: www.protectowrap.com
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
I should not finish without mentioning that the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, the BC Construction Association and the Canadian Construction Association have identified quality of documents as an ongoing priority and are actively examining the role their collective associations can play in addressing this important topic. If you would like to know more about this, please contact Fiona Famulak at president@vrca.bc.ca to see if there is a role you can play in their ongoing discussions.
Thank you for the opportunity to Chair this amazing organization, I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events and encourage you to chat with one of us to see how you might become involved, we always welcome member involvement and a fresh perspective!
Kimberly J. Tompkins, CTR
Principal Tec Agencies Ltd
604-880-4470 (M)
866-928-0944 Toll Free
www.tecagencies.com
Proudly representing;
Cosella Dorken: www.cosella-dorken.com
EPRO: www.eproserv.com
Knight Wall: www.knightwallsystems.com
Lymtal – Iso-Flex: www.lymtal.com
ProtectoWrap: www.protectowrap.com
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Wednesday, 1 April 2015
Education Report - Specifier: April 2015
The Vancouver Technical Representative course that started in
January of this year is almost finished. The eight students that
participated will be doing their final presentations to the review
committee over the next couple of weeks.
It is early days but if you are interested in the Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course please contact me as the chapter is likely going to hold this course again in the fall and would like to have an idea of the interest level. PCD is the first course, and a pre-requisite, for all of the CSC education streams. These are Certified Technical Representative, Certified Construction Contract Administrator, and Certified Specification Practitioner. It is also a strong foundational course for people who are new to the construction industry or want to better understand construction documentation (specifications, drawings and schedules), products, bidding procedures and contracts. This course is offered on-line by CSC Canada once a year and the Vancouver chapter aims to hold one local class a year.
The CSC Vancouver chapter was planning to have a Construction Contract Administration begin in the late winter or early spring. As of now the Vancouver Chapter is still looking for a qualified instructor; as soon as this is done I will e-mail those who have contacted me in the past and post the information on the website.
The CSC Vancouver chapter has reached out to a few potential instructors about teaching this course. If you are interested in teaching or would like to help co-teach a course please contact me to discuss your interests.
For further information please contact me at robert@div7.ca
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
It is early days but if you are interested in the Principles of Construction Documentation (PCD) course please contact me as the chapter is likely going to hold this course again in the fall and would like to have an idea of the interest level. PCD is the first course, and a pre-requisite, for all of the CSC education streams. These are Certified Technical Representative, Certified Construction Contract Administrator, and Certified Specification Practitioner. It is also a strong foundational course for people who are new to the construction industry or want to better understand construction documentation (specifications, drawings and schedules), products, bidding procedures and contracts. This course is offered on-line by CSC Canada once a year and the Vancouver chapter aims to hold one local class a year.
The CSC Vancouver chapter was planning to have a Construction Contract Administration begin in the late winter or early spring. As of now the Vancouver Chapter is still looking for a qualified instructor; as soon as this is done I will e-mail those who have contacted me in the past and post the information on the website.
The CSC Vancouver chapter has reached out to a few potential instructors about teaching this course. If you are interested in teaching or would like to help co-teach a course please contact me to discuss your interests.
For further information please contact me at robert@div7.ca
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Words from the Chair - Specifier: April 2015
Happy Spring Everyone….well at least
those living in the west! I recently
attended my first official CSC National
Board Meeting in Ontario where all of
the chapters across the country were
represented save for the Quebec City
Chapter. I was impressed with the level
of professionalism that was exhibited throughout the business
portion of the meetings and with the level of camaraderie that
was present during the social times throughout the weekend. A
very special thank you goes to Darlene Helfrich ( Director from
the Edmonton Chapter) for organizing a tribute photo/video in
honor of Jim Dunsmore. A trip to the dollar store resulted in
some hilarious headwear from satiny bunny ears, shower caps,
and hats of all shapes, color and sizes. Everyone was such a good
sport and I am sure that Jim was having a great chuckle at our
antics!
The health of the organization and the ability of the various chapters to maintain or grow their membership was encouraging to say the least. We often find ourselves very focused locally on our issues, education, finance etc., only to realize we are part of a much bigger picture and that there is a wealth of information that can be accessed by simply reaching out to another chapter or the Association office.
The members forum dinner on Saturday night was a prime example of how we are part of a bigger family. It allowed for much discussion of the various ways that we host functions, deal with education, support membership and handle finances. I heard many a director tell another that they would be happy to share information….just give them a call or send an email and they would put that person in touch with the right person on their executive.
We spent a great deal of time discussion the draft Strategic Plan – 2016 and beyond with a homework assignment of sharing it with our local executive for review and comment. This will happen at our next executive meeting March 24th and provide feedback to the office by the end of the month!
The Winnipeg chapter is excited to be hosting this year’s conference May 27th to the 31st with an extensive technical program along with a great companion program. If you have not had the chance to attend one of our out of town conference I strongly recommend that you consider this one….but be careful, once you attend one it is difficult not to attend the next and the next and the next! Halifax will be hosting 2016 and we are hosting 2017 in Kelowna so mark your calendars for the next three years.
Finally, we are approaching our Chapter General Meeting where some of our executive will be stepping down leaving room for members who are interested to step in and be a part of a great, dynamic and professional team!
Please do not hesitate to send me a note kim@tecagencies.com or give me a call 604-880-4470 if you are interested.
Kimberly Tompkins,
CTR Chapter Chair
CSC – Vancouver Chapter
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
The health of the organization and the ability of the various chapters to maintain or grow their membership was encouraging to say the least. We often find ourselves very focused locally on our issues, education, finance etc., only to realize we are part of a much bigger picture and that there is a wealth of information that can be accessed by simply reaching out to another chapter or the Association office.
The members forum dinner on Saturday night was a prime example of how we are part of a bigger family. It allowed for much discussion of the various ways that we host functions, deal with education, support membership and handle finances. I heard many a director tell another that they would be happy to share information….just give them a call or send an email and they would put that person in touch with the right person on their executive.
We spent a great deal of time discussion the draft Strategic Plan – 2016 and beyond with a homework assignment of sharing it with our local executive for review and comment. This will happen at our next executive meeting March 24th and provide feedback to the office by the end of the month!
The Winnipeg chapter is excited to be hosting this year’s conference May 27th to the 31st with an extensive technical program along with a great companion program. If you have not had the chance to attend one of our out of town conference I strongly recommend that you consider this one….but be careful, once you attend one it is difficult not to attend the next and the next and the next! Halifax will be hosting 2016 and we are hosting 2017 in Kelowna so mark your calendars for the next three years.
Finally, we are approaching our Chapter General Meeting where some of our executive will be stepping down leaving room for members who are interested to step in and be a part of a great, dynamic and professional team!
Please do not hesitate to send me a note kim@tecagencies.com or give me a call 604-880-4470 if you are interested.
Kimberly Tompkins,
CTR Chapter Chair
CSC – Vancouver Chapter
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Friday, 27 March 2015
Membership Report - Specifier: February 2015
As we continue to promote CSC, the need for value in the construction industry is greater than ever. The Vancouver Chapter has increased by two new members which brings membership to 164.
Please help us to welcome our new members:
- Shawn Kelly, Architectural Technologist – LEED Green Associate
- Mark Gordon, Technical Sales Rep – of Bailey West
For More Information on Membership:
- Contact any member of the executive
- Attend one of our luncheon meetings
- Visit the National website
- Visit our Chapter website
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Luncheon - Rainscreen and the Resurgence of EIFS
Thursday, April 9, 2015
Presented by Andre Turrin, Technical Director-DuRock, EIFS Council of Canada Board of Directors
This Presentation will:
- Address the four principal aspects of Environmental Separation that are applicable to EIFS: Protection from Precipitation; Heat Transfer; Air Leakage; and Vapour Diffusion.
- Delve into the Fire Protection Articles of the National Building Code of Canada that apply to EIFS, most notably those involving Non-Combustible Construction, Spatial Separation, and Exposure Protection.
- Discuss designing and detailing considerations with special attention to interfaces with other building elements, termination points, expansion joints, and drainage. The presentation wraps up with an outline of the EQI EIFS Quality Assurance Program (QAP), which is an initiative of the EIFS Council of Canada (ECC).
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will acquire an understanding of EIFS as a viable option to other cladding systems.
- Attendees will learn the value of placing the primary resistance to heat transfer, air leakage, and condensation control outboard of the structure.
- Attendees will understand how EIFS meets the fire protection objectives of the model building code. The three-dimensional colour illustrations enable attendees to visualize how these systems can be integrated into their designs.
- Attendees will gain an appreciation for the various industry initiatives undertaken by the ECC on behalf of the industry.
Andre Turrin joined DuRock in 1997 and in 2006 he assumed the role of Technical Director for the company. In 2006 Andre was elected to the EIFS Council of Canada Board of Directors, where he continues to serve to this day. Andre actively participated in the development of the EQI EIFS Quality Assurance Program and Andre is a member of the ULC Task Group that developed the three CAN/ULC-S716 EIFS Standards. Andre also participated in a Joint Task Group of the Standing Committees on Environmental Separation, Houses and Small Buildings, and Energy Efficiency in Buildings, which proposed changes to reference the S716 Standards in the 2015 National Building Code of Canada.
LOCATION
Sandman Hotel, 180 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Enter Moxie’s Classic Grill escalator entrance. The ballroom is located straight through the restaurant at the back of Moxie’s.
AGENDA
11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Luncheon (full course self-serve buffet style)
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm - Chapter Business
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - Guest Speaker Presentation
COST
$32.00 plus GST for pre-registered CSC members / Association Executive Directors
$48.00 plus GST for non-members
PARKING
Sandman Hotel Parking: Enter off Cambie Street, pass the Sandman Hotel Breezeway, underground parking to the left, press buzzer to access parkade and take elevator to restaurant level. Cost is $1.25 per 15 minutes.
Easy Park: Across the street on the corner of Georgia and Cambie Streets. Cost is $1.50 per 30 minutes.
SKYTRAIN
Exit at Stadium-Chinatown Station. Walk 2 minutes.
REGISTER ONLINE
Online at Karelo by VISA, MasterCard, or Interac Online.
REGISTER BY FAX
The registration form is available at vancouver.csc-dcc.ca. Payment can be made at the door by cash, cheque, or VISA only.
PRE-REGISTRATION
Pre-registration ends at 2:00 pm on the Wednesday before the meeting.
WALK-INS WELCOME
Missed the deadline? Did not pre-register? You may still attend at $50.40 per person, space permitting, BUT please call 604-868-8406 beforehand. If you pre-register and do not attend, we may invoice you for the cost of the meeting. If you have special dietary (meal) requirements, please notify us at least 24 hours before the event.
AIBC Members will receive 1 core LU (Learning Unit) for attending this event.
RCI has approved this meeting for 1 RCI Continuing Education Hour (CEH).
Members to request attendance certificate.
Members to request attendance certificate.
Monday, 23 March 2015
Words from the Chair - Specifier: February 2015
Hello everyone, I am donating my column space for the recognition of and tribute to Mr. Jim Dunsmore, a longtime member and supporter of this chapter and association. I am a better person having known him these last 20 years. I am sure that wherever he is, it is a better, brighter place!
Kimberly Tompkins, CTR
Chapter Chair
CSC – Vancouver Chapter
It is with a heavy heart that I write a few words about the loss of my friend and mentor Jim Dunsmore. I know there are many in our industry who have had the good fortune to enjoy Jim’s generous and outspoken nature, his quirky sense of humour and insatiable thirst for fun.
As a relative new comer some 12 years ago, I credit Jim’s patience and encouragement for helping me grow and to better understand the building and construction industry.
As many will attest, Jim was always approachable and never short of an opinion or gentle piece of advice.
Giving back to our industry and helping to develop “fresh blood” was either consciously or subconsciously in Jim’s DNA.
Over the years, Jim and Christy have grown to be more than just industry colleagues but rather close family friends with both getting to know my wife and girls and as well as some of my extended family. We have numerous memories shared over the years but one in particular stands out to me. One summer early in our budding relationship, Jim was enlisted by my wife Tammy to distract me with a round of golf while she organized a surprise birthday party. Now I must admit that Jim and I both have always had erratic golf games that ebb and flow from promising to horrendous from hole to hole and sometimes even shot to shot! During this particular round, Jim’s game was trending down somewhat more than usual with no bounce-back in sight. It wasn’t until the 16th when he took out his lob wedge to take care of a 6 foot putt that we knew it was time for some Sunny D!
As we think back about Jim and what he has meant to us let us embrace and pay forward those qualities Jim exuded: courage in the face of life’s challenges, giving back, getting involved, welcoming and encouraging others, appreciating what and who you have in your life and of course, always having fun.
I know that many of us have reached out to Christy and will continue to make sure she understands the legacy and impact Jim has had on all of our lives.
—Les Yard
Jim was my mentor, a friend and peer. When I was learning to be a specification writer and especially when I became an independent spec writer and needed assistance, I was never afraid to give Jim a call, because he was always willing to help anyway he could. Jim had a quirky sense of humour and always kept everyone entertained. We will surely miss him, my warmest condolences to Christi.
—Ted Wetmore
One of the most entertaining golf rounds in of my life was with Jim Dunsmore and Jim Findlay at one of my first CSC Golf Tournaments. I can’t remember the year but this dynamic dual had our foursome in stitches from start to finish. We even managed a very respectable score even after contributing generously to the most balls lost category. I was so pleased to spend some time with Jim and Christie at last years CST Golf Tournament event. We had fun reminiscing over all the good times and once again we where both laughing and smiling ear to ear. Jim loved to golf and even more to make people laugh with his tenacious sense of humour. Jim was just fun to be around. What a great professional and all round wonderful guy to work with as well. Today my thoughts are
with you both, Jim and Christy.
—Dean Connie
Jim Dunsmore, What can I say, words seem so insufficient...
He was a very passionate man, passionate about his work, and his love of life. Whenever I spoke to him of matters Specifications – the grouch would show, and his concerns about how poor were the relationships between the Specifier and those Architects/Designers. He was convinced that they thought Specifiers were mind readers. I did not have the honour of having him on one of my projects, but got to know him best through both CSC and some social ventures.
Ah! Social ventures…those were fun, and times when Jim and his ever supportive and beautiful partner Christie would truly shine. Bev and I were enticed to join a dance studio by our daughter, ostensibly so the old goat would be able to do the Father Daughter dance at her wedding. We had a ball! As in loads of fun. A couple of times during the time we were dancing, we had “dress up or costume” dances. Jim and Christie would be there in full costume complete with wigs etc...Jim often in drag, and except for the 5 o’clock shadow was very striking.
The last time I saw Jim was one evening in November. I went to visit my Mother-in-law at Royal Columbian, and took a side trip to see if Jim was in for his regular dialysis and he was. I learned of his pending Kidney Transplant, and between Christie, Jim and I we reminisced about the costume dances. Knowing that the donor was a woman dance studio friend, we speculated about the transference of the likes and dislikes that might occur. This particular friend was fond of leopard skin prints and we wondered if Jim might also become so inclined.
We will miss Jim, and all that he brought to our lives.
—David McGuigan
I had the opportunity to work with Jim indirectly through our Vancouver office on a number of projects back in the early and mid nineties. I also had the pleasure of many a good conversation at CSC Board of Directors meetings with Jim (the CSC Vancouver Chapter representative from the other side of the rock pile as he described himself), and meeting with him at Vancouver Chapter breakfast meetings over the years, when I was asked to participate as guest speaker on various subjects.
Very sorry to hear of his passing.
—Peter Semchuk
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
Kimberly Tompkins, CTR
Chapter Chair
CSC – Vancouver Chapter
It is with a heavy heart that I write a few words about the loss of my friend and mentor Jim Dunsmore. I know there are many in our industry who have had the good fortune to enjoy Jim’s generous and outspoken nature, his quirky sense of humour and insatiable thirst for fun.
As a relative new comer some 12 years ago, I credit Jim’s patience and encouragement for helping me grow and to better understand the building and construction industry.
As many will attest, Jim was always approachable and never short of an opinion or gentle piece of advice.
Giving back to our industry and helping to develop “fresh blood” was either consciously or subconsciously in Jim’s DNA.
Over the years, Jim and Christy have grown to be more than just industry colleagues but rather close family friends with both getting to know my wife and girls and as well as some of my extended family. We have numerous memories shared over the years but one in particular stands out to me. One summer early in our budding relationship, Jim was enlisted by my wife Tammy to distract me with a round of golf while she organized a surprise birthday party. Now I must admit that Jim and I both have always had erratic golf games that ebb and flow from promising to horrendous from hole to hole and sometimes even shot to shot! During this particular round, Jim’s game was trending down somewhat more than usual with no bounce-back in sight. It wasn’t until the 16th when he took out his lob wedge to take care of a 6 foot putt that we knew it was time for some Sunny D!
As we think back about Jim and what he has meant to us let us embrace and pay forward those qualities Jim exuded: courage in the face of life’s challenges, giving back, getting involved, welcoming and encouraging others, appreciating what and who you have in your life and of course, always having fun.
I know that many of us have reached out to Christy and will continue to make sure she understands the legacy and impact Jim has had on all of our lives.
—Les Yard
Jim was my mentor, a friend and peer. When I was learning to be a specification writer and especially when I became an independent spec writer and needed assistance, I was never afraid to give Jim a call, because he was always willing to help anyway he could. Jim had a quirky sense of humour and always kept everyone entertained. We will surely miss him, my warmest condolences to Christi.
—Ted Wetmore
One of the most entertaining golf rounds in of my life was with Jim Dunsmore and Jim Findlay at one of my first CSC Golf Tournaments. I can’t remember the year but this dynamic dual had our foursome in stitches from start to finish. We even managed a very respectable score even after contributing generously to the most balls lost category. I was so pleased to spend some time with Jim and Christie at last years CST Golf Tournament event. We had fun reminiscing over all the good times and once again we where both laughing and smiling ear to ear. Jim loved to golf and even more to make people laugh with his tenacious sense of humour. Jim was just fun to be around. What a great professional and all round wonderful guy to work with as well. Today my thoughts are
with you both, Jim and Christy.
—Dean Connie
Jim Dunsmore, What can I say, words seem so insufficient...
He was a very passionate man, passionate about his work, and his love of life. Whenever I spoke to him of matters Specifications – the grouch would show, and his concerns about how poor were the relationships between the Specifier and those Architects/Designers. He was convinced that they thought Specifiers were mind readers. I did not have the honour of having him on one of my projects, but got to know him best through both CSC and some social ventures.
Ah! Social ventures…those were fun, and times when Jim and his ever supportive and beautiful partner Christie would truly shine. Bev and I were enticed to join a dance studio by our daughter, ostensibly so the old goat would be able to do the Father Daughter dance at her wedding. We had a ball! As in loads of fun. A couple of times during the time we were dancing, we had “dress up or costume” dances. Jim and Christie would be there in full costume complete with wigs etc...Jim often in drag, and except for the 5 o’clock shadow was very striking.
The last time I saw Jim was one evening in November. I went to visit my Mother-in-law at Royal Columbian, and took a side trip to see if Jim was in for his regular dialysis and he was. I learned of his pending Kidney Transplant, and between Christie, Jim and I we reminisced about the costume dances. Knowing that the donor was a woman dance studio friend, we speculated about the transference of the likes and dislikes that might occur. This particular friend was fond of leopard skin prints and we wondered if Jim might also become so inclined.
We will miss Jim, and all that he brought to our lives.
—David McGuigan
I had the opportunity to work with Jim indirectly through our Vancouver office on a number of projects back in the early and mid nineties. I also had the pleasure of many a good conversation at CSC Board of Directors meetings with Jim (the CSC Vancouver Chapter representative from the other side of the rock pile as he described himself), and meeting with him at Vancouver Chapter breakfast meetings over the years, when I was asked to participate as guest speaker on various subjects.
Very sorry to hear of his passing.
—Peter Semchuk
Download the entire issue for this article and more.
For more issues, visit our website or visit our archive for past issues.
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