James "Jimmy" Edward Perrin

James Edward Perrin

“Jimmy”

Memorial Service

T. Little Funeral Home and Cremation Centre

Celebrant ~ Brianne Jourdin

On the Wings of a Dream - John Denver

Welcome. My name is Brianne Jourdin and I am deeply honored to be your celebrant today.

We are gathered here today in this house of spirit to honor Jimmy. We unite to console each other and to offer our support to Jimmy's closest friends, his family and his greatest loves; Matthew, Jason, Stewart and their families.

It is my job to get to know Jimmy through the marks that he has left on all of you; I use the bits of information I gather from your memories and I try to understand how this life was lived and what gave it joy.

In honor of Jimmy; while I was putting together our service for today, I listened to as much John Denver, Supertramp and Meatloaf as I could; I checked the Blackhawk Stats - they are 12-4 and 2 after last night's win/loss and currently in first place in their division; and I spent some time talking with my neighbors golden lab about all of the notes I had to work with after my time spent with the boys.

I learned that Jimmy was a nature lover - the earth, the trees, the water and the fish... all things natural Jimmy embraced and respected and he taught those around him to do the same. He valued the acre of property he purchased in 1992 at Whitestone Lake and developed it from boat only access, to wooden planks through the mucky swamp, to a rough road, to what it is today. Clearing brush, cutting trees, splitting logs, building the bunkie, an outhouse and a dock - teaching the boys to value the earth an their own abilities to work hard and create something from nothing.

I learned that Jimmy was a dedicated father - more than just dedicated to being at early morning hockey games and long, late night baseball games; more than just there to remove dangerous slingshots from his boys hands; more than just the man who would help you explore your choices in life so that you can make your own decision.... Jimmy was loyal, present and loving and he lived a wonderful example for Matthew, Jason and Stewart to follow.

I learned that Jimmy was funny with moral codes like "anyone who beats their kids, has a lack of imagination"

I learned that Jimmy was a porter at the hospital and that he brought joy to the lives of many people in the halls of Cambridge Memorial - but it might surprise you to know, that he did not really have a passion for this work. Jimmy had a passion for always living a good happy day, and he had passion for sharing his smile with people he crossed paths with.... but his job was just a means to pay the bills. He couldn't wait to get home every day to be with his boys.

I learned that, despite many difficult medical struggles in his life; diabetes at 15; a heart attack at 25; a stroke; dialysis and a kidney transplant all in the past few years; Jimmy still found a reason to smile every day and he has touched all of your lives in a special and unique way which is why you are here today.

A quote by Meatloaf says, "Dreams they come and go. But love like this will always grow."

It is my hope, that when you leave here today, you feel it was worth your time in today's busy world to stop and honor a life lived. It is my hope that today's service is an experience that resonates in your heart for days or even weeks to come and that the words of comfort spoken today help you to appreciate that you were lucky enough to get a ticket in the game of Jimmy's life.

It was the spring of 1958 and a new bubbly baby boy entered the Perrin household.

It wasn't long before Mother would be sending the boys outside in the morning and they would be expected to entertain themselves all day.... "Don't come back until supper" she would say. Like all kids back then, they played all around the neighbourhood with the many kids that lived in the area. They played Army, Secret Sam, sword fights (with handmade wooden swords). One night was cut short when, they were playing “kick the can” at the Norris boys yard and Jimmy ran into a parked car and smacked his head on the car’s fender. The cut was near his eye, and he bled all over the place.

Jimmy was tough though - he joined hockey when he was about 15 as a goalie; and in his first year he received the MVP award (partially because he was near the only goalie in the league) but that is beside the point.

The youngest of 3, James Edward Perrin didn't have to work hard at being lovable. A glowing smile that would grow into dashing good looks that made his brother's jealous. The teenage idol they called him; all of the girls thought he looked like Donny Osmond. He had thick dark hair, a big smile, and big heart. Unlike the rest of the boys, and despite his diabetes, Jim kept himself in good physical condition. He lifted weights in the family rec room and played hockey and baseball regularly. With his charming smile, good looks and “hard body” he got all the girls’ attention. He fell in love with Rita, and even though he was the youngest, he was the first of the “three boys” to get married and start a family.

Jimmy wore many hats - that of father, brother and a great friend. I'm pleased to welcome his best friend, a man who has known him through the many stages of life - Dane, to share with us some of his memories and words about the impact that Jimmy's friendship had on his experience of life so far.

Dane Speaks

The word family is defined as," a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for" or " any group of persons closely related by blood, as parents, children, uncles, aunts, and cousins". But I think we can settle in agreement that those simple definitions don't even begin to scratch the surface of the meaning; to those of you here today, of that precious word FAMILY.

In this room today are not only bodies connected by blood or, if not currently, at one time through the sacred union of marriage.... gathered in this room are memories of laughter and joy of the man who was never afraid to show his emotion. Lovable Jimmy. Lovable Uncle Jimmy to our next speaker... his niece, Jacqueline.

Jacqueline Speaks

Fathers play such an important role in our lives. They show us how to treat other people, they show us how to love. Fathers are examples of courage; and they are books of wisdom. They lead and guide and praise our lives. They share our joys and our heartbreaks and fathers live to serve us with the tools we need to achieve our own success in life.

It was my great honor to meet Jimmy's boys'.

Matt

Jason

and Stewart.

Filled with dignity, class and love they spoke. Words for their father with pride and respect. I am happy to share a letter they have written for us today.

Our family would like to thank everyone for their amazing support. The messages we have received remind us that even though our father is no longer with us we still have a strong sense of family through each of you.

There are many different paths in life we can take; some can lead to great happiness while others can lead down a dark road. Growing up, our father never told us how to live our lives however he guided us in the right direction. Dad found the perfect balance needed to be a strong, wise and loving father. One of the hardest aspects about being a parent is when you are able to help but your children resist and they make their own mistakes, but after those mistakes were made he was always there to pick us up after we fell. He was there to protect us, and when you grow up with 2 brothers more often than not he had to protect us from each other.

Being a Perrin is not just a name to us. It is how we were raised. It is how our children will be raised. Our dad set out that template. It means that you get up every Saturday and Sunday at 5 in the morning for a 6AM hockey practice. It means that you volunteer your time to coach soccer, hockey or baseball. That you replace bike tubes every 3 days because your youngest rides his bike like a mad man. In order to follow this template you have to feel the excitement of reeling in a fish on Whitestone Lake or as we knew it, "The Property". These are a few of the moments in life that we call Perrin.

Trying to raise three boys wouldn't have been easy for anyone. We can remember breaking a 25 gallon fish tank on the main floor and even partially sinking his boat on Whitestone lake. Come to think of it he may not have known about that boat part. Sorry dad. He was always there to teach us lessons in life no matter where we were. There was no place that he taught us more than at The Property. Our father loved his time at Whitestone Lake. He taught us how to fish, he taught Matt the best he could...but Dad wasn't a miracle worker. He taught us how to build a fire without gasoline, there may have been plenty of birch bark though. He taught us that it's ok to get dirty and appreciate nature for everything that is has to offer, that life can be enjoyed without the comforts of home. There is no shortage of memories at The Property and we know that when we are there he is with us.

He went from being a dad to being a grand-dad. He had 5 grand children and 2 grand dogs. When he was with his grandchildren he gave all his attention and affection to them. The smile on his face showed us he could not be any happier. He would provide rocket ship rides on the minute, every minute until they moved on. I'm sure that rocket ship made it to the moon and back given how many rides he gave.

Since his passing we have shared pain, tears and laughs together. We reminisced about the times we had with him. Each of us sharing a distinct perspective of who he was. Each perspective was that of a great man. These moments will last forever.

We want to say thank you dad. Thank you for being you. For always wearing your heart on your sleeve. Always waking up early to drive us to hockey. Always getting the net without taking the fishing rod. For letting us fight our own battles. For listening to us when needed and telling us what needed to be told. Thank you for always making us feel loved. We love you. We will miss you. You will always be our dad.

The many gloves that Jimmy wore in life have been scattered around this world; the influence of his position in the lives of those he touched will continue to be seen as the days go on. James' strength, courage and leadership earn him the first star of this game. Perhaps his connection to you is blood or marriage; work or play. Maybe he played alongside of you on the ice, he hollered at you for cherry picking from the stands or he gave you direction from the bench. Maybe it was his vibrant smile and energy that drew you in and it was his gentle, kind nature that kept you hooked.

Whatever the connection - you will carry a piece of him in your mind forever.

I would like you to take the opportunity to embrace the person next to you. Shake a hand, exchange a smile... take the next few moments to reflect on Jimmy's life, his connection to you and his influence on your life; how will you carry on his legacy of power and joy.

The Wings That Fly Us Home - John Denver

To all of you who knew and loved Jimmy. Let his memory inspire kind words, generous actions and the insight to live life with excitement. You will not be able to see or touch Jimmy in the physical world any longer, but those are just a few basic ways to use of our senses. If you open your hearts to allow his soul to be with you, you can invite him to wrap his arms around you when you are sad and blanket you with his love when you need uplifting. You are better for having known him and he will never be forgotten.

When you arrived today, you received a ticket. Consider this a symbol, that you all were gifted a special seat in the game of James' life. As our director leads you from your seats, I ask you to gather your thoughts and allow your grief to be free in this sacred space of spirit. As each of you comes forward focus your hearts on your hopes and dreams for Jimmy's journey; recall your greatest memories and center your love. Put your thoughts, memories and energy into the stub of the ticket and leave it with Jimmy as you say a final farewell and thanks for being a part of his priceless event of life. Following the service we will put the stubs inside of the casket representing all of our love and memories to rest eternally with him. Thank you for coming together today in love and honor for a great man. You are invited by the family to join in a light luncheon in our reception room just across the hall where you can share your stories of James Edward Perrin.

As we exit today, I have some Meatloaf for us to listen to. Not chosen particularly because of the message of the song; but more for the fact that you can't help but feel your soul smile when you hear Meatloaf; and all the time that I was putting this service together, I could picture Jimmy's smile appear when he would hear this powerful voice and collaboration of instruments.

"Some days it don't come easy

Some days it don't come hard

Some days it don't come at all

And these are the days that never end"

Not a Dry Eye in the house/Objects in the Rear View Mirror - Meatloaf

* * * * * * * * * *

It is with tremendous sadness that Jimmy’s family announce his unexpected passing. Jimmy is survived by his sons Matthew (Bekka), Jason (Amanda) and Stuart (Kayla), their mother Rita Campbell, and five grandchildren; Lauren, Landon, Heidi, Frederick and Clara. Also mourning his passing are his father, Earl, and brothers Doug of Barrie and Ron (Terri) of Comox, BC, as well as many relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Josephine Carmel, in September.

Jimmy was born in Cambridge Memorial Hospital, where he would later spend much of his working life as an orderly, before retiring after suffering a stroke in 2011. An avid fisherman and a diehard Blackhawks fan from an early age, Jim loved nothing better spending an evening cheering on the Blackhawks with his sons, tending goal or coaching at the local hockey rink, or fishing with ‘the boys’ and teaching life lessons at his property on Whitestone Lake.

Jimmy never complained of his health challenges and always looked ahead to better days. Let us hope we all have the courage and strength to live as he did. Family friends and co-workers will remember him for his loving nature, smiling face and ever-positive attitude, even in the face of diversity. He was a wonderful and caring father and grandfather, a loving son, a loyal brother, and a great friend who will be greatly missed.

The family expresses gratitude to the London University Hospital Transplant Unit for their extraordinary care over the past year and an anonymous kidney donor, whose generous gift gave Jimmy precious time free of dialysis.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 18, at the T. LITTLE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE from 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Jimmy's Life will be on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 11:00 a..m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated and all are reminded to make their wishes known with regard to organ donation (www.BeADonor.ca).