James (Jim) Lorimer passed away peacefully on October 25, 2012 at the age of 89 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Cicely (Lee) Lorimer, grandsons Ian Moseley and David (Laura) Moseley, son in law Lloyd Moseley and many nieces and nephews.. Predeceased by his wife Cicely, daughter Yvonne Moseley , brothers Malcolm, George and Duncan, sister Margaret Strong and dear friend Gladys Hautula.
Jim was born in Victoria B.C in 1923 and moved to the family home in North Sooke in 1924. After graduating Grade twelve, he attended Victoria College (now UVIC) and in 1943, he joined the Army – Canadian Scottish, the regiment in which the four brothers would serve during the war. Tragedy struck the Lorimer family in August 1944 when brother George was killed in Normandy. Peacetime found Jim at UBC studying for a Law degree and in 1949 he started his first practice in Grand Forks, BC. Politics entered the picture when he signed up in 1949 as a member of the C.C.F. His sponsor was MLA Rupert Haggen and Jim managed two of his campaigns for re-election. He moved to Burnaby in 1954. While settling in Burnaby and still practicing law, Jim was himself an unsuccessful candidate for the Federal seat of Vancouver-Quadra in the mid-fifties. Civic politics beckoned in the mid-sixties and he was a Burnaby Alderman from 1966 to 1968. Over the next few years he ran several times for the NDP MLA position in the then riding of Burnaby-Willingdon winning two terms from 1969 to 1975 and a third term from 1979 to 1983. During the Dave Barrett government of 1972-1975 Jim was appointed to the Cabinet as Minister of Municipal Affairs and for a short time Commercial Transport. Some highlights were the transfer of Oakalla Prison farm lands to Burnaby for Park use, the introduction of the fast bus transit system in 1973 and the design and construction of the Seabus system. Jim also served as Chairperson of the BC Harbours Board from 1972-1975 and initiated the BC Court of Appeal Reference on behalf of the Provincial Government for the declaration that Roberts Bank and Georgia Strait were in Provincial and not Federal jurisdiction. After political life, Jim returned to law for a few more years and gradually entered retirement. He was proud and honored to be recognized by both Grand Forks and Burnaby as a Freeman. In 2009, a site along Chub Creek, a tributary of Still Creek was named Jim Lorimer Park in recognition of his many contributions to the community.
Jim had innumerable friends throughout his life. Many a good time was had around the pool table in his basement. He will be remembered for his good nature, his sense of humour and his constant companion , his pipe.
A Celebration of Life will be held in January 2013. Time and place to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Jim’s name to the Sooke Region Museum, Box 774, Sooke, BC v9z 1h7 (toll free 1-866-888-4748) or Burnaby General Hospital Foundation, 3935 Kincaid Street, Burnaby, BC v5g 2x6 (604-431-2881)
Online condolences may be expressed at www.Dignitymemorial.com First Memorial Funeral Services
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