James Kenneth Daun

March 30, 1946 –April 4, 2014

After a life richly blessed and generously lived, our dear Jim succumbed to cancer on April 4th at Riverview Health Centre.

Jim was a person of many interests, abilities and accomplishments; however it was his family which he cherished most. He is survived by his wife Lynda, son Kyle (Caryn), daughter Meredith (Darryl), granddaughter Mira, sister Sharon, niece Alexis (Jason), the Spier and Welsh families. They will love and remember him always.

God gave Jim the gift of wonderful parents in Janet and Ernie Daun. They adopted Jim as an infant and, by providing a loving home and solid foundation, helped him become an exceptional person. As a boy, Jim enjoyed Scouting, athletics, music, and summers at Sandy Hook; these interests persisted through the rest of his life. At Sergeant Park and Daniel Mac, Jim excelled in science and literature. Science prevailed and he later graduated with a BSc from the University of Manitoba. Jim worked as a chemist at AECL in Pinawa; this experience affirmed his passion for science. After marrying Lynda, Jim returned to the U of M and received his PhD in 1975, focusing on the chemistry of rapeseed, the predecessor of canola. He subsequently began his 30 year service to Canada as a research scientist at the Canadian Grain Commission. The start of Jim’s career coincided with the birth of canola, which was bred from rapeseed. Among his many important scientific contributions, Jim played a key role in defining canola, and subsequently established quality standards for this crop. These contributions helped transform canola into one of Canada’s most important agricultural commodities. In his later career, Jim served on many national and international committees, and as president of the American Oil Chemists Society. He was especially proud of his role as mentor: he inspired young men and women with a passion for science and discovery, and he derived enormous joy from their blossoming careers. His legacy was recognized with numerous national and international awards from government, industry and scientific organizations.

In retirement, Jim spent his time geocaching, traveling, taking photographs, reading, composing music and poetry, curling, golfing, volunteering, and relaxing at Caddy Lake. Jim’s service to his community continued by mentoring young scientists, supporting newcomers, and advocating in many capacities. He brought his leadership skills that he honed over his career into volunteer work at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, where he served as Warden, Sunday school teacher, and was proudly the oldest honorary member of their youth group. Jim also donated his time by playing guitar and singing for residents of personal care homes with his friend Gerry. Other regular favourite activities for him were having breakfast with ‘the guys’ and to reminisce with his friend since childhood, Norm. With Jim’s interest in science, he was particularly adept at new technology and eager to learn of new scientific innovation.

Sadly, in his 65th year, Jim was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He faced this with courage and dignity, finding strength in his faith and in the kindness of the many people who helped him cope with its progression. Jim deeply appreciated the compassionate medical care he received from Dr. Werier, as well as Dr. Quon, Dr. Czaykowski, Denise Klassen, and the staff at CancerCare Manitoba, the Palliative Care team, and Riverview. He also appreciated and felt thankful for the support he and Lynda received from friends and colleagues around the world. Family friend and colleague Veronique Barthet, Rev. Mary Lyseki, and the people of St Peters and St. Mary Magdalene Anglican churches helped carry Jim and Lynda through this long journey.

Those wishing to honor his life are invited to a celebration of Holy Communion and remembrance of Jim at 2: 00 p.m. on Thursday April 10 at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

Flowers are gratefully declined in favour of donations to CancerCare Manitoba: 1160 - 675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or the Stephen Lewis Foundation : Stephen Lewis Foundation • 260 Spadina Ave., Suite 501, Toronto, ON M5T 2E4 to reflect Jim’s interest in social justice issues.

As ever and for always Jim is in our hearts and in God’s keeping.