Obituary of Andrew RIVERS

ANDREW JAMES (JIM) RIVERS The family sadly announces the passing of their father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and dear friend, Jim Rivers on Tuesday, May 18th, 2010. Dad was born May 3, 1923 on Seaforth Avenue in West Kildonan. A place where he would reside his entire life. He attended Centennial School, worked briefly where ever work was available and then enlisted with the Princess Patricia Light Infantry Army in 1941. This took him overseas to various parts of Europe, mostly as a Gunner in Sicily and Italy. After four years of honorable military service dad returned home a decorated and proud soldier. He then acquired employment with the West Kildonan School Board (now Seven Oak SD) in the maintenance and transportation department. After 42 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1987. In 1948 dad married our mom Doris and together they raised their family on Seaforth Ave. in a house next door to his parent's place. Dad was a multi-talented individual who could do almost any task at hand. A true jack- of- all- trades and master to most of them. He was an avid and successful gardener always having a full garden of vegetables, flowers and the odd experimental plant 'just to see'. Dad also loved the game of golf. Growing up next to the Kildonan Golf Course, he soon became an extremely good golfer early in life, and then went on playing and winning many tournaments. He was an avid curler in the winter months as well. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #30 having 65 years of continuous membership. Dad was an uncomplicated man, genuine and humble in his ways, always generous and helpful to everyone. Above all, he was a devoted husband, good family man and a true gentleman. Dad was predeceased by his wife Doris (2003) after 54 years of marriage, daughters Carol (2002) and Patricia (1953), father Lewis (1953), mother Mary (1995) as well as brothers Mike (1991) and David (2003). He leaves to mourn, daughter Donna (Rick) Mattern who were Dad's primary care givers and closest and dearest friends; sons Donald (Herman), James, and Robert (Maria); grandchildren, Patricia (Michael) Leblanc, Jolene (Joey) Rivers and their mother Lorene (Ken) Coleshill, Jenny (Kevin) Petersen and her father Joe Berry, Andrew and Matthew Mattern, Adam Rivers and Megan (Sam) Hart; great-grandchildren, Cole, Dustin, Riley, Jordyn and not yet arrived Jamie. Also surviving are his dear sisters, Mary "Nancy" Cuthbert and Ann (Bruce) Routley; sisters-in-law Shirley Rivers, Rosemary Johnson, Lorrie (John) Riel, Elsie (Jerry) Bessette and brother-in-law Raymond (Sonia) Martel as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear and loyal friends. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Dr. MacMillan and Rhonda for their excellent medical service they provided over the years and to the DVA and the WRHA for the various services also provided. A Memorial Service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St. on Tuesday, May 25 at 10:30 a.m.