August 22, 1943 – October 20, 2019
at the age of 76 years
With his wife at his side, Jim Horkoff died peacefully at the Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm on October 20, 2019 at the age of 76 after a very short battle with Leukemia. It’s with much sadness to his family and friends that Jim passed so quickly but knowing that he did not suffer is a comfort to hold on to.
Jim was born in West Grand Forks on August 22, 1943 to Bill and Mary Horkoff. After moving to Vancouver to take up his trade as a carpenter and builder, he relocated to Zeballos, BC where he met his lifelong love Renske, to whom he remained married for 54 years. He started and raised his family in Campbell River, BC and finished the final phase of his career working for Interior Health as a project coordinator in Cranbrook and Salmon Arm.
Jim enjoyed listening to classic country music and reading western novels. He loved working with his hands and operating machinery and tinkering with the latest electronic gadgets provided him with much enjoyment. Socializing with friends and family was very important to him through his whole life and starting his own or helping others with various home projects gave him much satisfaction.
Jim is survived by his wife Renske, his son David, his daughters Jennifer and Crystal, his step daughter Karmen, his grandchildren Hayden, Naomi, Jade and Anya, his brother George and his sister Pauline and their families. He is predeceased by his brother Billy, his parents Bill and Mary, his son Gordon, his brother-in-law Walter and his sister-in-law Patsy.
The family would like to extend a deep thank you to the hospital staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, and particularly to Dr. Bonthuys and Dr. De Wet for their care in Jim’s final days.
In Jim’s memory, please donate to your favourite charity or to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation.
Dear Renske –
Please accept our deepest sympathies – It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Jim – We kept such fond memories of
his warm smile, the goodness of his heart and generosity – An unforgettable spirit !
Our thoughts are now with you – sending much love to your beautiful family !
Denise & André Perreault (now in Quebec)
I’ve been privileged to have known David and his family for many years. My memory of Jim will always be that of a giant, gentle man who did not need a loud voice to make himself heard. His love for the family was evident, as was your love of him.
Please accept our deepest condolences.
Marc and Kirsten Bélanger
I am so incredibly sad. As a friend of Dave Horkoff’s, Jim always made me feel welcome in their home! He had a way of smiling at you, that made me, a teenage boy at the time, feel like I was the coolest kid around. I loved that about him.
Now, I haven’t seen him in years and I am really regretting that. To the family, I am so incredibly sorry. My sincerest condolences.
Renske and family – Mark , Brayden, Travis and I are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. It’s been a pleasure to have you as neighbors and we’re sending hugs and condolences to you all.
We were shocked to hear of Jim’s passing.
He will be truly missed at class reunions, garden club meetings and other get togethers.
Renske our deep condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce and Bette Welch
The kindest and most helpful neighbour a family could ever have.
We are truly shocked by Jim’s passing.
We will miss his smile, his quiet presence in the garden club and other organizations.
Renske, our deep condolences to you and your family.
May he Rest In Peace.
Susan and Daniel Rothlisberger
As a friend of David’s, I met Jim once when we all went to dinner in Vancouver several years ago, and my memories are of a very warm man with a constant smile who made us feel very welcome. The suddenness of his illness and passing was a shock and my thoughts are with the entire family.
Jim was a great guy! I always loved his presence and big smile . We will miss him very much. My condolences to you and your family ❤️
Jim’s passing was indeed such a shock! I shall miss his gentle presence, his quirky sense of humour, that spark in his eye and his spot at our International Dinner table. I hope your precious memories together will bring you comfort for today, strength for tomorrow and peace in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you Renske, warm hugs to you and your family.