October 31, 1929 – March 16, 2017
at the age of 87 years
Jim’s funeral service will be held Friday April 7, 2017 at 1pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1400 – 20th Street NE, Salmon Arm. His ashes will be interred at the Mt. Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm.
Jim passed away peacefully Thursday March 16, 2017 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm. He was 87 years old. Jim was born in Burnaby, British Columbia, October 31, 1929, the second of 2 children to Matthew and Elizabeth Wardrop. He is predeceased by his sweetheart wife Arlene and survived by his sister Ellen (Walter) Schoen and sisters-in-law Joan (Gerry) Purdum and Christina Grelland, as well as his children, Karen (David) Godfrey, Maryanne (Darren) Cameron, Ian (Jennifer) Wardrop, and Stephen (Berthe) Wardrop. He will always be remembered by his family and 12 grandchildren, Matthew (Theresa), Nathan, Todd, Andrea (Zak), Lorren, Samantha, Timothy, Connor, Allison, Emma, Ashley, and Elizabeth, for his big smile, easy laughter, witty humour and melodic whistling. He is also survived by 2 great grandchildren, Eliza and Dianna. Early in life Jim enjoyed many years in the grocery business, in both wholesale and retail, eventually managing stores as well as owning and operating a store in Vancouver. Jim completed a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of British Columbia and taught elementary school for a few years. In 1974, Jim and Arlene purchased the Gardom Lake Rest Home near Salmon Arm, which they operated until their retirement in 1997, having offered a loving home for many seniors in need of assisted living. Jim cared deeply for his wife, children and those around him, working hard to better others’ lives through his selfless service. In doing so he left a legacy of precious memories with those whose lives he touched. He had a gentle and caring nature, and was always personally and genuinely interested in the people around him. The family expresses their thanks to the caring staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital and the loving friendships from the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We remember Brother Wardrop as a loving father, grandfather, and friend to all those privileged to rub shoulders with him. Condolences to his family and many, many others who will surely miss his uplifting presence. We are happy in the knowledge that he has been reunited with his dear Arlene and they can now continue their life together for eternity!
Jim and Arlene were two of the kindest and most wonderful neighbors anyone could have ever asked for, we have always been so honored to have known such wonderful people. Jim will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing such a kind and gentle man. Our thoughts are going out to his family. R.I.P. Jim.