James Cowie
James Cowie was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on September 12, 1936, to Ernest & Mae (nee Klinzing) Cowie. Jim (as known by all) was the youngest of 10 children and grew up on the family farm. In his younger days, Jim participated in many sporting events such as ball, curling, horseshoes, and billiards. He was an outstanding athlete no matter which sport he chose.
Along with farming for many years with his brother Alvin, Jim lived in various places during his life. These included Kindersley, Calgary, Flaxcombe, Milden, and in 3 adult/senior living complexes: Sunset Lodge, Dawnview, and finally in Heritage Manor, all of which were in Kindersley. During his years in Calgary, he lived with his sister Irene and her husband Dennis, where he worked in both construction and a meat packing plant there. It was here that he curled with his brother Don, but over the years Jim enjoyed curling with many others as well. In 1975, Jim’s health started failing and so started making his way back to the Kindersley area, living in an old teacherage in Flaxcombe. Even though one would find he mainly lived off tinned soups, “Dad’s” cookies, a seemingly continuous supply of instant coffee & cigarettes, Jim would often be invited out for a meal of his favorite fish & chips or liver & onions. He did make sure that he was well stocked with sweets such as Wagon Wheels, Rice Krispie or Puffed Wheat cake, and of course boxes of chocolates whenever possible. At his last home in Heritage Manor, there was always enough ice cream to satisfy his sweet tooth, but he would never refuse the ice cream treat! His niece Eva was able to arrange for Jim to live in Milden SK where the Thompson family was so kind to him, and he was the “best behaved” resident who truly enjoyed the fabulous meals there. Jim was well taken care of during his stay at Sunset Lodge, and while he lived at Dawnview many people there watched out for him, ensuring that he would attend events and brought him treats such as popcorn.
Jim loved music, especially the country artists from the 50’s. Hank Snow would’ve been one of his favorites. Billiards was a favorite pastime, and you could find him in the pool hall on Main Street in Kindersley or later at Dawnview. He loved to figure out the angles and get the balls to do what he wanted. He loved late nights with sharing of stories and sleeping in late but getting him to see a doctor proved a challenge. He enjoyed his visitors and would thank you for coming. He always took an interest in his many nieces and nephews lives with what they’re doing and how things are going. This continued into the next generation of his great-nieces and great-nephews, and Jim always had a wonderful smile for those he loved.
Over the years, the love and gratitude were felt deeply for those who took time to help Jim, visit with him, and just took the time to get to know him. Attending his birthday parties over the years, sending best wishes in thought or person, in a card or gift was always received with love. There are not enough words of appreciation for those who took time out so he can go see the grainfields grow, share a table during a meal, to make sure he was taken care of with his medications, haircuts, shaves, baths, and ensuring that he always had a clean hanky on hand.
Jim was a quiet man, and he left this world like he lived it, peacefully. He passed away on December 22, 2022, at the age of 86 years. He is survived by his 2 sisters: Grace (Alan) Johnson, and Irene Draper, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He had been predeceased by his parents Ernest & Mae Cowie, his siblings: Bill Cowie, Don (and Verna) Cowie, Basil (and Kay) Cowie, Inez (and Harvey) Kidd, Lorna (and Eric) Coutts, Alvin (and Audrey) Cowie, Doreen (and Harvey) Sunderland. James is also predeceased by extended family: Holly Sunderland, Bob Kidd, Wendy Draper, Wayne Cowie, and Alan Coutts.