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Donald James (Jim) Holborn

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Donald James Holborn
Mr. Donald James (Jim) Holborn, age 88 years and a resident of Hogarth Riverview Manor, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Friday, April 18, 2018 with his daughter by his side.

Jim was born on September 23, 1929 in Souris, Manitoba and was raised in Marks Township. He was a life long truck driver, working for countless trucking companies including his own, Don's Trucking, Great Lakes Paper 601 Graham and Dermanchuk Contracting when he finally traded the wheel for retirement in 1989.

Although trucking was his life, nothing was more important or evident than the profound and unconditional love that he had for all of his family. Particularly for his beloved Jennie, whom he nicknamed “Mama,” his daughter Ruth-Ann and his cherished grand-daughter Brittany (P-Nut). His favourite place was out at camp (Hooverville) with “Mama” and his girls. He enjoyed helping out with the camp ground, rigging up things til he got the right parts, listening to country music, sitting in the gazebo for family pot lucks and fires or simply sitting for hours watching the river as the geese flew by. He also enjoyed the country air, music, precious quality time with family, playing lawn games and an abundance of joy, laughter and sometimes hysterics, especially when paired up with brother Bill and nephew Dave. Priceless antics would develop quickly and to everyone's delight. 

When he wasn't at camp, Jim enjoyed hitting the road with “Mama,” travelling to visit family and friends coast to coast or going to Branson with other family members. There was never a mile too long when he wanted to visit or help out. One endearing saying he always had taken from a country song was, “we've got a long way to go and a short time to get there.”

Jim was always there to give guidance, comfort and support, whether he was lending a hand or an ear and he provided friendship to all that knew him. Jim's caring heart never stopped him from helping those in need, from giving up his bed for visiting company or relocating you to another city or province, he could never say no. Jim always did the best for others and took immense pride in asking for nothing in return. 

Jim's pride really showed the day he was blessed with his gorgeous grand-daughter Brittany (P-Nut). Nobody could ever tell Jim what to do, but Brittany could as he would always say, “I've got to ask the boss.” Grampa couldn't get enough of his sweet grand-daughter. Together, they loved walking for the mail, hunting for Easter eggs and wrecking the house from the countless pillow fights. P-Nut would steal his garlic sausage and cheese when he wasn't looking, or they would share a pail of ice cream, cover him with fall leaves and “mussin” his curls. Brittany was the apple of Jim's eye, his princess and his P-Nut. The glimmer in his eye whenever her name was mentioned or he saw her depicted the absolute adoration and love he had for her. He always made sure we knew we were loved “Infinity and Beyond.”

Jim is survived by his adoring daughter Ruth-Ann Bourque, beloved and cherished grand-daughter Brittany Bourque, both of Thunder Bay; sisters-in-law Mrs. Annie Holborn of Fort Frances, Mrs. Alice Holborn of Atikokan and Mrs. Brenda Nicklesen of Shebandowan. Numerous nieces, nephews and extended family as well as Jennie's children: Frank, Bertha, Shirley, William, Linda, Tom, Jamie, Rosanne, Michael, Elsie, Raymond and George also survive.

He was predeceased by his parents Sarah and William; sisters Ethel, Pheobe, Kathleen and brothers Clifford, Alvin, Bob, Ed, Elmer and William as well as his special love Jennie Primrose (Mama).
A tremendous gratitude goes to all of the staff who worked on 1N at Hogarth Riverview Manor and Dr. Feldstein for your exemplary loving care and support of Jim. To Steve for providing spiritual support when needed. An enormous and heartfelt thank you to everyone for helping Jim through his confusing and crippling journey each day. His bright smiles showed he loved you all and was extremely appreciative. A special heartfelt thanks to Gloria, Maria and Leeann for extending your loving support and comforting words during the last transition. God Bless all of you for brightening Jim's days and ours.

As per Jim's wishes, cremation has already taken place and interment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society, Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.

Gone but never forgotten. 
With eternal Love, your girls, Brittany and Ruth-Ann



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