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HI, just thinking about my uncle Jim, read over the tributes again-i know why i miss him so much. Love you Jimmie, Kirby

HI, just thinking about my uncle Jim, read over the tributes again-i know why i miss him so much. Love you Jimmie, Kirby

We all will miss Jim. Where can we ever find a person with the heart, the wit , the charm, the strength that he possessed. Larger then life. From the first time I met him, we had only been in business ( Nanaimo Toyota ) about two weeks when in comes this guy with a smile a mile wide carrying a box of muffins, welcoming me to Nanaimo. He mentions that because we are both from Saskatchewan we are probably the only normal people here. He later recinded that and told me I wasn't included. After insulting me for a half hour he said he had to get back to work. He told me he wasn't a car dealer who only had to show up . As he went out the door he yelled at me that I owed him 5 bucks for the muffins and he would be back. Well he came back many times and we shared a million laughs.
Jim talked me into playing in the Nanaimo Amateur Golf Tournament. As I walked in I ran into a couple of people I knew and they told me "You won't beleive it but some guy on the 10th tee hit a duck with a golf ball." We didn't tee off at the same time so I was waiting for Jim to finish. All of a sudden I hear my name mentioned and I turn around and hear comes Jim with that big smile of his laughing like crazy and tell's me you won't believe it but I hit a duck on the 10th tee in front of a million people. Well we laughted for 5 min. non stop. We enjoyed our golf together as we were both the shits at it. I will miss those games with him.
Jim , you were a great husband, father and friend. It was an honor to know you!

On behalf of the Thresher family, wife Eva, daughter Hannah, grandchildren Chloe & Max, sons Neil and Ian and ex-wife Mavis I would like to express our sadness on learning of Jim's untimely passing. Our sincerest condolences go to Chris and Jim's extended family.
The visit to Edmonton in 1978 with Jim & Chris to attend the Commonwealth Games is a strong memory still. The Hawaian Luai in Lumsden, complete with a roast suckling pig cooked in the firepit and copious amounts of refeshments is still part of the family history. We saw Jim twice in Toronto over the last few years. In 1989, after attending the best Grey Cup ever Jim got me into the Roughriders Party Room, don't ask me how. It was impossible not to watch the last Grey Cup and not think of him. How proud he would have been again. Eva and I met him again about 12 years ago for a dinner at my house.
Jim, you will never be forgotten.
Love to Chris et al,
Sincerely,
John Thresher

First of all I offer my condolences to the Kazeil family. I worked for Jimmy at Sundance for six years. I enjoyed Jimmys sense of humor and his gift of the gab. I would like to tell the story of the first time Jimmy met my mom but the language isnt very reader friendly. I wont forget the time Jimmy, Toby, Aaron, and I went golfing together, and Jimmy drove like a race car driver to get us there on time even though we were early. Anyway it was a good day, I dont think I paid for anything, and Toby shot like 130. Jimmy was a great guy and will be missed by many.

I met Jim almost six years ago when I was just a brand new baby banker and I inherited his account. He enjoyed teasing me incessantly and always had a quick retort and a smart mouth to send me around the bend. I adored him immediately!! My favorite day was when he couldn't talk out loud anymore! My jokes were faster than his for the first time. I now had the upper hand! But here we are six years later and its Halloweed Day, just less than a month ago. I have an appointment to meet the Kazeils at their home and as I'm walking in the door, whos ready with a smart ass comment? "I told you not to wear a costume!' Jim, you got me again!! I was only his banker. But he had a way of making me feel like I was part of his family.

I want to dedicate this poem by e.e. cummings to his family and mostly to Chris (who was the sun that he revolved around), but know that I also carry him in my heart as well...

I carry your heart with me ( I carry it in my heart) I am never without it (anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing my darling)

I fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) I want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and its you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you

Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root, and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of the tree of life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that is keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

I love you Chris, Toby, Aaron, Shauna and of course you... Jim Kazeil.

Our world has just grown a little quieter without him.

I was first introduced to the Kazeil family when my family moved to Regina from Langenburg in 1972. We met Joe, Pat and their five kids through my aunt Bernice and uncle Leo Holowaty. We were new to Regina and did not know many people and as both families were located in uplands a long and lasting freindship began between myself and Kirby, since we were the same age and of course with all Kazeil family members including "uncle" Jim and "aunt" Chris.

Jim and Chris also lived in uplands at that time on Carmichael Road and we would go over to their house to hang out and swim in their above ground pool - very cool at the time. I was always made to feel welcome and as one of the family with Jim an Chis and that feeling has never left and over the past 34 years of freind ship the Kazeil family has always been very supportive of me and my endeavors.

In 1989 to 1990 I was on my own and working in Toronto. This was also the last time the Rider's were in the the Grey Cup. As I was headed towards the pep ralley at the Gardens I was met with Jims smiling face as he and some freinds had driven accross the country to be at the game. It was great to see an old freind, get caught up, and watch the Riders win!

Upon returning to Regina I opened my own Photography business witch Joe and Jim allowed me to set up on the second floor of their Winnipeg Street location. The boys helped a struggling photographer out and were very supportive and helpful with their knowledge of owning their own business and helped me out with office support. Jim was always available for proofing quotes and good advise.

Jim will be sadly missed by all, having lost my own Aunt to ALS I undersand what strength and courage and it takes for families to live with this terrible disease and pray that Jim is in a better place, I just wish I could have had one last visit with Jim and that he could have lasted long enough to see the Riders play in one more Grey Cup!

I'm happy to have had the pleasure of knowing Jim and join in celebrating his life, my heart and prayers go out to Chris, Shauna, Aaron Toby and extended families.

I never got to meet Jim but I know Shauna very well. Just by seeing his picture I can tell the big smile and love of life Shauna has came from him. My sympathies to all family and friends.

After graduation I had the opportunity to work for Jim at Sundance. For 5 and a half years he had to put up with my carelessness. The best memory I have of Jim was when I was playing around on the forklift and he stopped me to ask me about my golf game before mentioning I should get my ass back to work. Jim always made sure I was taken care of and well fed on my long drives back from Nanaimo. He was a great role model to me and he will be missed.

"Alas, poor world, what treasure hast thou lost!"
~William Shakespeare, “Venus & Adonis”

The quote above speaks to how I feel about losing my Uncle Jim…the world is a better place for having had him in it – and we will miss him incredibly – as he was indeed a treasure.

Where to start with how much my Uncle Jim meant to me...he was (and remains to be) so much more than just another Uncle...he was one of my favourite people in the whole world, and he was a surrogate parent of sorts. I always knew that if I needed help or support, he and Aunty Chris would be first in line to help me out. When I think of who has had the most influence in my life – Aunty Chris and Uncle Jim are second only to my own parents.
As many posts have already indicated – if Uncle Jim went anywhere more than once – his popularity would shine, and someone somewhere would remember his name. One of my favourite memories of my Uncle is going grocery shopping with him in Regina when I was about 11 and feeling more than a little jealous because Uncle Jim was calling every female he ran into ‘sweetheart’ (another great ‘Jim-ism.’) I had thought up to that point that I was his one and only. And yet – now that I am older and for the rest of my life, I will know that I occupied a special place in his heart – as he always made sure to let me know. And it is no stretch of the imagination to say that he will always occupy an important and special place in mine.

The best thing that Uncle Jim taught me was what to value in life. He had his own method to deciphering what was important and what wasn’t – and no matter what - his family took priority over anything. Nothing in the world was more important to him than his wife and his kids. He would be willing to do anything necessary to make sure that they were happy and taken care of. This is confirmed by the fact that he fought so hard against this disease for so long in order to be absolutely certain that all three kids were set up well.

To AC – you and Uncle Jim had the kind of relationship that puts others to shame. You were generous and caring and loving with each other to the utmost degree – and the sense of humour and strength with which you both faced this horrible disease makes you both the epitome of success. Your compassion and love of life provides an example to me of what to aspire for - I can only hope for the same in my lifetime.

To Shauna, Aaron, and Toby – you three have truly shown true toughness and resilience. You have inherited your Dad’s best qualities – his fantastic sarcastic sense of humour, his business smarts, his love of life, his passion for food, and his love for his family. How lucky for the rest of us that we will be able to see him every day in the three of you. Your sacrifices in the past years have been nothing short of heroic – and I have a newfound respect and admiration for the three of you.

UJ – I will miss you and remember you for as long as I live. You have left a footprint on my heart – and on many hearts – and your legacy and spirit will live on. I love you.

I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet Jim. From my first introduction to Jim we just seemed to click. His easy going demeanor made a first meeting into something that was very comfortable. We had a number of common interests, from his family back on the prairies to golf and a lot in-between. He spoke so lovingly of his family and of all his interests, he was just fun to be with. He was infectious and high on life. I know with great sorrow that he will be sadly missed, but oh what great memories he provided us all with.

The Kazeil home was always a wonderful place to be. I have so many great memories from those years. Jim, the patriarch, the source of the quick wit in the house, the example of dedication and love in that family. Chris, his bride (and I remember him calling her that)....almost as perfect a match as could ever be. You should all be so proud of Jim and yourselves in your fight against this awful disease. This foundation is a wonderful legacy and a tribute to a beautiful man and his family. I am so sorry for what you have been through, and for how difficult the coming days will be. But I have a theory that someone is extraordinary, because somehow, on some level they know that their life will be shorter, and therefore do more with it. Jim was extraordinary! May his example guide you as you comfort each other. My condolences to Chris, Shauna, Zoe, Erin, Toby and family.

I have only seen Jim a few times over the years since the Kazeil family left Regina but I’ll always remember him here, with that big contagious grin. I remember that grin in the stands at the Balfour gym and from across a pile of food, but most of all I remember the grin from behind the BBQ on a sunny day, flipper in one hand.

There was always a lot of fun and a lot of love at the Kazeil house, so much that there was also some for us neighbourhood kids.

Thank you for that, thinking of you and the family.

JIm was an amazing man. He always made the room laugh, and many times was the one laughing the loudest. I will miss his quick wit, intelligence and kindness.
My last visit with Jim was a year ago in beautiful Nanaimo. He didn't let me down...once again he beat me to the punch and was able to fire off a sarcastic insult via his computer assisted voice before I could come up with something witty. Jim always had a smile and a warmth about him, you knew he truely enjoyed being with friends and family. I'll always remember the look in his eyes when he would see his little Zoe enter the room. She will have a true Guardian Angel with her for life. The Kazeil family has a special place in my heart. Like Jim, they welcome you into their homes and lives with all their heart. Our thoughts are with you all,
Chris, Shaunz, Zoe, Aaron, Toby & Sam - All our love
Shirl, Cam & Family

Jim was truly one of those rare individuals that leave a lasting impression on your life. Years ago, I had a vinyl sundeck business and I had the extraordinarily good luck to have Jimmy flag me down on the street so that I could make a small repair on his deck. During the course of the conversation while he stood over me inspecting my work, we found that we shared some common background and a friendship was born. Having a little Lebanese blood in you goes a long way at the Kazeils!

Over the years we got into the routine of a regular Saturday golf game. Playing golf with Jim is not for those with rabbit ears or overly sensitive to the barrage of comments that came with the experience. You could always expect a wry comment after a bad shot or just before an important putt. And it made no difference whatsoever if he was your partner or not! One of the great things about Jim was that he treated everyone equally.

A game was arranged with our club pro Kerry and another friend Gerry Bergen. When Jim approached the tee, Kerry asked if he had met Gerry and Jim’s response was “Yea…All you *&%*# lawyers are the same!” Kerry was dumbfounded and mortified for a couple of holes before he realized what Jimmy’s sense of humor was like. No one got off easy with Jim. You can ask any doctor, lawyer or Indian chief.

We also got into the routine of a weekly lunch. I always looked forward to lunch with Jim to get his unique perspective on the world. I think the bond was that we disliked a lot of the same people and things! As his disease progressed, we often met with one or both of the boys and more friendships were born. To see the admiration and respect that the family had for Jim as well as the genuine friendship was a testament to his skills as a father and mentor.

One of the amazing things about Jim was the way he faced his disease. In all the time we spent together, he never complained once that he got a raw deal. He faced an insurmountable challenge with dignity and strength while maintaining his unique sense of humor.

I am grateful to have had Jim as a friend and honored that he considered me one. If there’s a heaven, the butter chicken is on me next time.

And to quote Jim, “It’s just like Hitler said…next time… no more Mister Nice Guy!”

Chris, Toby, Aaron and Shauna

Just wanted to let you know how much respect I had for Jim, he had such a great mind and sense of humour. I remember laughing my ass off at your dinner table in Nanaimo, eating way too much pasta.

My best to you all.

I think this foundation is a fantastic idea! Though I only met Jim a few times he made me feel like I was a family friend based on the relationship Shirl and I had with Shauna. When meeting or talking with Jim you were engaged in a connection that was very special - he made you feel special. I can only hope the respect I have from people around me comes close to level of admiration and love that Jim had in his life. My other wish is I can achieve the level bond and love Toby, Aaron & Shauna had for their Dad ..... I know Jim has had a lasting impression on the people he knew and his family, that will be carried on to make the world just a little bit better.
With love and condolences, Cam.

To come across new friends could happen any day, but to come across a friend like Jim - you could wait a long time. In 1995, I received a phone-call from a guy named Jim from Regina who was looking to buy my Orange Julius store in Nanaimo. I told him I wasn’t selling my store but he might look into the Mmmmarvelous Muffins store in the mall and, if he was interested, I could get him a phone number to call. I had a feeling in that first phone-call that this was a man I would enjoy knowing. A couple of days after that call, he was in Nanaimo, walking toward my store down the back corridor of the mall, and I knew exactly who he was just by looking at him. He did buy Muffins and that was the beginning of a long-standing routine of morning “meetings” held in the back of my store, drinking coffee and eating hot muffins and cinnamon buns while we gossiped about everyone else.

Jim was a sincere and caring friend. I might not have seen him for a long time but when we did get together, it was easy to catch up. He always asked after my family and specifically about each member, remembering what everyone was up to - good or bad! He always had suggestions too, and was quick to link me up with a source of information if I needed it, either personally or business-wise. Not only did he help me out without a second thought, he helped some friends of ours that he’d just been introduced to by driving them and their new furniture purchase home from The Bay!

A special memory I have of Jim was simply of a lunch we had together at Schooner Cove about 2 years ago. We went, just the two of us, and sat out on their deck in the sun, eating shrimp. It was a magical time in that we were so relaxed, feeling content, and I really enjoyed his company - as I did every week that we lunched together.

As for Jimisms, I guess one of my favourites was “It’s only money!” Also “It’s another lovely day in paradise.” and I’m betting that’s where you are, my friend.

Chris, Shauna and Zoe, Aaron and Toby - our hearts are with you, we’re here for you. You’ve been an amazing family and our entire family looks forward to continuing a close friendship with yours.

I worked for Jimmy at sundance for six years. He always would let me sit there and complain about how much mail i have to deliver that day. He gave me my first job in Victoria and camp Kazeil always treated me good. All of us at Sundance will miss him.

Dear Chris & Family: I can't express how much we will miss Jim. When I think of him I see him hustling around snapping his fingers and firing off shots about everyone around him. I don't think I have ever met a happier man. He truely loved life. We have such great memories of our shared family dinners in Regina and our travels with Chris and Jim as the years went on.

I remember he wasn't too fond of swimming, but he was always there for the kids and I am sure every kid that was billeted at the Kazeil home has lots of fond memories of their time in their home. There was always a mountain of food for everyone! Jim could seem to handle anything from cooking to cleaning to renovating to running a business, all without a complaint.

Jim & Chris had a great marriage, where their love and laughter spilled over to the friends around them and we felt fortunate to be welcome in their home.

I will miss Jim, but he has raised a wonderful familly with Chris so we will enjoy seeing him through them. He has shown us courage. To never give up. To love and laugh all the way to the end.

The last time I got to see Jim was in August. We had a good visit and when I left I was able to give him a hug, kiss his head and tell him that I loved him. I'm glad that I was able to do that. And just as you would expect from Jim, his last words to me were, "Thanks for being such a good friend." I said to him that being his friend was the easiest thing to do in the world. When I walked out the door, we knew that we would never see one another again - at least in this life.

How often are we lucky enough to know someone like Jim. After twenty plus years of friendship, I can't think of a single bad thing that Jim ever said about anyone (except maybe some school bus people in Regina) because that is just the way he was. I will treasure all of the memories I have of him forever. Jim Kazeil and Don Seaman were (ARE) truely my best friends ever and the world somehow feels more than a little empty without them.

Jim, Don and I always talked about being retired together ..... playing golf together ...and giving one another a hard time about our respective bad shots. I can remember playing golf with them at Emerald Park in Regina. It rarely happened but I can remember on one hole, I had a better shot than both of them and each of them had particularly bad shots and I jokingly said that I didn't know how I was going to be able to handle playing with such bad golfers when we all retired. Physically I can't golf with them any more but I know that every time I make a bad shot, the two of them will be standing right behind me making wise-ass comments just like they always did.

I will miss Jim more than words can ever express.

Lots of love to the Kazeils. What a powerful family. I am proud to call each of them "friend".

Jerry

THEY DID IT FOR YOU JIM!!!!!!

Although I did not spend a lot of time with Jim the impact was big. Along with everyone who had the tremendous fortune of knowing Jim and his kind and generous spirit, his intelligent and quick-witted humor, my life and heart is enriched for it. Lucky for us, all those qualities are carried on in Shauna, Aaron, Toby and Zoe.

Of course I would not be doing Jim justice without speaking of Chris, who is one of the most incredible women, equally as caring, loving and funny (I can see Jim smiling now and saying way to suck up Linda).

Thank-you Jim! I will miss you. Linda

Dear Chris and Kazeil Kids, I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's untimely death. It's hard to believe that a person who was so full of life could have succumbed to such a disease. I have many, many great memories of Jim's vitality and good-natured personality -- all those summers at Katepwa hammering away at the old cabin -- filling it with Ikea cupboards, bunkbeds, and shelving. "Next year country" he'd say to you, Chris, as your imagination yielded more and more ideas for renovations. I know what a great friendship you had as a married couple -- what great laughs and great challenges you shared together and I only hope you can carry the strength of the memory of that relationship forward with you. Chris, I always remember Jim's positive summation of some of the friends and business colleagues he encountered throughout his life -- "Prince of a guy!" he'd say -- well, Jim was, to my mind, a real prince of a guy.
My deepest sympathies to all of you -- peace and love, Cindy

I was much saddened to hear that Jim is no longer with us. It was an honour and delight to have looked after him. I enjoyed his visits and that of all the family. I wish you all the best as you move on into the future.

Warmest regards

Only met you once or twice, but hopefully we can make a change for the future with this cause, to help others. Much love to the great uncle... RIP.

-CJ KAZEIL

We are very sad to hear of Jim's passing. We extend our deepest sympaty to Chris, Shauna, Aaron and Toby. The first thing that came to my mind, when thinking about Jim, was a story I read about a cracked pot. The story goes:

There once was a water-bearer who carried two large pots on a yoke across his shoulders up the hill from the river to his master's house each day. One has a crack and leaks half its water out each day before arriving at the house. The other pot is perfect and always delivered a full portion of water after the long walk from the river.
Finally, after years of arriving half-empty and feeling guilty, the cracked pot apologized to the water-bearer. It was miserable. "I'm sorry that I couldn't accomplish what the perfect pot did."
The water-bearer says, "What do you have to apologize for?"
"After all this time, I still only deliver half my load of water. I make more work for you because of my flaw."
The man smiled and told the pot. "Take note of all the lovely flowers growing on the side of the path where I carried you. The flowers grew so lovely because of the water you leaked. There are no flowers on the perfect pot's side."

Jim had his own unigue flaws. But like the cracked pot on his life journey he nurished and helped other to grow and to become successful in what ever road they chose.Unlike the perfect pot Jim leaves behind a whole highway full of people he has touched and changed for the better. I wish the whole world was full of cracked pots like Jim.

To all of Jim's family we extrend our deepest sympathy and you all will be in our paryers.

Chuck and Linda O'Connor

I am really going to miss Jimmy; especially his sharp wit and great sense of humour. When I think about Jimmy what strikes me the most was the relationship he had with his boys. His ability to provide advice and wisdom while joking around was a real special quality. When Jimmy, Aaron and Toby were together it was always happy and light; not your typical father, son(s) relationship, but more like a group of friends. I know that Aaron and Toby will greatly miss their best friend.

I have to thank Jimmy for providing me with a job when I needed one with Sundance....he would always joke that "I can't believe that I am paying Aaron and Toby's friends to hang out with them...." It really was a special time in my life and Jimmy I want to thank-you for the support, advice and example that you provided.

I think Jimmy and I clicked right away; both small town Sasky boys, with a penchant and appreciation for good food and company, and could laugh at a good joke (usually at my expense..). Gonna miss ya big guy......your bald-headed step-child Mark.

Jimmy we will give you a big W today. If you can give us a little push from up stairs that would be appreciated.

GO RIDERS GO

Our memories started with jim when chris was a patient on my unit. After chris was discharged they asked us over for dinner and that evening our friendship began. We knew that evening
jimmie was someone we would always enjoy and love being around .

Very shortly after, we took a trip to B.C., in a new Western Superior Motorhome. The trip was great but on the way home,ended, with a stalled vehicle on the +1 highway, a holding tank full of S_ _ _, and little Shauna. ( To say the least we had some problems) But through it all, Jimmie, made it laughable.

We will never forget the "special brownies " Aileen had made and served after dinner one evening. Jimmie, after eating a number of them, was pacing around the house trying to wear off the side effects,and providing the rest of us with laughter until tears rolled down our cheeks.

We have so many wonderful memories of times spent with Jimmie, Chris and family,but the most important to us is how loving and effortless friendship was for them.

Looking back on our times together we realize it was a gift we shall always cherish in our hearts,as it was magical.

So for now dear friend, we say goodbye , with your memory locked in our hearts forever.

T.R. and Booters

I have so many great memories of Jim and the whole Kazeil family. As many people have said, he also always welcomed me into their home and made me fee like a part of their family. I don't recall ever seeing Jim get angry. He was always so level headed and patient. Some things that stand out to me are;

-His love of the Bill Cosby looking sweaters
-His love of "old man cars" (as Shauna called them)
- His favourite foods here in Regina - China Doll, Grekos, The Meat Market in University Park, Nickys Cafe...
- The ski trip Jim took us on when Shauna and I were so "under the weather" on the way home and JIm just laughed at us.
- The amazing amounts of cash he always had in his pockets
- Going to Rider games and yelling at "Gerry"
- His love of a good joke
- The yellow sticky notes all over their house on Winfield Road saying "NO SWEARING"
- HIs incredible tolerance for teenage girls when he would drive all of us to Cheerleading Competitions

The best thing I can say about Jim was he was a man of true honour, class and integrity. He would do anything for his family with an open and kind heart and that was so evident in all he did. Although I hadn't seen Jim in a number of years, I still have such fond memories of him, and I will continue to remember him and speak of him to keep his memory and legacy alive.

My love to you all,

Jodi (& family)

My memories of Jimmy stem from my early childhood years. I remember him as being a person who was so full of life and truly brightened a room when he came into it. My mom often giggles over a trip they took with Chris and Jim. Apparantly Chris and Jim could not stop laughing at the bathing suite my mom was wearing; it was white and her skin is as white as can be........which was halarious to everyone except my mom. Even though our families drifted apart, we hold a special place for the Kazeil's in our hearts and want them to know that their father is treasured by many and will be missed always.
Meghan

Jimmy, you should've never let me drive any of your vehicles.....
I'll explain:
First I'll begin with the Sundance vans: I took a 1/2 ton cargo van and ghost-rided downhill into a parked pickup after (I swear) "putting it in park". (not too good for business)
Or, the time I backed another one into a huge plank of wood causing a considerable amount of damage to the "ass end" as Jimmy called it. OR! the time I took out someone's evestrough with the roof of the Chev van. (never reported)
That only leaves the Avalon. Jimmy trusted me, a 25 year old punk at he time, with his brand new personal vehicle. This was no ordinary vehicle, buut a brand new Avalon (Sorry Shawna). He said, "don't drive it like you stole it Stevie"
But I did.
Jimmy, the speeding ticket hit me so hard,my first born child will be dizzy. I realize that this is not a forum for confessions, but I had to get this off my chest.
The fact is the man invited me into his home and made me a part of his family. His sons are my closest friends and his daughter and wife treat me as such. I will never forget that.

Although I didnt know Jimmy all that well I know how important the Kazeil family was to my brother... to the Family... I give you my best. Jim was a great man who will and is loved by many others.. Please know that there are many people supporting your family at this time.. I guve you my best and Know that jim's memory will live forever!

oops I mean honey sesame chicken! Jimmy's favourite.

What I remember most about Jimmy is always having to be on my toes around him, but I was never quick enough to get him back! His charisma was huge and mysterious...everywhere we went people would know him and share a joke and a smile with Jim. His favourite chinese food restaurant in Victoria was JJ's and he and Chris would make special trips down there to visit their sons and have an awesome meal. Jim's favourite dish was honey garlic chicken. Of course, as Jim was larger than life the whole restaurant staff knew him by name and were happy to see him. I remember thinking that he must come here a lot more than I knew, but it was his big, generous personality that allowed people to interact with him as a friend, even after a few meetings.
His appreciation for food, family and good times will never be matched, and I feel really blessed that I was able to know him and be a part of his family those years.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Jim, I will miss you so much!
Annie

AC, Toby, Aaron, Shauna and Zoe,

We just wanted to let you know how much we are thinking of you. We are so sorry to hear about Jimmy; we will see you this week.

Love you guys,

M + C

UJ
One of my favorite people ever.

I was thinking of some Jimmyisms to put up…

“Peace in the Middle East”

When I was working for a low paying sales job – Jimmy without asking about how the job was going only wanted to know about my compensation
“Are you getting paid anything yet?” Me, “ Yeah, we worked something out” Jimmy “It’s about time they paid you those cheap F****”

Golfing: on leaving a putt short “Did you forget your purse ma’am?”

I look back and try to pick my favorite memories, and I struggle, because there were so many good ones.

The first that pops into mind is sitting at the kitchen table on “Turkey Day” +1 at breakfast, and Uncle Jimmy making sandwiches: Perfectly toasted bread, homemade cranberry sauce, lots of mayo, Salt, pepper, rice stuffing and Turkey. Easily the best sandwiches ever. We kids all sat and stuffed ourselves and Jimmy just kept making sandwiches.

The second one that pops into my head is one
night, soon after Toby had moved to Nanaimo, and “the Burnses” were out visiting, Toby and I were going out one night. As we pulled out of the driveway Jimmy yelled at Toby. We stopped and waited as he came over to the car, anxious to leave as we had “stuff” to do. Jimmy leaned in the window and whispered “Peace in the Middle East”, then turned and walked away. Toby and I were in hysterics – I remember to this day Toby saying “I love when my dad does stuff like that”.

Jimmy always loved to torment Sam – And I remember him putting “Bitter Apple” – an awful tasting liquid you sprayed on things you didn’t want your puppy to chew, on Sam’s favorite toy, then calling Sam to come and get it. Sam would come barreling in the room, take one bite on the toy and then run right back out. Jimmy (and the rest of us…but Jimmy especially) though this was hysterical.

I remember golfing with Jimmy and my Dad, just the three of us, at Nanaimo. I played one of the worst rounds of my life… and I was PISSED. Jimmy came up to me after a couple of holes of me cursing under my breath (And who’s kidding who, out loud too – I think I wrecked a putter this round by throwing it in the woods…) and said to me on the tee box “ What’s your favorite club?” “ My seven iron” “ Then play the whole hole with that club – I sometimes do that when my swing has escaped me”. I bogeyed the hole ( a vast improvement!) and was feeling better about the game and myself. It was at that point that Jimmy walked up to me and said “ I bet you feel pretty dumb for breaking your putter now, don’t you”
Classic Jimmy: build you up and then give you a hard time to keep your head from getting too big.

My Favorite memories are from Loon Lake – we would spend a couple of weeks a summer with the Kaziels in Loon Lake Sask. I remember vividly the Summer the Kaziels got a Zodiac – UJ would drive the 15 HP Zodiac for hours as us kids would tube or kneeboard behind the boat. I remember bubble blowing contests, great cookouts and lots of cards. I learned to play “MAY I” at loon lake – which if you haven’t played, you haven’t lived. It is a card game and with each hand you have an objective – a number of 3’s of a kind, or runs of 4. Jimmy was the ultimate. Unlike anyone else who plays the game, Jimmy would wait to get all of the objectives before laying them on the table, quietly collecting cards until SNAP!, SNAP!, SNAP!, SNAP!, he would go out with a flourish. He either won big or lost big, but either way it was always the best playing with him.

My most recent memories of Jimmy are of his love for his family. I can vividly recall a dinner in my parent’s new house after they had just moved in, when Zoe was being a bit of a… well, let’s just say Zoe was putting on a performance. We were all trying our best to ignore her… except for her favorite audience. “Beep” was at the other end of the table – beside himself. Zoe kept looking around the flowers in the middle of the table to see if he was watching. It was one of the funniest and most endearing things I had ever seen. These two souls, both strapped in chairs at the opposite ends of the table sharing an intimate moment while the rest of us watched. I couldn’t stop laughing (Jimmy started it!) and at the same time I marveled at the relationship that the two of them had. It was beautiful.

I don’t think I am doing Jimmy justice; I am struggling, not because I have nothing to say, but there are so many Jimmy moments.

I had nothing but love and respect for Jimmy. I hope that someday I will be looked upon as well as Jimmy was. He was one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met, and this is a quality that has been taken up by his family as well. He had the quickest tongue I have ever known – and would constantly have everyone in hysterics. Many of my favorite memories involve Jimmy.

Jimmy was the best , and I will miss him dearly.

Matt Burns

I remember an occasion where we were summoned to the Kazeil home - to discuss the outcome of one of Toby and Jeff's shenanigans... I remember Jim and Chris sitting in the living room while we spoke with a member of Regina's Finest and we decided that our sons could be dumber than a bag of hammers... but we loved them all the same. It was that night that Jim shared with us a story of a family supper where Chris had decided to cook - "no word of a lie - a 30 lb turkey". Jim ceremoniously invited young Toby into the kitchen - whipped open the oven door - and said "hey Toby - look.... BIG BIRD". To hear him tell the story - Toby was permanently scarred. Though I haven't seen Jim, Chris or the kids I will never forget how important the Kazeil family was to my son and how much he loved them. That was good enough for me!

God's speed Jim - you will be missed!

There will never be anyone else in my life who will be able to educate me about hemorrhoids like my Uncle Jim. I love you and I'll miss you.

JJ

More Jimisims

Halloween was last week.........you can take off the mask

Whats your sister drive if you've got her car.....

Jimisims:

Let me start this off with some of my personal favorites and please add your own Jimisims to the list.

I don't pay you to think....

Does The Bay tell Sears their business?...

It's like having an ugly kid - you're stuck with it....

If you were any dumber you'd be in the hospital....

If I ever need a heart I want yours because it hasn't been used....

Dear Uncle Jim,

I wish I could have been there to say good-bye. I hope you knew how much I respected and admired you. I can remember the first time I met you, Auntie Chris, Shauna, Aaron and Toby. You were living on Burns Road. The moment I walked into this beautiful house I felt warm and comfortable. Everyone was there. You had just finished lunch and we sat down and joined in. Everything about you was full of fun, laughter and love. I can remember thinking what a great family. You were so proud of them and it was clear that family was everything to you.

You were always concerned about the people in your life. I was so humbled and greatful when you would ask how I was doing during my mom's illness. That meant so much to me. Thank you.

I only wish we could have had many more years of memories to make.

I'll miss you.

Natalie

Dear Chris, Aaron, Toby and Shauna (Zoe),

I'm writing to express from my heart what I would dearly love to say in sharing my grief about Jimmy with you, but unfortunatley I can not. It is important to me that all of you know how proud I am of him, and how greatful I am to all of you-for the love and the life you gave my brother, my friend and my partner.

Jimmy really was larger than life - wasn't he?, and absolutely in every way. There was many times when I (lovingly) believed that it was my job to be Jim's shadow in our partnership. He had a charasmatic and dynamic way of working with people. He was a great marketer, for 25 years he made sure the Catholic school board thought that the greatest thing since the Camel trade was Western Superior Bus LInes and weren't they lucky to have Jim and Joe trekking their little Johnny's and Sally's to school.

Jim had a code of ethics and values that sometimes seems lost when I look around at the complex world of today. Our clients loved and respected Jim because he kept his promises; he always did what he said he would do and more importantly, he was genuienly interested in making things different and not just being satisfied with the status quo.

Our 25 years together were marked by the quiet, slow, nethodical rituals of 2 men comfortablely alone together, doing a job. Over time our habits and ways of working together developed into a deep personal shorthand-code of communicating that was ours and ours alone. One of the biggest blows of losing our contract was losing the daily relationship with my best friend, partner and brother. I never really recovered from that.

Through our business, Jim became an older brother and valued financial/life adviser to Kirby, Randal, Jeff, Leesa and Jodi. Kirby continues to quote Jim when asked about his personal financial success. "One out of five is not bad" As a friend, as you are also aware, Jimmy was loved by many and that was because I believe as a friend, he offered himself more as a brother than as a friend. His friends experienced a special brand of joy that only Jim could give. One marked by great laughs, tremendous kindness and warmth and true lebanese hospitality.

I was humbled by the grace, strength and courage that Jim continually demonstrated everyday for more than 4 years while he fought such a constant battle - a battle he knew he could never win.

More importantly, I was most proud of Jim as the incredible family man that he was. He loved you all with all of his soul and his heart. You were the center of his universe and in that sense he was truly a wealthy man. For all of you resonded with a life time of respect, loyalty, hard work, compassion and most of all your love, your time and yourselves. There is no other more precious gift.

So I will join you as we say good-bye to our beloved brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and friend. I will never comprehend why Jimmy had to leave us so soon. Perhaps because he is so special, he is needed by so many others we have lost.

Godspeed Jimmy, to forever peace and forever love.

Joe Kazeil

I remember visiting Jim and Chris at home. It was a place to relax and laugh and have fun.
Uncle Jim would suddenly pop out his teeth, much to our shock and surprise, right at the kitchen table!!!
I thought of him as a friend. He let me borrow his Cutlass so I could have a nice car to drive on a first date.

I wish I could have spent more time with him after leaving Regina but the time we had was special and always to be remembered.

I too will miss Mr. K. Never will anybody bust my balls the way he did.
Being that I played collegiate golf, Jimmy once decided it would be a good idea to get a (free) golf lesson from me. We met at the Nanaimo Golf Club on the driving range and proceeded to start the lesson. Jimmy hit a few balls and I immediately understood why he wanted a lesson. two hours went by and we tried everything but frustratingly he was now worse! Finally he put his club back into his bag, looked at me and said straight faced, "you're the shits, thanks a lot!".
And that was my two hours alone with Jimmy. Two hours of straight laughter.

Please share some Jimmy stories with us. We need to hear some good ones. Don't hold back as Jimmy wouldn't!

Love and Thanks.