We Remember
KANE, James Thomas Alan “Al”
February 24, 1924 — October 28, 2019
Another of the “Greatest Generation”, James Thomas Alan Kane “Al”, fell on October 28, 2019. Unlike many of those he was part of, he went on his own terms with family by his side.
Dad was a bit of an enigma, from our perspective he was quite analytical and cautious; yet, his legacy began as a teenager diving off a high bridge with his friends into the Red River in Winnipeg. Upon graduation from high school he enlisted in the RCAF as a pilot during WWII. Shortly after the war concluded, with no job, he married Eileen Kane (née White) and less than a year later the first of three children was born.
Dad got a job in data processing with Great West Life, a few years later he took on the role of managing the computer department for Chevron Standard in Calgary, AB. Retiring in 1984, Mom and Dad moved to Peachland, BC, then Westbank, BC, and after Mom’s passing, he moved to Missionwood Retirement Centre in Kelowna, BC.
Of all the aspects of his personality, the one that impacted everyone he dealt with was his enthusiasm. His love of flying was sustained after the war, first as a flight instructor with the Winnipeg Flying Club and, after the move to Calgary, he joined the RCAF 403 Reserve squadron. He was a full participant in a wide variety of activities and some outside enterprises. Chevron has a very active employee organization that supported sports teams and social events, Dad and Mom were fully involved in all of them. This theme followed into retirement. They wintered in Yuma, Arizona, as part of that stay they hosted a Canada Day event each year that saw many of their American friends outside with signs asking to be allowed in; they were. Dad set up a golf league that is still going, something that really pleased him.
At one point he had aspirations as an entrepreneur, he and a friend were among the first to bring in Alfalfa Leaf Cutter bees to southern Alberta. Today those hives are everywhere, and even though it wasn’t the expected huge windfall for him, he was a pioneer in it.
Dad’s passing is a huge loss to those he leaves behind including sons Roger (Kerry) and Brian (Cheryl); daughter Daphne (Bill) Chalmers; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; and friend Edna Hatch. In his 95 years he set a standard as a husband, father, grandfather and friend that will last for a very long time.
The family is grateful for all the people who gave Dad their care, especially the staff at Missionwood and his doctor, Mike Purdon.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, www.cancer.ca, would be appreciated. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Share with Others:
the Canadian Cancer Society Link: www.cancer.ca
Service Information
Service Details
The service for KANE, James Thomas Alan “Al” is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Springfield Funeral Home
2020 Springfield Rd. Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
It was a privilege to know this guy. So sorry he is gone but his legacy is long lived.
Brian, sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Sincerely, Keld & Diane
Kathy and I are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I worked with Al for many years at Chevron but more than that we were good friends and spent many good times together golfing and curling. .I remember one of Al’s favorite expressions was
” Lets get together and spin a tale or two”
Take care – Ian Borwick
We are saddened to learn of Al’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Kane Family at this difficult time.
To the Kane family: Saddened to hear of Al’s passing. A great guy and a respected colleague. Go gentle into that Good Nighty Al
Saddened to hear of Al.s passing. A fine gentleman, a good friend and a respected colleague. Go gentle into that Good Night, Al
To the Kane family and Edna: It was a delight to work with Al at Chevron in Calgary. Over the past 20 years we stayed in touch. Each summer we make a trip north from Arizona to visit our family in Alberta and BC. And over the past 4 or 5 years we have have made always made a point of stopping in for a visit with Al and Edna in Kelowna. This past summer was no different and we had a great visit. It will be a long time before there is another person who is so humble and sincere yet always had time for a laugh. Rest in peace Al. And like I always say- “see you down the road”!
Dear Kane Family: Our profound regrets. Marvel and I are stunned to learn that JTA has gone. When you correspond by E-mail almost every day for many,many years you never give a thought to it ending. But it has.. Al kept us informed and well entertained. Al was the last of the old gang to whom you could speak both Air Force and Chevron language. When we lived in Winfield we had fun evenings with Eileen and Al. We shall always remember them.
Our condolences to you Daphne, Bill and family.