We Remember

MONTAIN, James F.

August 27, 1945 — August 20, 2022

On August 20, 2022, our hearts began to grieve the loss of our beloved father, brother, uncle and friend, James “Jim” Frederick Montain.

Jim was born on August 27, 1945, to Ukrainian-Canadian immigrant parents William & Rosie (née Chorney) Montain and was raised on the family farm near the village of Calder, Saskatchewan. Jim graduated from the Civil Engineering Technology program at Saskatchewan Technical Instititute (STI) in Moose Jaw, SK, and shortly thereafter married his college sweetheart, Linda Gayle English. The early years of their marriage were enjoyed in & around the Edmonton area; the small family grew by one when their pride & joy, daughter Jacqueline, was born in 1978.

Jim’s career aspirations brought the family toward the East Kootenay region of British Columbia and southern Alberta; where he then served in various municipal leadership roles at the District of Elkford, the Town of Taber, & the City of Cranbook. He was a pioneer in the use of the public-private partnership (P3) model to develop infrastructure & deliver public services. Jim concluded his career as the CAO/Director of Operations of Westbank First Nation (WFN), eventually retiring on the Westside in the sunny Okanagan. He was proud to have contributed to growing a stronger and more accountable government following WFN receiving royal assent for the right to self-govern.

For many years, Jim found great joy & fellowship through community service organizations like Kiwanis & Rotary International. He spoke confidently in front of a crowd, most often leaving his audience with a smile or chuckle. Even through seasons of adversity, he never once wavered from supporting his favourite Canadian sports teams — the Saskatchewan Roughriders, & the Edmonton Oilers. It was pretty easy to make Jim happy; a decent steak dinner would do the trick every time.

Jim is now reunited together with his loving wife of 36 years, Linda, who has been waiting patiently for him in eternal rest since 2007. He was also predeceased by both of his own siblings Lena Kohanski (2019), John Montain (2021) & their spouses; and his brother-in-law Gordon English (2019).

Jim will be forever be missed the most by his devoted daughter Jacqueline & son-in-law Jeff Johnson of Granbury, Texas, USA. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Lorraine English of St. Albert, Alberta. Finally, ‘Uncle Jim’ is lovingly remembered by his several nieces, one nephew & their respective families across BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario & California, USA.

A Private Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2022. The family will also host a public Celebration of Life at a later date (time and date to be announced). 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the KGH Foundation.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com

 


 


Condolences

  • David Lee says:
    August 24, 2022 at 9:03 pm

    I am saddened to hear about the passing of Jim and send my condolences to his family. I had the honor of meeting Jim on my first clinical placement. Jim was one of the very few people that remembered my name and wanted to get to know me. His kindness and humor was part of what made my first clinical placement memorable and pleasant. May he rest in peace.

    Reply

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