Obituary of James Calder

October 25, 1941 - New Westminster, British Columbia

August 10, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

James (Jim) Murdock Calder, beloved husband of Cherry Calder, (nee O’Brian) passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Jim was born in New Westminster, BC on October 25, 1941, the fourth child of John Baines Calder and Ivy Calder. When Jim’s father volunteered to serve overseas in the Second World War, the family moved to Calgary. About that time, their ranch in Pincher Creek was sold, and when John Calder did not return from the fighting in Italy, the family made their permanent home here in Calgary.

All his life, Jim loved music. When in school he was part of a cadet band, playing the drums and practicing at Mewata Armoury. For his own entertainment, he played the xylophone and marimba, but once reaching high school he returned to playing the drums for a while in a “rock” band. Jim attended Crescent Heights High School, graduating in 1959.

After one year at the University of Calgary (U of C), Jim decided to travel the world. For six years he visited countries all over Europe and Asia, and he spent about four years in Africa. His time in Africa was very special to him, and he loved the land and its inhabitants. His travels gave him a perspective and outlook on the world and its people that stayed with him for his whole life. He met many people during those years and travelled with some who he met. In South Africa, he travelled with Phil Eaton, who became a good friend for life.

In 1969, he returned to Calgary and to the U of C. He attained an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and a BSc in Archaeology. He became very interested in Archaeology and finished a double degree so that he could accompany an archaeological expedition to Meroe, Sudan, following graduation. Upon returning to U of C, he attained an MSc in Archaeology. He is credited with the excavation of the Majorville Cairn and Medicine Wheel in Southern Alberta. This site is still of interest to archaeologists and tourists alike. During this time, he met and married his first wife, Marie, and became one of the founders of Lifeways, an archaeological and environmental consulting firm.

Jim was always happy outdoors and enjoyed downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and lots of hiking. He had so much joy in life, and the ability to appreciate each day. Photography was something he pursued at different times in his life, and he was able to look at things with an artist’s eye and capture the beautiful and the unique. A camera usually accompanied him on his travels, whether on a long trip or on a day hike, as he was constantly aware of those special moments in nature. He was charming, he was funny, he was a tease, and he was kind and considerate, and loyal and caring. He was a man that everyone loved. He was always there to help when you needed him, and he never complained when things went wrong. He was always upbeat, and used to say, “Everything will be alright.” And when he smiled, his eyes danced!

He was a wonderful cook and celebrated special occasions with aplomb. From his home in Bragg Creek, he and a group of wonderful friends made wine each year from a truckload of grapes, and all contributed to the feast they would have for two weekends while they worked on the wine.

In 1996 we reconnected. We had dated when we attended U of C in the early years. We were married in Bragg Creek a year later.

In 2006, we moved to Vancouver Island and spent eleven glorious years enjoying the ocean, the climate, and new and old friends.  We moved back to Calgary in 2017 to be close to family. 

During those years Jim revived his interest in philately and managed to acquire most of the Canadian stamps ever issued.

My years with Jim were a gift, and we were both grateful for the wonderful, happy years together. He has been my soulmate and will always be with me. He gave me some of the happiest years of my life. He taught me to see the world through his lens and to see and appreciate the beauty that he saw. His goal was to visit 100 countries, and he made it to 99. A dear friend from our years on Vancouver Island sent this to me:

….” (Jim’s) goal was 100 countries and he has made it - heaven - and oh how welcomed he will be!!!”

Besides his loving wife, Jim is survived by his sisters, Madeleine Holloway (Rocky Mountain House) and Joan O’Reilly (Toronto); sister-in-law Carol Woolley (Calgary), three stepsons, David, Patrick (Houda) and Scott (Tracy); and two step-grandchildren. He cared very much for his nieces and nephews, Ron, Sheila, Tom, Linda, Milo, Trish, and Breffni. Jim is also survived by loving cousins, other family members, and dear friends. I especially want to mention his very long and enduring friendships with Elizabeth and Mike Moore, Phil and Shannon Eaton, and Judy and Dick Rose, all going back about 50 to 60 years and continuing to this day. I know there are many others I have not named, but I know he cared about each and every one of you.

If friends so desire, instead of floral tributes, memorial donations may be made directly to A.A.R.C.S. – Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, 5060 – 74th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3C9, Telephone: (403) 250-7377, www.aarcs.ca/donate.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 2:30 p.m.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jim’s family here.

In living memory of James "Jim" Calder, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.