In Loving Memory of Sidney James Romeo Davey
DECEMBER 1946 – DECEMBER 2022

It is with bittersweet sorrow that we announce the passing of our dearest Father, Husband, Papere, Brother, Uncle, and Friend, Sidney James Romeo Davey, on his birthday at age 76.

James, fondly “Jim” or “Jimmy”, born in December 1946 to Helen Gracias (nee Menard) and Thomas James Davey, in Kirkland Lake, ON. He was the 2nd youngest of 6 children – Joseph (Joe), Elsie, June, Richard, Jim, and Peter.

Jim is survived by his beloved family; wife of 47 years Norine Sandra “Sandy” (nee Huene), daughters Christi-Lyne and Jamie-Lee (Clint), and grandchildren Myan, Mataya, Sean, and Maeli. He is also survived by his sisters Elsie and June, brother Peter, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim is predeceased by his father James, mother Helen, and brothers Joe and Richard.

Jim grew up alongside his siblings in the stomping grounds of Timiskaming district of Kirkland Lake, ON. He left home as a young adult to experience life, journeying from Montreal, PQ, the far reaches of San Fransisco, CA, to the Canadian western coast of Vancouver Island, BC.

 In Port Hardy, BC, Jim met and fell in love with Sandy; they were married in June 1975. Shortly thereafter, they started their family; Christi-Lyne born in 1976, and Jamie-Lee in 1979. They moved for business to Saskatoon, SK, in 1988. They later relocated to North Battleford, SK, in 2005.

Jimmy was known for his “BIGGER-THAN-LIFE” personality, lighting up every room he entered. He was an entertainer, entrepreneur, and business man. His motto, “LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST!”

His career path took him from Radio DJ, Crane Operator, Gourmet Chef, Restauranteur, Flower Shop owner (and many more), to his longtime position as President & CEO of Envirosafe Chemicals Canada, a successful business which he owned and operated for over 35 years. Also, Jim was a proud Canadian cannabis pioneer. He and his righthand Sandy opened North Battleford’s first retail cannabis location, on October 17, 2018, on the date the Government of Canada legalized the Cannabis Act. The very next day, they became the first in Canada’s history to divest a cannabis retail store, selling to Fire & Flower Cannabis Co. There are not many stones Jim left unturned!

Music was a passion of Jim’s. In his prime, he would croon with his guitar; entertaining as a one-man-band, playing in the accompaniment of bandmates and musicians (Driftwood, and Purple Rain), or jamming informally with friends and family. Jim was also a studied gourmet chef; he would cook opulent meals for his family and friends, and was well known for his Alsatian Caesar Salad, Madagascar and Peppercorn Sauce Fillet Mignon, and French Canadian Tourtière Meat Pies. He was also a talented artist, boating and water enthusiast, and vintner, a few of his many interests.

Semi-retired, he and Sandy lived their dreams – summering at their lakefront home on Jackfish Lake, SK, and wintering as snowbirds oceanside at their adobe in San Carlos, Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico.

Jim will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humour, and magnetic personality. He was a loving spouse, an amazing father and grandfather, and a fabulously fun friend! If you were lucky enough to know Jim Davey, you understood how greatly he shined!

Jim was diagnosed with Bulbar Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in 2020. Just like in life, Jim managed his illness with courage, strength, and dignity. He and Sandy moved to Calgary, AB, in 2021, to spend his final days surrounded by his family, daughters, and grandchildren, who adored him immensely.

Such a life-force as Jimmy will forever be in our hearts and the light in our lives. He taught us how to live, and that we will do to the “fullest” in his honour.

He would say, “Life is an occasion… rise to it. Do not cry in sadness because I’ve passed. Celebrate in joy because I lived!”

Until our souls will meet again, dance among the stars, Best Friend. In the words of Elvis Presley, and favourite coined saying of Jim Davey, “THANK YOU! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!”

Thank you to the Alberta Health Services ALS Clinic Calgary Medical Team, the ALS Society of Alberta, and Intercare Brentwood Care Centre for their support and care.

In lieu of flowers and celebration, Jim’s wishes are that you consider a donation to the ALS Society of Alberta, where a tribute has been created in his memory http://www.alsab.ca/jim-davey-memorial

 

• Date : 2022-12-19