James Thomas Armstrong, P.Eng.

“A gentle man and a gentleman”.

James (Jim) Thomas Armstrong passed away peacefully on August 20, 2020. He is survived by his devoted wife Sarah, and daughters Jane (Dave), Esther and Christy, and granddaughters Gillian and Rachel.

Jim was born in Trail B.C. on June 26, 1940. He grew up in Victoria, B.C. and attended Oak Bay High School. Jim graduated from UBC, School of Engineering as a civil engineer. He received his Masters of Engineering from Stanford University. He spent his career designing port and harbour facilities around the world. Jim and Sarah also enjoyed many travel adventures together.

Jim’s varied interests included scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, skiing and cycling. For several summers he enjoyed commercial fishing on his boat, the Moonrise. Jim also loved to play jazz and blues piano. He was an enthusiastic member of the PALS Seniors Chorus and a regular at the annual Hornby Island Blues Festival. He was equally comfortable at the Opera, Ballet and Theatre. In the community he was a volunteer with the Vancouver Hospice walking group.

For 55 years Jim treasured spending time on Hornby Island with family and friends. He took pleasure in walks at Helliwell Provincial Park, checking out the bird life, seals and sea lions with his binoculars. Unfazed by a challenge he was quite the sight battling strong winds while windsurfing at Whaling Station Bay, wearing his Tilley hat. Every summer he kept us well stocked with buckets of blackberries picked at Tribune Bay.

Jim will be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit, easy laughter, patience and kindness. We will miss his beautiful smile and mellow nature.

Jim’s family would like to thank the staff at Louis Brier Home and Hospital for the excellent care he received.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. or the Vancouver Hospice Society.v