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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KITCHIN, James (Jim) - 80, Windsor, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2007, with his family by his side, following a long struggle after suffering a massive stroke in August 2003. Born on October 3, 1927, in the small town of Fairlight, Sask., he was a son and eldest child of the late Philip and Annie (Moses) Kitchin. Jim is survived by daughters, Heather Kitchin (Tristan Mostovac), New Minas; Sandra Lafleur (Ronald), Mount Uniacke; Kimberley Chisholm, Dartmouth, and Barbara Ellis (Darren), Dartmouth; son, Richard Kitchin (Kelly), Lakelands; sisters, Muriel "Babs" Upham (Neil), Winnipeg; Jean Bassett, Ottawa; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and he was predeceased by one grandchild. An electrician by trade, Chief Warrant Officer and a Canadian Veteran, Jim Kitchin retired from the military in 1978, after serving his country for 31 years. An all around athlete, as a young man he played football and basketball for the navy, and subsequently coached others in sports, including students at Halifax West High School during the 1960s and 1970s. Jim was formally recognized and awarded for a number of innovations while a member of the Royal Canadian Navy. He was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Canadiens fan. Upon retirement, Jim began breeding Airedale Terriers through his Kitch Kennels in Lakelands (formerly Hillsvale), and for years attended shows and brought many of his terriers to championship status. His concern for the environment fostered a love of beekeeping, and until he suffered the stroke he maintained a passionate interest in his bees. Jim's children wish to thank Windsor Elms, his home for the past four years, for providing the most exquisite of care, and mother Marilyn for her support during this very difficult time. As per Dad's wishes, his passing will be followed by cremation and a small intimate family gathering at one of his favourite spots in the world, his summer camp on Panuke Lake. Our father was a kind man, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all persons touched by his generosity. When given the chance to sit it out or dance, dad would never dance; but he would always ensure that everyone else was cared for. We have no doubt that he also touched the hearts of Windsor Elms staff through his various gestures of kindness. Donations in Dad's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia, or to Windsor Elms, Palliative Care. In the same way that he lived his life, our father passed on with the utmost of dignity; in the end his exhaustion gave way to his ultimate rest. May you go in peace, our dear, dear father, and may you now be free from the enormous weight that you have been carrying over these past four years. We love you, we are proud of you, and we will miss you terribly (The Halifax Herald 16 Oct 2007)
Ships served in: HMCS PROTECTEUR - Served in PROTECTEUR as Chief ET
AB James Kitchin awarded the Vice-Admiral G. C. Jones Memorial Shield CROWSNEST magazine Aug 1950, pg 27
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