James Stanley Fair — Victoria Simply Cremations

Obituary Added: 2025-01-18

JAMES STANLEY FAIR
1933 – 2025
Time and tide wait for no man–a phrase not lost on Jim Fair as he navigated the beauty of the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound as captain of his Grand Banks, ‘Daphne’ for 35 years in his spare time. At work, Jim navigated the halls of the Ministry of Health, hospitals, health clinics, and municipal governments to bring together teams of health professionals to operate and build new health care facilities. His fingerprints are on many good works, but overseeing the development of Victoria General Hospital in 1973 and the Columbian Tower at Royal Columbian Hospital in 1992 gave him his greatest joy. On time and on budget was his leading principle, accompanying the theme that work should be fun; his boisterous laughter led the way. The communities of Thunder Bay, Vancouver, Victoria, Guelph, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Burnaby were beneficiaries of his leadership. He retired in 2001 as President and CEO of Fraser- Burrard Hospital Society just prior to the establishment of Fraser Health Region.
Jim studied at City Park Collegiate, University of Saskatchewan (B.Sc. Pharmacy), and University of Toronto (Hospital Administration diploma). He completed a residency at Toronto General Hospital and a fellowship at the American College of Health Care Executives before becoming a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Health Care and Epidemiology Program at University of British Columbia.
Raised in Saskatoon, the eighth of 10 siblings to Stanley Fair and Bernice (nee Rinker), Jim established the annual Fair Family Reunion uniting them from across the country. Jim was predeceased by his son, Jim (Heather). He leaves behind his devoted sweetheart and wife Joel, his two surviving children: Maureen (Ron) Gracan, Gordon (Shauna); seven grandchildren: Elise, Dan, Michael, Jaryd, Alison, Erin, Clayton; siblings Bob and Doris and many nieces and nephews.
One of Jim’s favourite sayings was “What can I do for you today?” He was an active member of many hospital foundations, acutely aware of their significance. He would be touched knowing a memorial gift in his name would be considered to Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation www.rchfoundation.com or Victoria Hospitals Foundation www.victoriahf.ca
For their care and attention, thanks to Dr. Jennifer Lush, Victoria Hospice, Community Health Service, and Bayshore Health Care, especially Marjan, Lindsay, and Sue.
A celebration of life will be held in the Fair Rose Garden on June 21st 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Contact simplycremations @icloud.com for details.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.victoriasimplycremations.com
Jim, we wish you fair winds and following seas.

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Don’t even think about using anyone else.

Leslie at Simply Cremations has been beyond outstanding in her support, understanding and professionalism following the death of my father. Don’t even think about using anyone else.

Fiona L.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:11:57-08:00

Fiona L.

Leslie at Simply Cremations has been beyond outstanding in her support, understanding and professionalism following the death of my father. Don’t even think about using anyone else.

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/dont-even-think-using-anyone-else/

Respectful, caring, and accommodating

I met Leslie the day after my sweet Dad passed away. She was sensitive, respectful, caring, and accommodating.

The service she gave us from start to finish has been above and beyond, with her personally delivering a second urn to us one year later that should have been picked up by another family member.

I have come away from the whole experience with one final thought, I wish my Dad could have met her when he was alive, he would have enjoyed her too!

Linda C.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:16:03-08:00

Linda C.

I met Leslie the day after my sweet Dad passed away. She was sensitive, respectful, caring, and accommodating. The service she gave us from start to finish has been above and beyond, with her personally delivering a second urn to us one year later that should have been picked up by another family member. I have come away from the whole experience with one final thought, I wish my Dad could have met her when he was alive, he would have enjoyed her too!

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/respectful-caring-accommodating/

Leslie was a pleasure to deal with

When my mother passed away we reached out to Simply Cremations to assist with the arrangements for our mother's cremation.

Leslie was a pleasure to deal with. We felt no pressure to purchase services we did not require and our interaction was handled in a professional, compassionate and relaxed manner.

Linda C.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:17:29-08:00

Linda C.

When my mother passed away we reached out to Simply Cremations to assist with the arrangements for our mother's cremation. Leslie was a pleasure to deal with. We felt no pressure to purchase services we did not require and our interaction was handled in a professional, compassionate and relaxed manner.

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/leslie-was-a-pleasure-to-deal-with/

Kind and efficient service

Dear Leslie & company,
So appreciate your kind and efficient service after my dads passing.I know he would want to thank you too ;).

Jennifer H.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:18:32-08:00

Jennifer H.

Dear Leslie & company, So appreciate your kind and efficient service after my dads passing.I know he would want to thank you too ;).

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A pleasant experience

Thank you for making the process of arranging our Mom's cremation so simple, from the relaxed atmosphere, to the resident "therapy cats" We will not hesitate to recommend you. Just wonderful service from start to finish, you even delivered everything to us, Thank you Jordan and Leslie, you girls are just great!

Andrea B.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-28T16:42:00-08:00

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Efficient & attentive service

Hello Leslie,

Just a quick not to let you know the package you sent arrived here, all in perfect condition.

Thank you so much for your efficient and attentive service, it was very much appreciated.

It would appear this matter is now concluded.

Thanks again.

L.H.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-04-27T11:54:21-07:00

Hello Leslie, Just a quick not to let you know the package you sent arrived here, all in perfect condition. Thank you so much for your efficient and attentive service, it was very much appreciated. It would appear this matter is now concluded. Thanks again. L.H.

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APPRECIATED

"Your caring and kindness are appreciated more than words can say, Thank you"

David, Olivia and Sally

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-06-15T14:16:55-07:00

"Your caring and kindness are appreciated more than words can say, Thank you" David, Olivia and Sally

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We loved the cats!

"Leslie, We appreciate all your help, and your comforting and warm disposition. And we loved the cats! Thanks for taking care of our loved one,

Ruth and Karen

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-07-15T14:49:25-07:00

"Leslie, We appreciate all your help, and your comforting and warm disposition. And we loved the cats! Thanks for taking care of our loved one, Ruth and Karen

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/we-loved-the-cats/

Professionalism and Kindness..

Leslie. My sister Elizabeth and I want to thank you for your extremely kind and wonderful help in dealing with our fathers death and cremation. You handled it with professionalism and kindness. And you've continued to help us by signing documents and helping with a memorial long after the bill was settled. We would highly recommend you to anyone faced with the same problems. Thank you. Sincerely. Catherine Porter

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-07-29T13:07:00-07:00

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/professionalism-and-kindness/

Kind, warm, efficient, professional

Hi Leslie, I want to thank you for the beautiful space you provided for us to honour my Step-Father’s life. It was beautiful, and made everything so stress free. You provide exemplary service in every possible way. I would not think of using anyone else. You are such a pleasure in all ways, kind, warm, efficient, and professional. Thank you so much for everything you have done in handling my mother and then, my step-fathers cremation.

Anne

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-08-25T14:56:26-07:00

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/kind-warm-efficient-professional/

Professional & Compassionate Service

Jordan is a treasure, she has been so thoughtful , efficient, smart and kind. I am so thankful to Simply
Cremations for such wonderful service and for Jordan's professionalism and compassion. It has made a tragic and painful event a little easier. She gave comfort first then top notch service, God bless you guys - Chris M.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2018-05-01T12:38:20-07:00

Jordan is a treasure, she has been so thoughtful , efficient, smart and kind. I am so thankful to Simply Cremations for such wonderful service and for Jordan's professionalism and compassion. It has made a tragic and painful event a little easier. She gave comfort first then top notch service, God bless you guys - Chris M.

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/professional-compassionate-service/

Thank you from Laurie MacDuff

Dear Leslie

I want to thank you for everything you have done for me at Simply Cremations. Your dedication and attention to detail after the sudden passing of my husband Jamie has been such a comforting experience. Your personal touch and thoughtful actions will never be forgotten. I am recommending your outstanding service to all my friends and neighbours.

Laurie MacDuff

Victoria Simply Cremations

2020-04-23T16:29:21-07:00

Dear Leslie I want to thank you for everything you have done for me at Simply Cremations. Your dedication and attention to detail after the sudden passing of my husband Jamie has been such a comforting experience. Your personal touch and thoughtful actions will never be forgotten. I am recommending your outstanding service to all my friends and neighbours. Laurie MacDuff

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Thank you from Cheri in Quebec

Leslie, your compassion is so perfect for your profession. I can't thank you enough for your kindness, grace, and efficiency. I will highly recommend anyone in need to trust they will be in the best of hands with you and the services of Simply Cremations.

Cheri R.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2020-05-26T11:51:28-07:00

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Thank you from Katrina

Thank you so much Mallory and Leslie.

The two of you have made this process as easy as such a difficult time can be. I am forever grateful for all of your help and guidance. You are wonderful and truly caring people and so good at what you do. Thank you for everything.

Katrina

Victoria Simply Cremations

2021-03-25T18:27:52-07:00

Thank you so much Mallory and Leslie. The two of you have made this process as easy as such a difficult time can be. I am forever grateful for all of your help and guidance. You are wonderful and truly caring people and so good at what you do. Thank you for everything. Katrina

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Everything was handled perfectly

Hello Leslie
We just returned from vacation and the first thing I wanted to do is to thank you for the exceptional service you and Mallory provided making the arrangements for my father's recent passing. Everything was handled perfectly because of you ~ who would have thought this part was so simple.

Greg A.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2024-03-05T05:56:47-08:00

Greg A.

Hello Leslie We just returned from vacation and the first thing I wanted to do is to thank you for the exceptional service you and Mallory provided making the arrangements for my father's recent passing. Everything was handled perfectly because of you ~ who would have thought this part was so simple.

https://www.victoriasimplycremations.com/testimonials/everything-was-handled-perfectly/

Victoria Simply Cremations