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 Simon Fraser Health Region 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.

11 Condolences - Leave a comment

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Brad Fair - February 16, 2025 at 5:06 pm

Sincere condolences to you and the family Joel. I enjoyed every opportunity I had to spend time with Uncle Jim at all the Fair family celebrations in Saskatoon, Nipawin, Vancouver & especially Sidney BC. Uncle Jim will be missed by all

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Linda Veselic - February 13, 2025 at 11:37 am

Dear Joel and family
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life Jim had. I feel so blessed to have known him.

I always admired the love shared between you and Jim. Jim was always there for a friend and many laughs and times I enjoyed with you both.

Jim will never be forgotten.

Your friend
Linda

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John Fair - February 9, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Dear Joel, Again I would pass along the condolences of mine and Carol-Lynn as well as all of Jack and Marion Fair’s family. We all loved Uncle Jim and he will be missed.
Carol-Lynn and I are very sorry that we cannot make it to his Celebration of Life but we will be thinking of you and all the family gathered there.

Joel Fair - February 9, 2025 at 5:19 pm

Thank you John for your caring note. Photos from the June 20 gathering will be taken and shared with all the Fair Family that were not able to attend.
Your uncle Jim left me with precious loving memories. It was my privilege to keep him home as long as possible.

Barbara Waldner - February 5, 2025 at 10:01 pm

I saw Jim’s obituary in the Times Colonist and wish to express my sincere sympathy in your loss. My maiden name was Potter and I went to Wilson School when you did. I went on to Tech and I think all the Fairs went to City Park. You may not remember me but I remember the Fair family. I have lived in Victoria for 61 years now and didn’t realize Jim lived here until now. I remember a younger brother called Billy. Are you, Bob and Doris, in Victoria also?
Sincerely, Barb

Joel Fair - February 8, 2025 at 8:13 am

Hello Barb. Wish we would have known you lived so close to Jim. He would have loved to connect with you. Many stories heard of Wilson School! Bill, Bob and Doris not here in Victoria. I have old school photos you may recognize. How to connect with you? JOEL

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Don’t even think about using anyone else.

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Fiona L.

Victoria Simply Cremations

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

Fiona L.

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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!

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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.

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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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Victoria Simply Cremations

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

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

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

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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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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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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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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.

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