James Ernest Horwood (Jimmie/Jim) of West Vancouver passed away September 19, 2019 at Lion's Gate Hospital.
Predeceased by parents Ernest and Kitty, son James, sister Marjorie and brother Alan, he leaves his loving wife Teresita (Terry); daughters Deberah Kearns, Denise Horwood (Benoit), and Lorna Horwood; sister Lorna Wright, brother Jack Horwood (Doreen); a daughter-in-law; six grandsons; 2 great-grandsons; 3 nieces; 4 nephews and additional extended family.
Jimmie was born February 10, 1924 in Cumberland, Vancouver Island. He spent his early years in Sooke and in the Marigold area. After serving as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and for several years afterwards, he began flying for commercial companies, mainly in the Northwest Territories and what is now known as Nunavut. After a flying mishap and near-drowning in Contwoyto Lake, Jimmie quit flying to study commerce at UBC and then began articling with Chadwick Potts. An opportunity arose in the Yukon as comptroller for Northern Commercial Company which led to a move to Whitehorse. In partnership with Yukon News and its subsequent bankruptcy, Jimmie saved the presses from the Sheriff and started Commercial Printers. Recognizing an unmet need, he also started selling stationery items and thus began Horwood's Office Supply. Jimmie later bought a mall and opened first Horwood's Department Store, and later Horwood's Jim Menswear, a women's wear store and a kitchen store. Jimmie also purchased an office supply store on South Granville in Vancouver and opened a second Horwood's Office Supply.
Jimmie met his second wife Terry on May 1990 in Manila and they married December 1991 in North Vancouver, settling in West Vancouver. After selling Horwood's Mall in 2013, they bought an apartment building in Port Hardy and another in Whitehorse. After buying these properties, Jimmie began passing on his business skills to Terry. Jimmie and Terry along with their daughter Lorna enjoyed their holidays in Hawaii and extensive trips to the Philippines. He was extremely proud of Lorna's piano playing skills and he enjoyed showcasing her skills whenever an opportunity presented itself.
In later years, Jimmie enjoyed visits to the White Spot in Kerrisdale and Milestones in West Vancouver where he often met with friends and family. He enjoyed keeping in contact by phone with business associates and friends, and especially with his dear sister, Lorna.
Jimmie's funeral service will be held in Victoria. Family and friends are invited to a viewing Friday, October 4, 2019 from 5-9 pm at the Chapel of the First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Drive and to the service Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11 am at St. Aidan's Church, 3703 St Aidans Street, Victoria. Burial will follow at Royal Oak Cemetery.
First Memorial Funeral Services