JAMES MORRIS HOSLER
On Nov. 19,2006 James Morris Hosler (Jim) passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer. He leaves behind his loving and loyal wife Edith (McKinnon) of 49 1/2 years, son Ron Hosler (Rosaline) and daughters Debbie Watson (Byron), Cathy Frohwerk (Perry), Pat Wolaniuk (Morgan), eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by baby Hosler (in infancy), his parents Charles and Elizabeth Hosler, parents-in-law Mac and Kay McKinnon, brothers Ivan, Russ and Tommy (in infancy).
He is survived by sisters Rosaline McLean, Marian Allison and Helen (Forrest) Hall, brothers Earl and Wes, also survived by sisters-in-law Marg Hosler, Jean Hosler, Mary Hosler and Dallas Hosler.
Jim was born in Russell, Manitoba on May 5, 1932. Growing up, Jim lived in many Manitoba and Saskatchewan towns, including Neepawa, Minnedosa and Portage la Prairie mainly while his parents worked on different farms.
In 1950, Jim was the first to enlist for the Army when they were recruiting in Neepawa. He was looking forward to going overseas, but while helping his father haul peas to town was in a traffic accident which finished his Army career.
Jim met his lovely wife Edith in Portage and married in 1957 in Arden. They soon moved to Portreeve, Saskatchewan for a year, returning home to work for his brother Earl in the plumbing and heating business for a couple of years. Jim then worked for Alvin Rielly of Arden for nine years.
Jim loved the game of hockey, playing the game in his childhood. He was active in boys' minor hockey, coaching and refereeing in Arden and Lynn Lake. He hung up his skates in 1975.
Jim and family moved to Lynn Lake in 1969 where he worked hauling fuel to Leaf Rapids over muskeg roads. In Lynn Lake, Jim also worked for the Department of Highways and later the Lynn Lake Airport.
While in Lynn Lake, he became involved with the Sea Cadits. He was the CO for the unit until 1974 when he transferred to Calgary Airport. He operated heavy equipment, maintained heavy equipment and looked after the grounds around the airport.
In 1980, he moved back to the Arden district where he worked as a groundskeeper at Lake Irwin until 1984, when he and Edith moved into Winnipeg as a caretaker for various apartment buildings. Jim retired in 1989, moving back to Arden.
Jim was a jovial man who liked to laugh and make people laugh. He was a generous man who, when anyone needed help was the first to lend a hand. He enjoyed his retirement years, visiting family and friends. He loved hockey, fishing, boating, playing pool, bowling, loved to work outside on the yeard and thought he was great with the BBQ.
Since the news of his cancer, Jim put up a brave but short fight surrounded by loved ones. Jim will be forever missed by his family and all those who knew him for his loving spirit and great sense of humour.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Jim's memory will be graciously appreciated by the Palliative Care Unit in the Neepawa Hospital or Cancer Society.
Source: The Neepawa Press, Monday, November 27, 2006, pg 19.
