Obituary of James Riley

RILEY: James (Jim) passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at Hillcrest Personal Care Home, Brandon, MB, at the age of 107 years. Jim was born in Glasgow, Scotland on January 20, 1909, the only son of Margaret Cross (Beveridge). He and his mother arrived in Canada on September 11, 1911 to reside in East Kildonan in Winnipeg. Jim worked in the family store for two years and then decided to try his hand at farming. Jim arrived in Dunrea, March 25, 1926 to work for Mr. Robert Whiting for one year. Eventually, Jim moved to Wawanesa where he resided with his aunt and uncle who owned the blacksmith shop. He then worked for Dick Watson and eventually his son Gordon from December 1927 until April 1937. It was at that point that he rented a farm from the Nelson's at Ashdown Siding by Hilton, MB for one summer, then leaving in the fall of 1937 to work for Mrs. Robert Watson, north of Wawanesa. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Margaret Isabella McNabb, and they were married on May 19, 1941. In 1945, they bought a farm north of Wawanesa where they began to raise their family. In October 1967, they retired from farm life and moved to Brandon. Farm life was never too far away and Jim continued for a short time to work with the farming community. Jim began working for Brandon Automobiles and Fowler Pontiac Buick for the next 17 years, finally retiring from work life on November 30, 1986. Jim was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Wawanesa #67 from 1944-1979. Jim then affiliated with the Wheat City Lodge #168 in 1980 and became a life member in 1989. Jim was a 70 year member receiving this honor in 2014. Jim played baseball and hockey into his early 70's and often attributed his good health to his daily walks and working in his garden. Jim also made many trips to his son's farm where he would get the opportunity to drive the tractor and even get some fishing in. Jim was involved for several years with Prairie Oasis where he enjoyed many of the recreation activities including his favorite, floor shuffle boarding. Jim was predeceased by his wife Bella October 19, 1996. Jim will be missed by his daughter Joyce (Neil) McTaggart and son Lorne (Lois) Riley; by his grandchildren Heather (Darwin) Cheasley, Darren McTaggart, Jennifer Riley, Martin (Carissa) Riley and great-grandchildren, Cailyn, Brennan, Sarah, Katherine, Rachel, James, Sean and Ava. A celebration of life was held at Trinity United Church on October 21, 2016 with Rev. Harvey Hurren officiating. A private interment has taken place at the Brandon Cemetery for both Jim and Bella. TOGETHER AGAIN. If friends so desire, a memorial donation may be made in his name to Trinity United Church, 1515-6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B3 or a charity of one's choice.