Obituary of Jim Sloan

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Left us suddenly on January 25, 2021 in his 89^th year. Husband of Melba (née Pavy), deceased Aug. 06, 2020. Son of the late Everett & Jean Sloan (née Bowen). Son in law of the late Wm. & Greta Pavy (née Trude). Proud father of “The Three Sloan Girls”, Karen (Kelly) Haryett, Cathy (the late Bernie) Lessard, Gayle (Gerhard) Reichert. He adored his grandchildren Dawn (Kai) Chen, Tricia (Geoff) Hebert, James (Amber) Haryett, the late Joey Lessard, and Tanya, Andreas, & Tobias Reichert. Great Grandchildren Sterling, Lincoln, & Hazel Hebert, and Weston & Daisy Haryett. He was close to his siblings, the late Delmer “Spike” (Ruth), the late Marion Knox (Herb), the late Shirley Smith (the late Bob Burrett) & her surviving spouse Paul Smith.

Graduate of Lakefield High School and then attending Engineering at Queens’ University in Kingston. He returned to Peterborough to marry the love of his life, Melba, whom he met at 17. They married on October 1, 1955. For 41 years he worked as a Draftsman at G.E. in Large Generating. He developed two patents & had many acclaims. He retired on March 31, 1994 after moving to the family farm with Mom, Nov.1977. He was a Cadet, Scout Leader, a member of Pollution probe in the 70’s & also athletic, playing hockey from a young age, Jr. B & then for the G.E. A gifted musician, playing 6 instruments, he instilled this love of music & song to his family. He played in the High School Band & copywrote “The Big Hill” for Kevin Leahy, who taught him violin from 1945-49, as well he copywrote “Jimmys’ Jump”. He played in the Old Time Fiddlers & Co-founded “Donegal Fiddlers”. He had the fortune of playing with Natalie McMaster a few times, sitting on the farm veranda. He was never idle & always having a project on the go. He was a volunteer with “Restoration of Hope Mill”. He designed & built a sawmill using lumber to construct a garage, workshop, sunroom, a boat house & woodworking making roll top bread boxes, spice racks, hope chests, bagel cutters, cutting boards, tongs, a cradle etc. He was an avid snowmobiler & fisherman, cross-country skier & knew all the lakes & trails throughout Ontario. He owned a sailboat, canoe, kayak, motorboat, dirt bike, snowmobiles, a dune buggy he built & ensured the family could enjoy all of his “toys”.

He & Mom raised chickens, gardened, picked fiddleheads, wild mushrooms, grapes, leeks & made applesauce. He was an active member of Wesley United Church. He taught his girls, “Whatever you do, do the best that you can”. He was an amazing man who lived well, was witty, laughed often & loved much. He was there when someone needed a hand. He gained the respect of intelligent men & the love of his family; accomplished his tasks; left the world better than he found it; never lacking in appreciation of earth’s beauty or failing to express it. He looked for the best in others & gave the best he had. He was content with what he had & enjoyed the simple things in life. He did not need anything more than his loving wife Melba and his family.

Thank you to Dr. C. Hobbs, the Gain Clinic & PSWs for allowing Dad to remain at home for the rest of his days as per his wishes. Thanks to Sandy PSW, whom he adored & stated “she is the best PSW he knew” & to Jody at Community Care for going above & beyond to make sure he had what he needed including a jam session prior to Christmas to on the fiddles. A special mention to his dear friends, Keith & Sharon Worboy who throughout the years have always been there to assist him & Mom. Dad had a great fondness & respect for the Eastman family & Dr. Phil & Mary Hall who have been good friends throughout the years.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to Wesley United Church for the “Raising the Roof Fund” by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com or by calling 705.652.3355. Visitation will be held at THE HENDREN FUNERAL HOMES, LAKEFIELD CHAPEL, 66 Queen Street, Lakefield on Friday, February 5, 2020 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM. Due to COVID-19, visitation is limited and by appointment only. To secure a designated time to pay your respects, please book online at www.hendrenfuneralhome.com. Everyone must wear a face covering and remain in their vehicles in the funeral home parking lot until their designated time. A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2020 at 2:00 PM and you are invited to watch the service by visiting www.hendrenfuneralhome.com. Interment to follow at Lakefield Cemetery.