In loving memory ~
Jim, a devoted Husband, Father, and Poppa. Jim was born June 7, 1952 in Burnaby British Columbia, to Paula and David Findlay, alongside four siblings Mary, David, Max, and Jody. As a boy, he was a proud member of the White Spot Bagpipe Band, an experience that reflected his proud Scottish heritage. In his youth, Jim worked at Hastings Park Racetrack, where he developed a lifelong love of horses. That passion inspired him to eventually breed and race standardbred horses at Fraser Downs. Jim attended the UBC School of Dentistry graduating in 1977. Early in his career he worked as a travelling dentist serving communities throughout British Columbia, setting up his first dental practice in Port Alice. In 1979, Jim settled into practice in Maple Ridge, beginning at Alouette Dental before founding Cascade Dental Centre, where he would care for generations of patients over more than four decades. Through his dental practice Jim met Colleen, whom he later married. Together they built a family and vast group of friends, welcoming three children: Ross, Shayne, and Shannon. Jim and Colleen enjoyed life with each other and their young family which should have continued for many years. In 2002, Jim faced the profound loss of Colleen. He then set to the task of raising three children on his own. One of the great testaments to his character is how he refused to let tragedy define his family. Through faith, perseverance, and deep love for one another, the family found stability and strength during the most difficult years. Jim was strongly dedicated to serving his community. Whether it was countless hours at the Rotary Club, providing charitable dental work at home and abroad, serving as a church leader at St John the Divine, or championing the memory of his wife through the Colleen Findlay Foundation. When he wasn’t working or volunteering, his happiest moments were spent at East Barriere Lake. Later in life, Jim met Linda in 2008, and after several years of courtship, they married in 2017. Their marriage was a celebration of new love and companionship after both had been widowed and spent many years as single parents to multiple children. They shared a deep passion for adventure and enjoyed many memorable trips together— visiting Scotland, Holland, Mexico, cruising the Rhine River, and taking camping trips with their R-Pod trailer. Despite Jim undergoing medical treatment this past year, they continued to travel visiting Bella Coola, Telegraph Cove, and Port Alice, as well as touring Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. When not traveling, they spent most of their time tending to their hobby farm, working at Blue Lake Resort, or enjoying time with their shared grandchildren.
Jim continued practising dentistry until the end of 2024, always happy to see his patients, many of whom had been with him for over 40 years. In the last decade of his life, he found immense joy in welcoming and doting on each of seven grandchildren, Tynan, Ewan, Jamie, Elisabeth, Madeline, Ross James, and Georgia. The next generation will forever lovingly remember him as Poppa. At the age of 59, Jim was diagnosed with cancer and faced his illness with quiet courage and determination. He was deeply committed to maintaining his quality of life and never wanted to be a burden to others. His often-repeated mantra was, “Better this happen to me than anyone I know.” For nearly 15 years Jim fought bravely against his cancer, but sadly passed away from other medical complications. Our deepest gratitude goes to the nurses and doctors at Burnaby General Hospital who cared for him so well and treated him like they would their own father. He will be remembered as a man of strength and determination, who gave greatly to his community, was unwavering in his Faith, and an avid Green Bay Packers fan. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honour Jim’s legacy of giving back to his community by making a donation to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, an organization he held in high regard. A public service will be held on February 27th at 1:00 at Ridge Church in Maple Ridge for those wishing to pay their respects.