JAMES EATON

Eaton, James (Jim) Turkington, of Regina, passed away on Saturday, May 15th, 2004 at the age of 84 years. Born in Glasgow, Scotland he came to Canada with his family in 1926 to homestead in the Parkbeg district. Predeceased by his parents, Frank and Annie, brother George (Lucienne) and son Brian, he is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Joan; his brother Joe; his children: Sheila (Ken) Hunter, Patricia (Peter) Eaton, Carole (Ralph) Eaton, Malcolm (Carol) Eaton, Bruce (Darlene) Eaton, and Stuart (Kathy) Eaton; his grandchildren Demian (Ken) Richardson, Janel (Steve) Morrison, Tristan (Jonathan) Eaton, Miles Hunter, Katie (Sheldon) Eaton, Michael, Joey, Patrick and Bryden Eaton; his step-grandchildren Sasha West, Shea and Rene Sanche; his great-granddaughters Nahanni and Talli Richardson; and his nieces, a nephew and their families. Jim enlisted with No.120 (B) Sqn. Royal Canadian Air Force (PF) before the war on August 3rd, 1939 at the age of 18 and served with West Coast bomber squadrons throughout WW II. He was a member of 600 WING RCAFA. He was Military Golden Gloves boxing champion from 1941 -1943. He was described in newspaper reports of the day as a "welter belter of experience and ability" and "Jimmy's best year was in 1942 when he fought seven times to defend his title".  After discharge from the RCAF in 1946 he sold farm machinery and automobiles and operated his own dealership in Carlyle. He was active in municipal politics serving on the town council, school board and the Board of Trade. He was also involved in provincial politics as an NDP candidate for the Cannington district. Since 1947 he was associated with the Air Cadet League of Canada as chairman of the Saskatchewan Air Cadet Provincial Committee, member of the National Executive Committee, member of the National and Provincial Advisory councils, and National President in 1971. Jim became the Director of the Saskatchewan Emergency Measures Organization in 1972. Upon his retirement in 1985 he created Taiga Wilderness Survival Education, a training program for search and rescue survival skills. He was a member of the US National Association of Search and Rescue and a qualified NASAR Search and Rescue instructor. Jim was the patriarch of a large family. He had enormous strength of will and was a courageous "take charge" man of action. But he was soft hearted when it came to his grandchildren and animals of any kind. He was a man of great charm, generosity and curiosity; a story teller, a hockey fan, a tea drinker. He had a larger than life personality and was a man of strong opinions. He taught his children to work hard, to strive for excellence and to be resilient when the going gets tough. He will be missed and his legacy will live on in his grandchildren.  In keeping with Jim's wishes there will be no funeral. Cremation will take place in Moose Jaw and his ashes spread at the old homestead at a private family memorial. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Regina Humane Society (Albert St. and Armour Rd, PO Box 3143, Regina, S4P 3G7). In living memory of Jim, a tree will be planted in Wakamow Valley by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.  

Guest Book

Valerie Elder - Humboldt, SK: Dear Malcolm and Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. The private service sounds very peaceful and inspiring, I'm sure it will mean a great deal to everyone. Love, Valerie

Bob and Maureen - Humboldt, Sk: Malcolm & Family; Our thoughts are with you at this time of passing.  Sincere condolences to all.  

Lem and Carol Boyd - Regina, Sk: Dear Carole: We are very sorry to hear of your father's death. You talked a great deal about him over the years, but I never knew how profoundly he had served his community. Our sincere condolences to you and all your family.

Michael Hegan - Regina, Sask.: I had the honour of working with Jim, and I know that Jim will be remembered, and he will be missed.

Art and Glenda Berard - Lumsden, SK: We are thinking of Jim's family at this time, and know you all have wonderful memories to help you get through this sad time.

Todd Lazurca and Brenden Wallace - Regina, SK: Our thoughts are with the whole Eaton clan at this time of loss.

Darrell and Joy Swanson - Maple Ridge, BC: To all the Eatons, I (Darrell), remember your dad as a strong, dignified guy. I guess I might have been a little afraid of him when I was growing up in Carlyle. As a teenager, I didn't want to get on the wrong side of him. We know he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you at this time - there is comfort in the Lord.

Walter Martin - Regina, Sk: I am sorry to hear of your loss.  I knew Mr. Eaton to be a fine gentleman.  My best to Stuart and the entire Eaton family. Walter Martin, - an old air cadet.

Sonya Leib - Regina, SK: Bruce,  I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.  Please extend my condolences to all of your family.

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