Jim Fitzgerald
Peter (Jim) James Fitzgerald passed away peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of January 28th, 2022.
Jim was born in Aberkenfig, South Wales on July 26th, 1929. He came to Canmore at the age of 10 months, and has lived here all his life, where he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Sylvia Hubman. Jim started his working career on a CPR section gang. When he was old enough he went to work on the surface for Canmore Mines. At the age of 18 he went underground, first driving a team of horses, then running the motor pulling loads of coal to the surface. Jim later became a contract miner, eventually working his way up to a Fire Boss. He then moved on to become safety supervisor until the mines closed in 1979. Jim was heavily involved with the mine rescue team, first as a member, then Captain, finally as their trainer. Their team went on to win many Provincial Championships and competed at the National level.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Sylvia, daughter Janet, father Ed, mother Gwen, and his brothers Maurice and Ted. He is survived by his son Dan (Paula) Fitzgerald, daughter Nancy (Gary) Marshall, grandsons Daniel Fitzgerald of Cochrane AB, Jonathan (Danielle) Fitzgerald of Tucson Arizona, Andrew (Lisa) Marshall of Exshaw AB, Brian Marshall of Canmore AB, and 3 great grandchildren, Charles and Charlotte Fitzgerald and Vivian Marshall.
Dad will be remembered as a loving husband and father, a faithful and loyal friend who loved sharing stories of Canmore and giving away treats from his garden. He is now home with his family in Heaven and is watching over us all. The family wish to thank Dr. John Michalyshyn and the nurses and staff at Golden Eagle View for their wonderful care of Jim.
Cremation has taken place with a plan to have a Celebration of Life Mass, and to be able to bury Jim with his beloved Sylvia in July.
