Obituary of James Eric Oswald

OSWALD, James Eric Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the age of 81 years after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis. James leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Joye (nee McMillan), and his loving daughters, Cathy Oswald, Wendy Liston, Judy Oswald, and Dawn Pier. He was the very proud grandfather to Scott Oswald (Sheena), Ian Bedore (Patricia), Jenna Bedore (Mykol), Jacob Bedore, Kathleen Liston, and Laura Liston and great-grandfather to Hudson, Cole and Henry. James is survived by his brother-in-law, Willis Crooks, and sister-in-law, June Boulerice (Rudy) and is fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. James was predeceased by his beloved parents, Donald and Pearl Oswald (nee McEwen) and by his loving sister Lillian Crooks and brother Ian Oswald. A Bell Canada employee for 35 years, James was a lover of books, and an avid bird watcher. He was a respected member of the community, receiving awards for his years of dedicated volunteer service to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Meals on Wheels program. He served as a town councilor and Deputy Reeve of Vankleek Hill for many years. True to form, he maintained his keen sense of humour and interest in his favourite sports teams right up until the end ... Go Sens! James expressly wanted to thank his caregivers for their warmth, dedication, and dependability. Relatives and friends may visit at the Hillcrest Funeral Home, 151 Bond St., Vankleek Hill on Wednesday, November 2nd from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday November 3rd at 2:00 p.m. at the Trinity United Church, 14 Mill St., Vankleek Hill, followed by a reception at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club, 136 Bond St., Vankleek Hill. As per James' request, donations can be made to the Eastern Prescott Russell Minor Hockey Association P.O. Box 1384 , Vankleek Hill, Ontario K0B 1R0 or the Trinity United Church Memorial Fund P.O. Box 221, Vankleek Hill, Ontario K0B 1R0. To express your condolences, make a donation or light a candle in memory of James please visit www.hillcrestfuneralhome.ca