James CROSS

CROSS, James 1937 - 2006,
of Glen Haven NS and formerly of Waterloo, Ontario. Avid cyclist, keen sailor, musician, inventor, Renaissance man. Died 23rd of October after a brutal fight with oesophageal cancer.
Deeply loved husband of Cilla, proud and loving father of five wonderful children: Kate Gregory of Pontypool ON, Martin Cross of Vancouver BC, Sarah May of Southsea, Hants, England, Megan Boyko of Boutiliers Point – NS and Gwenith Cross of Halifax NS. Loving Grancher to Beth and Kevin Gregory, Sasha Cross and Alexander May. He was so looking forward to the birth of Megan's baby this December. Father-in-law of Brian Gregory, Hine Mizushima, Keith May and Jacob Boyko. Predeceased by their older brother Terry, James is survived by his fraternal twin Alan, in England (there could only be one James!). His nieces Jackie Gayler and Debbie Ledger, his nephew Brian Cross, and their families mourn him in England. Survived by Pat Cross of Toronto, his former wife and mother of his three eldest children. Cilla's family, including Doreen Reed, Elaine Calder and Owen Reed will also miss him.
James was born in London, England, and raised in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester, England. The first in his family to attend university James excelled in academia and went on to become a professor of Electrical Engineering. In addition to his university teaching and research James was also an inventor. His power engineering and power supply systems, including the Cross Power Supply, are in use internationally. Plastic perforation technology developed by James is also being used in manufacturing.
What James set out to do, he did. And more. He circumnavigated the world in his 26 foot wooden boat, Gay Goose, using only a chronometer, sextant and charts. He taught himself to play the wooden flute and enjoyed his years in Waterloo with the Grand River Ceili Band. Following early retirement he got great pleasure from learning to play the Northumbrian Bagpipes and enjoyed two piping tours with other pipers in New Zealand. Along the way his pursuits included keeping bees, climbing mountains or cycling down them on a tandem with Cilla, and always living life to the fullest.
James' greatest passion was his cycling. In his youth he was a highly successful competitive cyclist and he continued cycling his whole life in all weather, thinking nothing of his frequent 100 km plus rides. He kept a bicycle with friends in several countries in order to always be able to go for a ride. This summer, while in England, before the insidious cancer took firm hold, he surprised his doctors by doing several 60 km rides.
James was a difficult man to live with but it will be extremely difficult to live without him. Life was always interesting with James. His love of talking, imparting knowledge and telling of tales made him many firm friends around the world.
Sincere thanks to Dr. Jyothi who gave James and the family compassionate care, Dr. Virik who gave him hope, and the nurses of the VON, especially Patsy, who provided such kind and sensitive care, which enabled James to die peacefully at home. Those who wish can make a memorial donation to: VON of Greater Halifax, 7001 Mumford Road, Tower 1, Suite 300, Halifax NS, Canada B3L 4N9.
Cilla and the children invite family, friends and acquaintances to bid farewell to James on Saturday, October 28th at 2:00 p.m. at: St. Margaret's Sailing Club, Crouchers Point Road in Mariners Anchorage, French Village. (Highway 333 Peggy's Cove Road) We will celebrate James' life and reminisce about him.
Correspondence for the family can be sent to: Cilla Cross, Glen Haven, Nova Scotia B3Z 2T1.
'Even at our birth, death does but stand aside a little. And every day he looks towards us and muses somewhat to himself whether that day or the next he will draw nigh'. – Robert Bolt 'But ten more years would have been nice'. – James Cross