James A. HITCHON

JAMES A HITCHON "Jay" It is with broken hearts that the family announces the passing of Jay Hitchon. A devoted husband, father and "papa/pa", with an incredible zest for life, and a deep love for his family and friends. Jay was truly one of the good ones; he had an unshakable moral compass and lived a life that exuded integrity and honesty. Above all else, he treasured his family and lifelong friendships. He was loyal to his friends and greatly valued his time with them. Born on March 17, 1951 in Brantford Ontario, he was a proud Holmedale boy. A renowned quarterback in high school and for the Brantford Bisons, he continued his legacy by playing for the University of Western Law school (where he was a silver medal graduate). An academic ace, he was the last to leave the law school library, with the staff flashing the lights to chase him out. He was a proud partner at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon for 38 years; his clients were devoted as were his assistants who worked with him for 35 plus years. Married for 46 years to his soulmate and best friend Patrice; they met in a dive bar (he came to her rescue) and they were together from that first meeting. He had an outstanding work ethic, and still family always came first. He never missed a game or an important event that involved his children and grandchildren. He was a hero to his children and grandchildren and had a special relationship with each of them. He especially loved golfing with his grandsons, River Jay Butler and Penn Butler; and spending time with "his girls", granddaughters, Frederikke and Stella. Jay excelled at everything he did. As a youth, it was hockey, later it was golf, running marathons, biking through Italy and scuba diving. His true passion was golf and with his wife they played many of the world's best courses. He was one of the original members of the Bigwin Island Golf Club, his favourite course in the world. He and his wife loved to travel and when not traveling his place to go was Lake of Bays where he enjoyed 42 years of cottaging, always surrounded by family and friends. November was a special month for Jay; he was a platinum member of the Movember movement. He died with his honourary stache in full glory for the cause. He is survived by his wife, Patrice; his sons, Jackson (Krista), Taylor; daughter, Jamie (Ryan); and grandchildren, Frederikke, River, Stella and Penn. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Isobel; survived by sisters, Lee and Kim; and brother, Rob. His family is grateful to the professionals that cared for him; Dr. Brian Lee and staff of the BGH cancer clinic; the Brant VON nurses who regularly visited the home and were so kind to him; Dr. McNeil and Shelley from the Stedman Hospice Outreach program for their assistance in supporting him to pass away at home; and finally, to a dear friend, Dr. David Quinlan for his compassion, professionalism and always being there. The family would like to share that recent studies have found a link between new- onset diabetes and pancreatic cancer-talk to your doctor. As the poet Dylan Thomas wrote. 'Do not go gently into that good night', that is how Jay left this world until his last breath, not giving up but fighting till the end. He valiantly fought stage 4 pancreatic cancer from the moment he received the devastating news. His wife, children and grandchildren will miss him with their every heartbeat and breathe. He showed them how to live a meaningful life and for that they will cherish him forever. Cremation has taken place. Jay's life will be celebrated on his birthday, a day that he loved to party, March 17 - St. Paddy's Day. Details will be available closer to the date. Donations to Movember- Jay Hitchon Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca