James Robinson VANWART

JAMES ROBINSON VANWART BSc, Pharmacist This true gentleman, as well as gentle man, passed away in his 87th year, on Friday, January 21, 2011 in the manner that he had lived, peacefully, at his home in Edmundston, New Brunswick, and comforted by his loving family. Jim was indeed deeply rooted in the tradition of his beloved Province of New Brunswick. And he was especially steeped in its precious values of friendship, peace, and honour. The ready smile of this consummately serene individual quite simply brought out the happiness in people from early on and throughout his life. The very steadiness of his manner and his pleasant mien helped bring calm around him. As a young man, he studied science at Mount Allison University. He then went on to obtain a diploma in pharmacy, following in the footsteps of his father, D.H. VanWart. When he retired from his life-long profession of pharmacy in 1998 a page of history was turned. The landmark VanWart Drugs Ltd closed its doors after serving this gateway community to the Maritimes for over 80 years. That year, Jim was presented with the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award which recognizes lifelong outstanding service to the community in the field of pharmacy. In 1958, by then this almost confirmed bachelor of Loyalist descent was swept off his feet by Rosalie St-Aubin, a remarkably effervescent Franco-Ontarian. They lived and loved for 53 years thereafter until his death and they also shared a devotion to pharmaceutical care as they served their community side by side. Jim and Rosalie were blessed with three children, son Daniel (Leslie Clow), daughter Christine (François Carrier), and daughter Julie (Frank Timm). His children were a source of immense joy and of great pride to him, as were his six grand-children, Ava, Grace, Olivia, Samuel, Nicholas, and Maximilian. While Jim may not have been a religious person, he was certainly a man of faith who marvelled at the wonders of Creation. In an interview with Kate Wallace who wrote beautifully of her conversation with him in New Brunswick's leading newspaper, the Telegraph-Journal, he spoke lovingly of his lifelong passion for photography as he prepared for a special exhibition of his work, titled 'Corrosion', showcased at the Edmundston Town Hall. His beauty and elegance of discarded metals. 'I'm constantly fascinated by what is out there and what people don't see. It is all about observation.' Jim was predeceased by his older brother Kenneth and is survived by his sister Phyllis. He is also mourned by many relatives. Cremation has taken place, and at Jim's request, a memorial service will be held when the flowers bloom again in Edmundston in June 2011, with further notice to be given as to the time and locale. This occasion will celebrate the exemplary life of this good person and respected citizen, wonderful husband and loving father, grand-father and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmundston Regional Hospital Foundation, (Extra-Mural Program), 275 boulevard Hébert, Edmundston, NB, E3V 4E4, (ph. 506-739-4222), or to the charity of your choice, to honour Jim's memory. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAdam's Funeral Home, 160 York Street, Fredericton, NB. www.mcadamsfh.com