James William KURESH

KURESH, James William May 6, 1943 - March 8, 2014 Jim passed away peacefully in Victoria Hospice on Saturday, March 8th after a courageous battle with cancer. He leaves behind his wife and soul mate, Winnie, daughter Kelly Litle of Nanaimo, BC, son John Litle of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, stepdaughters Susan Keillor and Traci Woodske, brother John Kuresh in West Kelowna, BC, sister Sherri Plumridge in Vernon, BC and many other relatives and friends across Canada and the US. Jim was born in Wayne, Alberta and later lived in Wetaskiwin, Alberta and North Vancouver, B.C. He joined the Navy in 1961 and was a gunner on the HMCS Outremont until his release from service in 1964. He worked for DND in Colwood, BC, as a fuel gauger from 1978 until his early retirement in 1998. Jim had a love of music at very early age. He played guitar in a rock and roll band in his late teens, taught himself to play the banjo and in recent years joined the Victoria Bluegrass Society. He also enjoyed and played Irish and folk music and blues. He is fondly remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, humble nature, his love of animals, and his strong ties to family and friends. Jim was a rare breed . . . a true gentle man! He was loved and admired by many. The family would like to thank the Quick Response Team of nurses and Beacon home care workers for their kindness while Jim was cared for at home. And to the medical staff and volunteers at Victoria Hospice for their compassion and gentle care helping to make Jim's last week on this earth as comfortable as possible. At Jim's request, his remains were cremated. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Victoria Hospice would be appreciated.