James Henry GORST

Born and raised in Victoria, Jimmy was a familiar face about the legislative precinct, first as a member of the NDP government, then as a tour bus operator. As anyone who met him will attest, Jimmy made lasting impressions. He loved to engage, finding common ground with others over shared values and newspaper stories, earning him many lifelong friends and perhaps a few converts.

Family was important to Jimmy and re-establishing his relationship with his daughter Carol Ann, in Africa, was his greatest joy. With loved ones everywhere, he was often at the computer or on the phone, messaging friends and family across town or around the globe. He always kept in touch, never forgetting a name, a birthday, or phone number, a skill which served him well through his long life. Beyond his remarkable memory, he was renown for his gentle character and astute analysis of affairs.

Jimmy thought Victoria the most perfect place on earth and was called to civic duty at a young age. His passion for politics was rooted in his upbringing and lessons from his father who, after surviving the trenches of WWI, became a founding member of the CCF. In 1972 Jimmy was elected NDP MLA for Esquimalt-Port Renfrew. They fell in 1975, marking the end of his legislative career, but he was always proud of his service and achievements, especially the relaunch of the SS Princess Marguerite. Jimmy remained an active member of the NDP to the end, putting up election signs and knocking on doors well into his nineties.

His career in politics was followed by years in the tourism industry as the owner-operator of Marguerite Tours. He later joined forces with his good friend and mentee Lorne DeGirolamo to establish Victoria Tours and Charters. Jimmy remained friendly with all his staff, seeing them not only as employees but as ambassadors of a place dear to his heart.

When he wasn't welcoming tourists, Jimmy was often one himself. On his many trips to Italy with his wife Italia Corletto, he enjoyed the piazza culture of coffee and conversation.

In Jimmy, a good person walked this earth.

He is predeceased by his parents Margaret and John, sisters Mary and Celia, niece Christine and nephew Michael and wives, Louise Fisher and Cecily McCreadie. He is remembered by his wife Italia, daughter Carol and husband Daniel Neto, granddaughters Laura, Claudia and Odessa, great-grandchildren Anderson, Maxwell and Reeves, niece Stephanie, nephews Danny and Mark, and the Corlettos.

According to his wishes and Covid-19 rules, there will be no funeral. Donations to the NDP in his memory kindly appreciated in lieu of flowers.