James Edward George Foran

JAMES E. FORAN Q.C.

James (Jim) Foran passed away in Winnipeg on April 1st, 2014 age 76 after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Jim is survived by his wife Mae, sons Allan (Audrey), James (Mary), Neil (Laura) and Colin; daughters Kim (Marcel), Karen (Ken), Kelly (Rene) and Kori (Gord). He also leaves eleven grandchildren (Sarah, Hannah, Allan, Samuel, William, Hugh, Benjamin, Courtney, Kevin, Matthew and Tyler) and four great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Margaret Foran, his sister Lynne Bangs of Ottawa and his daughter Jennifer Foran.

Born in Winnipeg on July 3, 1937, Jim was the eldest of six children, Lynne, Joan, Ken, Frank and Ron. He was educated at St Paul's High School where he was awarded Governor General's Gold Medal for Academic Proficiency. Jim attended University of Manitoba and in 1959 was elected President of University of Manitoba Student's Union. He enjoyed debating and was proud to be a Member of four McGoun Cup Debating Teams, representing Manitoba in the Finals. Upon receiving his LLB in1962, Jim articled with Thorvaldson & Co. and practiced law for over 40 years with Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson. He was recognized nationally as a leading authority in transportation law and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1985.

Jim particularly relished his role as a lecturer at the Faculty of Law for over 25 years and could often be heard encouraging the younger generations. After a vibrant career, Jim retired in 2008. Many life-long friendships were formed throughout the years and he was grateful for the support of his many colleagues and friends in the community.

Most importantly, Jim was a true family man. It was his greatest joy to be surrounded by his wife Mae and their large family. Regular Sunday dinners at the family home were legendary. It was in this environment he truly thrived. More recently, he enjoyed spending his winters in Puerto Vallarta with Mae and their many friends and family.

Dad was a passionate advocate of Winnipeg and was a loyal supporter of many causes in our city. Ultimately, his greatest achievements were the principles and values he instilled on those he touched. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place at Lanark with Fr. Mark Tarrant as the Celebrant on Monday, April 7 at 10:30 AM. A private family interment will take place at Assumption Cemetery following a reception to be held in the Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, please consider a donation to Siloam Mission.