Obituary of James O'Riordan

James "Jim" O'Riordan of Camrose passed away on Monday, March 4, 2014 at the age of 87 years. James (Jim) Aloysius O'Riordan was the seventh of ten children born to Mary Agnes Shea and Fredrick Alexander O'Riordan. Born July 21, 1926 in Camrose, Alberta Jim grew up in a loving and hardworking family with many neighbours who became lifelong friends - Eldon Hoover and family, Bill Glatiotis and family, Lloyd Reed and family. Jim is remembered by neighbours, family and friends as a quiet, generous and kind gentleman … slow to anger and quick to laugh, and always willing to help a neighbour, stranger, family or friend in need. Jim lead a life characterized by hard work, love for his family and a deep Catholic faith. His many kind deeds were done "behind the scenes" with him not seeking attention or acclaim for his generosity, thoughtfulness and help. He is the unsung hero in many people's lives. Throughout his life, Jim was a dedicated son to his parents; a supportive brother to his siblings; a loving husband to his wife; attentive father to his children; loving grandfather to his many grandchildren, great grandchildren; and a fun-loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. Bev and Jim are well known to the community as a loving couple, enjoying each other's company while attending church, family gatherings, morning coffees and other community outings. Neighbours will miss his jaunty hellos, joking ways and ongoing practical help (as he was fondly known as Mr. Fix It) The regular coffee gang will miss his hearty greetings, thoughtful "giving up his seat" and reputation for pouring the second cuppa coffee. Jim would frequently say, "there were no better folks than the ones who came for morning coffee" - "they would do anything for you". Jim is predeceased by his parents, Mary Agnes and Fredrick Alexander; his infant sister Rita; and brothers Robert Donald (RD), John Patrick (JP), Fredrick Joseph (Bitz), Thomas Gerald and Paul Shea. He is survived by his loving and faithful wife Beverley Hall; daughters, Teresa Lynn (Ruth Laseur) and Lori Ann (Paul Krueger); his sisters Anna Mary Margaret McGuiness, Marie Patricia McKinnon and Mary Aileen O'Riordan. He has left a legacy of kindness and compassion to his eleven grandchildren: Mitchell James Krueger, Kyle Edmond Zerbin, Kenton James Zerbin, Ryan Alexander Zerbin, Clayton Hall Zerbin, Jennifer Delaine Zerbin, Melody Lang, Elizabeth Lahl, Tasha Marie Roberts, Tammy Colucci and Michelle Leah Pleich; 12 great grandchildren including Josiah Parker Zerbin and a great, great grandchild. The family extends their deep appreciation to the volunteers of the Hospice Society of Camrose and District. This journey would have been much more difficult to travel without the needed comfort, gentle companionship and authentic connection that you provided. To those palliative care staff at St. Mary's Hospital who provided Jim and family with sensitive care, compassion and professional courtesy, we truly thank you. The painful struggle was made easier with your help. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hospice Society of Camrose and District. A prayer vigil was held on Friday, March 7, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. from the Burgar Memorial Chapel (4817 51 Avenue Camrose, AB). A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church (5010 48 A Ave, Camrose, AB) with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Interment followed in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Hospice Society of Camrose & District.