It is with a heavy heart that we announce our dad’s passing Jan 4th, 2011. Dad passed in his style, quietly and quickly. We know dad that you are with the Lord and once again sailing your boat.
Dad was born May 10,1921 in Blackridge, West Lothian, Scotland; he was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth McLuckie. He came to Canada as a small child, the only member of the family that did not get sea sick on the voyage and it was apparent then that he wanted to know how things worked as he made his way to the Engine Room.
Dad is survived by his loving wife Violet (they were married 67 yrs), daughters: Dawn Killough (Rod) and Debbie Cooper (Lloyd) all of Kamloops. Grandchildren: Dr Russet Jones (Bill), Jeremey Killough (Angie), Bree Kozak (Ethan), Dustin Zuraw(Tom), Matthew Killough (Shelby), Graham Cooper and 9 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Doug (Fr James) McLuckie and a grandson Marvin.
Dad’s family settled in Trail BC. He left school in grade 8 to go to work to help support his family, gaining employment with the CM&S (Teck) at the age of 16, he worked for them 41 yrs retiring in 1977. One of Dad’s accomplishments was attaining his grade 12 and becoming a Millright at the age of 50.
Mom and Dad started their married life in Trail, but moved to Castlegar in 1945 and lived there for 60 yrs. They moved to Kamloops in 2006 to be closer to their girls.
One of Dad’s passions was boating, he loved to be on the water and he never turned anyone down who wanted to learn how to water-ski. He served as a Boy Scout leader for many years, a Square Dance Caller and an avid curler. He was well known for calling throughout BC, Alberta and Washington State, with his home club being the McMixers in Castlegar. He skipped a curling team at the first “Floor Curling” event in Cranbrook at the BC Senior Games. Mom and Dad spent many summers camping at Christina Lake and later traveling throughout BC in their motor home.
Although dad did not return to Scotland for over 60 yrs, for their 50th anniversary, Mom and Dad visited Scotland and met many of Dad’ cousins. He was so thrilled that his school was still there.
Unfortunately Mom and Dad had to spend Dad’s final years apart, as Dad needed nursing care after he suffered a stroke in July of 2006. We wish to thank the “Angels” at Kamloops Senior Village for not only loving and caring for our dad, but also for being so kind to mom as she visited many times through the week.
Our dad was a gentle soul who was committed to his family especially his wife whom he loved and adored. You will be missed dad but we know your time had come to be with the Lord. You will always be in our hearts.
There will be a family memorial at a later date with Dad being laid to rest in the Spring in Castlegar.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of James to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at
201-635 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B3 or to Covenant House Vancouver at 575 Drake Street, Kamloops, BC V6B 4K8
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Personal Alternative Funeral Services. 250.554.2324