James Robert Lamont

August 29, 1930 - May 9, 2021
Jim is survived by wife of 69 years Inga. Children Sandra Lamont, Rob Lamont, Shirley (Roger) Fox, Gord (Cym) Lamont.
Ten grandchildren - Ben (Katie), Karina, Marika, Stacey (Anthony), Chelsea (Matt), Kristi (Ryan), Matt (Katie), Josh (Andrea), Lyle (July 2013), Dillan.
Five step-grandchildren - Paige, Ethan, Brooke, Carter & Harrison
Nine Great-Grandchildren - Arwynn, Bella, Evie, Huxley, Hudson, Bea, Henry, Sam, Adeline.
Jim was a man of many talents. In 1952 he began self employment with the building of a garage and gas station which expanded to a Ford car dealership and Avis rental car and continued for 25 years. From there he evolved into land development, building & renovations.
The spirit of volunteerism was strong with Jim. He was involved with Red Cross, which took him to major disasters in many countries including Hurricane in Puerto Rico, 9-11 In New York, floods in Manitoba, Forest fires in Kelowna and smaller disaster in BC.
He was involved with: the land acquisition and development of Selkirk College - the first post secondary college in BC and the Committee to bring the Regional Airport to Castlegar, as well as being an elected trustee of School District No.9.
Appointed for 32 years to Employment Insurance as an adjudicator for grievance cases, Jim was a founding member of the Castlegar Rotary Club in 1953 and was still a member 68 years later.
He was involved in District youth exchange, Rotary Exchange to Norway, Group studies & Ambassadorial scholarships. In 1957 Jim was invited to join the local chapter of the Masonic Lodge. Jim held numerous positions with the Sentinel Lodge but never Organist.
He was Worshipful Master and District Deputy Grand Master. He was active in the Scottish Rite, holding the offices of Thrice Puissant, as well as Most Wise.
Jim was proud to be a driver for Communities in Bloom judges for many years. Jim & Inga were very honoured to be jointly awarded Castlegar Citizen of the Year in 2017.
Jim lived for his wife, family and service to Community. He loved to entertain and host great gatherings. There were always many family and friends at the Christina Lake summer home.
Jim & Inga loved travel and he always had a ready story of their travels together. He will be remembered by all who knew him as a storyteller, great host, adventure seeker, culinary master and family man with great work ethic.
His method of encouragement to all was expressed through his many colorful quotes. A few memorable ones were: "Can't?, There is no such word as can't!", "Apply yourself", "You can't work with your mouth open", "I am not paying you to think I am paying you to work".
In Jim's memory please consider a donation to the Jim Lamont Legacy Bursary @selkirk.ca/support. This bursary meant a great deal to him for others to further their education in Vocational & Technical fields.
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown
And he replied: Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way
So, I went forth, and finding the hand of god, trod gladly into the night
-Louise Haskins
Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday July 9th 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m at New Life Church Castlegar, B.C.