James Edward Sorenson

Obituary

Passed on January 5, 2023

November 6, 1928 – January 5, 2023  It is with heartfelt sorrow we announce the passing of James “Jim” Edward Sorenson. Dad passed away peacefully, on his own terms, at the age of 94, at home surrounded by family. Dad’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death, instead it will be carried on by all his loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Dad was born on November 6th, 1928 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He married Betty Tully on August 18th, 1951 and resided on the family farm in Marquette MB. Dad is predeceased by his parents, William and Grace Sorenson, Charlie and Tot Tully, son Terry, granddaughter Kimberley Seggie and grandson Michael Seggie. Left to forever remember him is his wife of 71 years, Betty, his children Ronald/Ted (Gail), Shirley (Jim) Seggie, Elaine, Karen, Diane (Blair) Smith and daughter-in-law Cheryl (Rob), grandchildren Stacy (Darren), Brent (Michelle), Michelle, Nicholas (Baila), Christopher (Morgan), Lindsay, Ashley, Zach, Chloe, Tyler (Dara), and great grandchildren Cody, Blake, Carson, Stella, Olivia and Victoria. Dad will be lovingly missed by many extended family members, friends and neighbours.

Over the course of his lifetime, he held many different careers. As a young man, Jim helped look after his family’s farm and started his own side business of cutting and selling wood with a team of draft horses. At 16 he quit school and went to work in British Columbia as a logger. Once back home on the farm, he went on to drive the milk truck, drove for Reimer Express, and work for Railway & Power. Eventually he became a dairy farmer and retired from the farm in 1984.

Upon his retirement, Dad became an avid horseman showing both Shetland and miniature draft ponies for many years. He was determined to get the whole family involved in his passion which led to countless family camping trips to the Manitoba Stampede, hayrides and sleigh rides with family and friends.

A favorite pastime of Dad’s was dancing. Over the years he taught his children and grandchildren how to dance, whether it was by them standing on his feet in the living room, attending his square dance school each Sunday at the local hall or by attending old time dances with him. He started to call square dances in 1946 and even recorded a Square Dance CD with his favorite band, Country Pride. Dad had no trouble finding a dance partner whether it be Mom, one of the kids, grandkids or one of the many friends he had made while dancing. He was famous for his jig and never failed to show it off whenever he could, as recently as his 94th birthday when he attended his last dance.

Dad was an avid supporter of the local curling club. He enjoyed curling and in his later years became a very skilled stick curler, even making his way to the provincials one year. Whenever there was a bonspiel you could always expect to see him down at the rink whether he was competing or not. Dad made many friends throughout his years curling and spent a lot of his time at the rink watching and visiting with everyone who passed through its doors.

Dad lived a very full, long life surrounded by family and friends. He was always there to offer a helping hand to anyone in need and welcomed anyone into his circle. He has always been very proud of his family and never missed an opportunity to show his support of them. He has always been an extremely hard worker and doesn’t like putting off for tomorrow what can be done today. He has instilled a lot of these characteristics into the family and that will be what we will carry on with us.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Dad’s memory to South West District Palliative Care, Meadow Lea United Church, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held at Meadow Lea Hall on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023 at 1:00 pm with a private burial to take place at a later date.

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