Obituary of James Kenrick Dorion

Dorion, James Kenrick Born January 4, 1930 Safely Home, February 2, 2012 Passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital, his son by his side. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Mary Jane (Jeannie), his much loved and loving son, Dr. Rae (Ingrid) Dorion, four precious grandchildren, Ben , Andrew, Ethan and Vanessa and a great grandson, Riley. He is also survived by siblings Marjorie (late John) Curtis, Fred (Diane), Edward (Linda) and Sandra (Warren) Knudsen as well as numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Oscar K. and Mary (Donohue) Dorion, a brother George and a sister Margaret (late Alex) Mooney. Born and raised in Quebec, Jim left home in his early teens shortly after the accidental death of his brother and best buddy, George. He eventually found his way to St. Catharines and employment at GM. He had fallen in love with the sound of the steel guitar, which he mastered and played professionally on radio and TV during the ‘50s. At the age of 24, Jim had a life changing encounter with his Lord and Savior and in the fall of 1955 entered the Church Army (Anglican) training college in Toronto. His first posting was to a parish in Saskatchewan where he was to meet his future wife. He and Jeannie were married in 1960 and lived and worked in various parishes in Saskatchewan, Alberta, New Brunswick and Ontario. His son, Rae, arrived on his 31st birthday– a timely and precious gift and ever a blessing. In 1974 he returned to Toronto’s Wycliffe College. Upon ordination he served in Rainy River, Minnesota and Manitoba while continuing his studies part time. He received his B.A., B.Ed. degrees from Lakehead University (1972), fulfilling another dream– to become a teacher. He taught in Rouyn-Noranda and Hull, Quebec until his retirement. Although an English teacher, most of his career was spent in the Special Education department when his rapport with special needs and traumatized children soon became well known and appreciated. He loved tropical plants and grew a small greenhouse business on the side. Talented musically, he had mastered the piano and organ as a young adult and taught these instruments as well as serving as organist at various churches in Arnprior. The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to all those who cared for Jim during his long fight with renal failure, especially the wonderful team at the PRI and dialysis units in Renfrew. A very special thank you to Dr. Nicole Delbrouck, his “special angel” and our anchor throughout this difficult journey. Thank you to Dr. McCarthy, Dr. Becker, Laurie Hebert and the nurses and staff at the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital who cared for us as a family during Jim’s final days. Thank you to Melanie (our PSW), Wayne (our driver), Ken (Jim’s faithful friend) and so many others who made our journey a little easier. Visitation at The Boyce Funeral Home, Chapel, Visitation and Reception Centre 138 Daniel Street N. Arnprior where friends may pay their respects on Monday February 6, 2012 after 9:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. in The Boyce Chapel followed by interment in Arnprior Malloch Road Cemetery. Anyone wishing to do so can remember Jim by donating to the Renfrew Victoria Hospital (Dialysis Unit), World Vision or the Alzheimer Society. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” Psalm 116:15 Condolences / Donations www.boycefuneralhome.ca