Jim Dafoe Superintendent of the Year 2010
from the BCGSA:
It is with great sadness that we wish to inform you that our dear friend and colleague, Jim Dafoe, Superintendent, Fairwinds Golf Course, passed away on Sunday evening, October 7th, due to complicatons from the cancer he was struggling with for the past several months.
Jim will best be remembered for his quiet and gentle unassuming nature as well as his unwavering profesionalism in his career. He will also be well remembered for his love, concern and care for his family, friends and colleagues. Jim will be sadly missed by the entire industry.
Obituary
The family of the late James (Jim) Albert Dafoe sadly announces his passing on Sunday, October the 7th in his 65th year. Jim passed away peacefully at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo, BC after an extended illness. He was born on 5th of April 1948 the eldest son of Les and Joy Dafoe of Marathon, Ontario. Jim remained in Marathon for the early years and had one son, Terry James (TJ) Dafoe from his first marriage to Diane (Blanch). Jim and family moved to Dryden where he started a career as the local curling rink icemaker and golf course superintendent. An avid golfer and curler, Jim elected to follow his passion for the golf business and evolved it in to a lifelong career as a golf course superintendent that spanned a number of golf courses across Canada. Jim met Gloria (Roberts) in Dryden and moved to Fairview, Alberta in 1985 to further his expertise in golf course maintenance and spent two years in college to acquire his turf management technology diploma. After a short hiatus in Sparwood, BC, Jim and Gloria moved to Vancouver Island in 1987 and Jim became the golf course superintendent at Fairwinds Golf Course in Nanoose Bay, BC. Jim’s career at Fairwinds spanned over 25 years and he was an integral part of the growth and success of the course today. Jim was always known for his attention to detail and passion for his work. He was a respected expert in his field and built great friendships and relations with his fellow colleagues and golfers alike. Jim never forgot the friends that he had from growing up in Marathon and he travelled back often to visit and provide a little advice to the local golf course staff. Jim moved on in life and established a companionship with Anne Charlton of Nanoose, BC. Jim developed a passion for motorcycles and logged many kilometers on his Harley Davidson with his partner Anne and friends.
Jim is survived by his partner Anne Charlton of Nanoose Bay, BC, son TJ Dafoe of Comox, BC, step-daughter Melanie (Randy) Tait of Parksville, BC, step-son Josh (Terri) Roberts of Courtney, BC and several grandchildren Dylan, Ethan, Quinn, Ben, Charlie and Sarah, mother Joy Dafoe of Marathon, Ontario, brothers Terry (Diane) Dafoe of Petawawa, Ontario, Dave (Audra) Dafoe of Calgary, Alberta and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his father Les Dafoe in July, 2012. Jim will be sadly missed by all. A private interment for family and close friends will be held at the Marathon Cemetery in Marathon, Ontario on Saturday, October 20th and a celebration of life will be held at the Fairwinds Golf Course, Nanoose Bay, BC on Thursday, November 1st.