Edward James LAGRANDEUR

LaGRANDEUR, Edward James (Jim) Passed away at Pincher Creek, Alberta after a short journey with lung cancer on May 8, 2008 at the age of 70 years. Jim was born and raised in Pincher Creek, leaving at the age of nineteen years to begin his career in the Alberta oil patch in the drilling industry, which became his profession and his passion. In 1970 the family moved overseas, living in Algeria, Spain, Holland and Scotland, with Jim drilling on land and off-shore. The family returned to Pincher Creek in 1977, but Jim still commuted overseas to work in the Cameroons, Nigeria, Libya and Brunei. When the drilling industry picked up in Canada he worked closer to home. In the 1990's Jim decided he needed a change and became owner operator of his own trucking business, hauling cattle, grain and fertilizer, which brought him into contact with many new people. By 2000 the lure of drilling became too great and he spent these last years back to his first love, the oil patch, the last four of which was with Talisman Energy in the Hinton field and these were the years he enjoyed the most. Jim is survived by his wife June of nearly fifty-two years; sons: Terrance, Barry (Sherri) and Jerry (Shari) of Pincher Creek; his daughter Jaime of Cortes Island, B.C.; eight grandchildren and by his sisters Marilyn (Glen) Willett of Sparwood, B.C. and Nadine (Lyle) Pleasants of Morinville, Alberta. Jim was predeceased by his parents Walter and Myrtle and by his brother Graham. Prayer Service will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Pincher Creek on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Michael's Church on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Eric Nelson officiating. Cremation to follow. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Jim's memory to your local S.P.C.A., Animal Rescue or Humane Society. EDEN'S FUNERAL HOME, Pincher Creek. Telephone: 403-627-3131. Published in the Calgary Herald on 5/12/2008