Obituary of James Gilbert Lofgren

85 years old, died peacefully on Sunday, October 16th, 2016 at Chelsey Park Retirement Community, London. Jim was born on January 2nd, 1931 in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, to Myrtle and Eric Lofgren. He was the fourth born of 10 children and left home at 12 years of age with his grade eight education, to make room for the younger children and find his way in the world. Jim always found profitable work. He began on a neighbour’s farm, sold farm implements, drove snow plow, worked for the Government of Manitoba, a trucking company and a grocery wholesaler. In the early 70’s he began a business called Horta Craft, distributing plant tags and labels to greenhouses. When that out grew his basement he moved the company to London, Ontario, where it continues to this day. Jim grew up in a time so unlike our day that his stories were often entertaining. He talked of taking a horse and sleigh to a one room school, and snow drifts that covered over fence lines in the winter. He told of playing a game of chicken with his brothers by throwing pitchforks at each other’s feet. Jim was a frugal man, and liked to “make do” rather than buy something new. Unless it was a car, cars were exempt from the frugal rule. At the same time he was a generous person, especially toward children, youth, his church, The London Christian Academy and missionaries who served God in difficult circumstances. Jim was a man of faith in Jesus. He married Ellie in 1957 and they had two children, Ken (Patti) and Karen (Scott Forbes.) Jim’s grandchildren are Brendan Lofgren (Kayla), Nicole Dupuis (Dale Danger), Nathan Lofgren, Sharon Peters (Curtis), Jennifer Francis (Nicolas), Daniel Forbes and Kaitlyn Forbes. At times, Jim could be perceived as gruff and prickly – but not to children. He helped Karen in the Nursery at church well into his 80’s. His seven grandchildren were his delight, and just this year his first great-granddaughters were born: Emma Francis in April, and Chloe Dupuis in August. Jim is predeceased by his wife Ellie, his parents, Eric and Myrtle Lofgren, his sister Irene Berkan, his brothers Ivan and Les, sisters-in-law Marie Lofgren and Anne Lofgren, and his brothers-in-law Elmer Berkan, Jim Caldwell and Robert Caldwell. Jim is survived by the family members mentioned previously, along with brothers Edward Lofgren (Jean), Harvey Lofgren (Jan), Gary Lofgren (Julie), Stan Lofgren (Glenda), sisters Louise Danielson (Eric), Marie Davidson (Walter), sisters-in-law Irene Morley (Bob), Shirley Aldrich (Bob), Donna Lofgren and Bonnie Lofgren. Jim had numerous nieces and nephews across Canada and the USA, but special mention of three nephews who grew up here in London: Brian, Tim and Bob. Special thanks to the caring staff at Chelsey Park Retirement Community. Your love and compassion towards the frail and elderly shines brightly. You are a blessing. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at WEST PARK CHURCH, 955 Gainsborough Road, London, on Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In honour of Jim, men please wear a tie! Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Jim are asked to consider The Gideons International in Canada.