JAMES, Welland Robert

—

1937 – 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father and “Gramps”, Welland Robert James, at the wonderful age of 89 in Kelowna, BC, on October 30th, 2026. Although we grieve his loss, we take comfort in knowing that our loved ones in Heaven are rejoicing to welcome him home.

Welland “Welly” was born on February 18th, 1937. He was predeceased by his loving wife and our mother, Jacqueline (née Legault); his parents, Welland Reid James and Kathleen (née Auty); and all eight of his cherished siblings: Marjorie Larochelle, William James, Charles James, Mary Grice, Kenneth James, Beverly Bowman, Lois Bowman, and Ralph James. He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Dickie (Dave), and his son, Jason James (Kara), and we will forever carry his light within us. His memory will also live on through his four grandchildren: Kaitlyn Dickie, Jory Dickie (Kenzie Stirling), Tyler James, and Brette Baybutt, who were all a source of tremendous pride and joy to him.

Welland was born and raised in Cornwall, Ontario. It is there that his roots were laid and the foundation was set for the remarkable man he would become. In his later years, he opened a new chapter along with his wife by packing up all their belongings and moving to the beautiful Okanagan Valley to be closer to their children and grandchildren in Kelowna, British Columbia. Family meant everything to him!

Welland had a lifelong love for the outdoors, and few things brought him greater joy than being out on his boat cruising on the St. Lawrence River and hanging out at the cottage. Over the years, Welly enjoyed fishing, kayaking, a good golf game, bowling, and curling. He also took great pride in how much he walked daily.

Welland was the person you could always count on. Whether it was family, a friend, a co-worker, or a neighbour who needed a hand, he was there. Mechanically inclined and endlessly resourceful, he could fix just about everything, even if it meant inventing some unusual contraption to get the job done. He had an exceptionally strong work ethic, and he took pride in a job well done.

Perhaps Welly’s most remarkable quality was his unwavering optimism and genuine appreciation for life. He found beauty and joy in the simplest of things, including the deer who most recently began wandering through his property and taking refuge just outside his windows. Welly had a wonderful way of finding something positive in every situation, and he always found something to smile about until his last breath.

Welland will be incredibly missed by all who have been fortunate enough to know him. He was the very definition of a true gentleman, living with kindness, humility, dignity, and grace. His warmth and sincere interest in others made everyone around him feel welcome, seen, respected, and valued. He loved to make others smile, and he would do anything for a laugh. Welly leaves behind a beautiful reminder that happiness is found in everyday moments, kindness costs nothing, and showing up for those we love is one of life’s greatest gifts.

A private ceremony will be held by the family to commemorate his life at a time to be determined. Following his cremation, at Springfield Funeral Home, Welland will be laid to rest alongside his beloved wife and his parents at Woodlawn Cemetery in Cornwall, Ontario, returning home surrounded by those who loved him first.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Thanks to their incredible work, we were able to enjoy many more years with him.

The family would like to thank his doctors and nurses as well as the many care aides who were there to help him maintain his independence these past few months.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.