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JAMES HENRY OSTER
It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Oster announces his sudden passing Friday, March 16, 2012.
Jim was born April 16, 1945 in Winnipeg, Man. to Margaret and Leo Oster. He married the love of his life, Diane Bilon, on June 8, 1968.
Upon graduation from Fort Frances High School, Jim attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in December, 1968. Jim then began his teaching career with the Rainy River District School Board in September, 1969 and retired in 1999 after 30 years of teaching.
He was a devoted teacher; finding teaching a highly-rewarding career. Jim always thought of the school as his “second home,” and went the extra mile to ensure that his students were successful.
He also devoted much of his time to coaching football, hockey, volleyball, and basketball.
Jim enjoyed many sports: baseball, hockey, and curling. He was an avid fastball player and started playing fastball at the age of 16, pitching for the Fridge, the Ponderosa Steers, and the Merchants. He could throw a wicked “windmill” in his prime.
He also was a member of the Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association for many years and often could be seen at the arena watching hockey and enjoying the progress of his former students.
He enjoyed his coffee with the guys at “Reids,” and kept up with the town and current affairs.
His grandchildren were the bright stars in his life. He took pleasure in their development, activities, and accomplishments, and never missed an opportunity to watch them play hockey, dance, or swim. They brought him much happiness and he loved to tease them.
His granddaughter said, “Grandpa, you tease us and joke with us because you love us so much.”
Jim enjoyed the simple things in life. He believed that inner strength was essential to get through the “ups and downs” of life.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diane; son, Brad Oster; daughter-in-law, Lonna; and his grandchildren, Kade and Taryn.
He also is survived by his sisters, Madeline (Pat) McColman, Dorothy (Werner) Doebele, Eileen (Ed) Sobkowich, Nora Paulenko, Joan (Ken) McTavish, and Kathy (Tony) Pankuch; brothers, John (Norma), Brian (Rhonda), and Lawrence (Kathy); as well as his sister-in-law, Joan (Dennis) Krause.
Jim also will be lovingly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, and many special friends.
Jim was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Margaret Oster; brother, Leo Oster; and brother-in-law, George Paulenko.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 11 a.m. at St Mary’s Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Lunch and a celebration of Jim’s life followed in the church basement.
The pallbearers were Terry Ogden, Stan Blasky, Roy Avis, Frank Strain, Owen Ross, Ken Christiansen, and Terry Burns.
Because of Jim’s love of sport, in memoriam donations may be made to KidSport Fort Frances, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Such sad new to hear !! Mr.
Such sad new to hear !! Mr. O touched the hearts of many with his friendly character and wonderful smile ... My condolences to you all for your loss of this wonderful man.
The news of Jim's passing is
The news of Jim's passing is such a shock... Our memories of Jim come from years of being neighbours and friends. He was just so kind, so warm and friendly and always gave one the impression that he was glad to see you. The last time we saw Jim was in Tim Horton's with Kade, with that wonderful proud huge grin on his face. He was just so proud of all of you, and will be terribly missed by you, his friends and his community. So many people share in your sorrow.
With love and sympathy
Sandra and Julian
We are so sad! Jim "Toes"
We are so sad! Jim "Toes" was so much fun and Di we remember him with great love. I know how deeply he loved you - I witnessed it all through Grade 10 - 12
and of course beyond. We had so much fun double dating and when I think of you and Jim I hear "Blue Velvet" by Bobby Vinton. It was a honour to be a bridesmaid in your wedding party and to see your dreams come true. And what fun we had when we went to rural SW Manitoba for Brad's wedding with Patty Jo and Tom.
I guess the thing to remember about Jim was his loyalty, his strength, his work ethic and the wonderful family that he came from and the ideals that he brought to his son and grandchildren. Our daughters, Trisha, Heather and Amy remember him teasing them endlessly.
Tomorrow will bring great tears but for me the memories are rushing in and I am smiling and hopefully they are for you also and bring you peace. CU tomorrow
love Barb
Our condolences go out to
Our condolences go out to the Oster family. He was a great teacher and will be greatly missed by every person who ever met him. He was a genuinely amazing man and I will continue to say that there are some teachers who should try to grasp his enthusiasm and love for the job and the care he had for his students. Rest in Peace Mr.O, and again my condolences to the family.
Our deepest condolences
We share your suffering Diane. Jimmy was "one of the good guys." He was respected by his peers, admired by his students and those he coached and loved by all who knew him personally. He was not only a credit to his profession but also a valuable contributor to his community and will be missed tremendously. Know his soul/spirit that part of him that made him the person he was, continues to exist and is with all those who passed on before him. You and your family are in our prayers Diane, please find some comfort in the knowledge that although it is a slow process---the healing process has already begun. Blessings to you and your family---Jack and Elsie
Condolences
Diane - we were so sorry to hear the sad news of Jim's passing. We'll remember his gentle smile and laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time. Our deepest condolences. Gary and Donna Gustafson
May his soul rest in peace :(
May his soul rest in peace :(
Diane, I am so sorry to hear
Diane, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember his big smile that never failed to cheer me up. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter.
Condolences
Diane and Family
So sorry to read of Jim's passing. We
shall keep you all in our prayers.
Sincerely
Hart and Terri Armstrong
Diane, I was so shocked and
Diane, I was so shocked and extremely sorry to hear of Jim's sudden passing as it wasn't long ago that we had our girls' reunion at Cheryl's and it was so wonderful to catch up on all the news of you and Jim, Brad and the grandkids. Although I haven't lived in Fort Frances for many years, our years in high school are indelibly etched on my memory and Jim stands out-- as smart, funny (I remember the twinkle he always had in his eye), trustworthy, and a true gentleman. And how he loved you! We all longed to feel that kind of love. What good times we had--it seems like such a short time ago. I am thinking of you at this very sad time and hope that the memory of such a wonderful man will console you in the days and years to come.
Love,
Roline
With regret
Our thoughts are with the Oster family during this difficult time. Brad, although I was unable to come home for the service today, know that you and your family were in my thoughts. Your dad was a great man and will be missed terribly by all who knew him. Just know that his legacy lives on with his family. With deepest regret,
Shane & Cindy Wepruk
Diane I am so sorry to hear
Diane I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing.He was always there for all of his players over theyears.It was always great to see him in summer when I come home to the Fort.He always was coaching me and passing on great advice.It will be different this summer to not see his smile and kidding nature.My sincere condolences.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Steve&Tina Gasparini
Jim Oster
Please accept my condolences for the passing of Jim. I have known Jim most of my life,and have played different sports with him. Jim was a very special person , with his big smile , was always laughing. I will miss him immensely!
One door has closed , but another has opened ; that's when The lord said . "come I have a new life for you and Jim walked through that door , the door to eternal life"
Roger Armstrong
Jim Oster
Our community lost one of the "good guys". Jim touched the lives of so many people in a special way and those who knew him were blessed. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family, Diane.
So very sorry
Dianne and Brad. I am so very sorry to hear of Jims passing. I hope and trust that your memories and love will sustain you through this very difficult time. Jim was a wonderful teacher and an even better person. Nancy Daley.
Schocked to hear the sad news
Dear Diane , Nora and family, I still can't believe this sad news of your dear Husband and brother Jim. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Diane, give yourself the time you need to heal. It does take a while, be gentle with yourself my dear. I will keep you in my prayers.
I live in Thunder Bay, now if you are ever here, stop by. Monique has my phone # & address. Take care, Linda ,
Condolences
I send my condolences for the loss of a husband, brother, uncle, and a brother-in-law. I have such fond memories of such lovely people - Diane, Nora, Kathy, Heather, Jackeline, Catherine - my prayers are wilth you at this time.
Sincerely, Susanne Lambert
My condolences to family and
My condolences to family and friends. Mr. Oster was the best of the best of teachers and one of the most supportive, respectful and kindhearted people I've ever known. I'll remember him as someone who truly enjoyed contributing to every student's growth and personal success, and am sure that these values extended well beyond his teaching world. God bless and rest in peace, Mr. O.