December 14, 1942 - December 8, 2021
In loving memory ~
It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Jim Saare- loving husband, father, (great) grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He left this world peacefully on Dec 8th in Nanaimo, BC with family at his side - the way he would have wanted it.
Jim was born in Rossland, BC. Dec 14, 1942 to Margaret and Bob Saare, and was the 3rd of 5 children.
He attended MacLean and Rossland Secondary Schools. In 1963, while in Eagle Ont. doing surveywork with his brother Daryl, a beautiful, feisty red-
head caught his eye. As he explained it, he tried to look suave with his survey equipment and it must have worked because Janet moved across the country to Rossland BC where the two were married on Aug 1, 1964.
In the late 1960's he began work in the Assay Office at Cominco (Teck) in Trail BC. It was during this time he noticed that female coworkers were being paid far less than the men for doing the same job. Discrimination, inequity and bullying tactics were common with promotions based on favoritism rather than merit. He joined other like-minded coworkers and they were finally able to create the first union for "white collar" workers at Cominco, ACTE Local 1705. He recounted reluctantly taking a Director position with the new union, thinking he would step down at the end of his term to "make way for someone far smarter than me".
As fate would have it, he became president of that union (which later became United Steelworkers of America Local 9705), serving in that role from 1975 until he retired in 2000. He firmly believed in the power of individuals standing together with one voice to effect change. He cared deeply for his members and worked tirelessly to ensure that equality, fairness,safety,and opportunities for recognition would be available to all without discrimination.
After his retirement he reminded younger union members that every article in their contract had been fought for and won on the backs of those who had gone before them anyone that took that for granted, didn't deserve to have it.
Jim and Jan welcomed their daughter and two sons in 1973, 1976, and 1977. Jim loved being a dad and family time was important - from skiing and chopping down Christmas trees to playing monster and teaching the kids to waterski. He spent time opening their minds and encouraged them to stand for their beliefs and be counted. He loved the outdoors and by far, his favourite place to be was the cabin at Christina Lake. Jim and Jan raised the kids between Rossland and the cabin at the lake, entertaining extended family whenever possible. In 2020 they sold the cabin, choosing buyers with families that would appreciate it as much as they had, and moved to Vancouver Island to be closer to family.
Like his siblings, Jim loved to laugh and lit up the room with his smile. No one who heard his laugh will ever forget the joy it brought. He was larger than life and no words can express how much he will be missed. He leaves behind Janet (wife of 57 years), daughter Kerianne (Darcy), sons Darren (Renee) and Kevin (Tanya), grandchildren Alycia, Ashley, Anika, Kai, Kailey, Oliver and Tyson, great-grandchildren Arizona and Houston, sister Janet (Howie), and many dearly-loved nephews, nieces, and extended family. He is predeceased by his mother and father, brothers Don and Daryl, sister Robin, brother-in law Hal, niece Gayle, and nephew David.
Memorial donations are gratefully appreciated and can be made to:
Steelworkers Humanity Fund, a charity near and dear to both Jim and Jan's hearts. Online: donations accepted at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/18870
Alternatively, cheques can be mailed to:
Steelworkers Humanity Fund, Suite 888, 234 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON, M4P 1K7