Obituaries
ROGAL, James
James Rogal
1953 - 2024
Jim was born in Flin Flon, MB, on a snowy July 1st. He loved that he grew up there as he spent many hours climbing rock cliffs, trapping, hunting, fishing, boating, water skiing and snow skiing. At 16, he joined the 21st Field Engineer Squadron (Royal Canadian Armed Forces - Reserve Army), travelling across most of Canada and Germany as Administration Clerk - Corporal. He was much like Radar in the TV series M*A*S*H*, magically locating supplies and getting them to where they were needed. Jim was also involved in chauffeuring Officers, water purification, operating heavy equipment, First Aid, training exercises, weapons instruction, explosives, demolition, construction/dismantling of Bailey bridges and other structures. After the army, he worked as a labourer in Flin Flon.
In 1974, Jim and his best friend, Larry Duliak, set off from Flin Flon, travelling west and settling in Kamloops. There, Jim met and married Donna (his wife of 47 years) and raised 2 children. He worked shoveling trenches and then as a backhoe operator laying water and sewer pipes for new subdivisions in Celista, then Westsyde and Sahail in Kamloops. He worked as a rubber technician and later owner/operator of CanWest Rubber Co. Ltd. supplying rubber-lined pipes and pump parts to the mining industry. He patented a process to manufacture rubber/ceramic lining for pipes and pump parts. Jim was also employed as a heavy duty mechanic and tire retreader.
Jim loved to bring a smile to every face - friend or stranger. He was always ready for adventure and excitement. Adrenaline was Jim's middle name. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, driving his Renault Le Car through many extreme conditions, dirt biking, down hill skiing, snowmobiling and camping. There were very few things that he couldn't repair at home or for his vehicles.
Jim fought hard in his last year and especially in the last few weeks. Surrounded by his family, Jim passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 19th.
Our family would like to send a huge "Thank you" to the many nurses and doctors for their very skillful, kind and compassionate care given to Jim in the ER and ICU at Royal Inland Hospital and their kind words and gestures to our family.
Jim will be forever held in the hearts of his wife, Donna; brother, Clyde; daughter and son in law, Roxanne and Neil Winship; son, Darren; sister in law, Louise Frank; grandson, Beau; granddaughter, Harlow; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Jim was predeceased by his father in law and mother in law, Clarence (1975) and Clara (1977) Frank; mother and father, Thelma (2003) and Victor (2005) Rogal; brother in law, Larry Frank (2012); sister and brother in law, Constance (2023) and Elwyn (2002) Sametts.
Please have a drink of your favorite beverage in honor of Jim and make sure to do something to put a smile on someone's face as he would have done.
A Celebration of Life and scattering of ashes will be planned for immediate family only. Donations may be made in Jim's memory to the Alzheimer Society of BC, Kamloops Cancer Supportive Care Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.
- Jul 07, 2024
My Sincere Codolences Donna and family. May the good Lord surround you all with His love and peace during this difficult time. - Tony Coriale - Jun 18, 2024
Donna and family,
I always remember Jim smiling… the world is a bit duller without him. Hugs to you and all who loved him. - Lucy Heglin - Jun 15, 2024
Donna,
I am sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time
Anita Harper
- Anita - Jun 11, 2024
Donna, I'm so very sad to hear about your loss. My thought are with you at this very difficult time. Diane Cordonier