Obituary

Passed away on Sept 13, 2022 in Fergus, Ontario, at the age of 93. He was born June 13, 1929 in Glasgow, Scotland, the second youngest of six children to Robert O’Haire, from Dublin, Ireland and Isabella McConchie, from Glasgow. Jim met his wife, Teresa, when they were both 17. After only a few dates, he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force for two years but wrote to her every day. When he returned home they became engaged and married within six months. They had two children Trish and Jamie. Over the years, he managed a piggery, then became Managing Director of the Builders Supply and Delivery Yard in Duntocher, outside Glasgow and built the company up to over 300 people. He was always a creative spirit, making wood carvings, clay sculptures, antique copper and brass cars, and delving into photography and painting. He also enjoyed fly fishing & fly tying. When he was 52, they emigrated to Canada to be close to their daughter and son, and their families. He retired from the general contracting business and they moved to Dundas, ON, where Jim began teaching drawing and watercolour painting. Sadly, after 47 years of marriage, Teresa passed away. In 2011, Jim moved to Fergus where he became involved in the local community, as a member of the Lawn Bowling League, as well as the Senior Centre, where he continued teaching watercolour painting into his 90’s. He developed many friendships amongst his students, providing inspiration and guidance for the love of art. Through these activities he met Betty Gaiters and they happily spent time with each other for the past 6 years. Together they travelled to Scotland, attended many social activities in the area, played in bowling tournaments, went for walks and drives in the countryside, watched and re-watched many episodes of Downton Abbey (especially during those covid months). Everywhere they went they would meet someone who knew Jim, and he would always stop, greet them with his warm smile, and have a chat. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.