It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Grand Chief Peter C. James, Chief of Katzie First Nation on June 18, 2006. Born in August of 1937, on Barnston Island, Surrey, BC. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Donna Lee of 43 years and children Peter Jr. Patricia, Paula (Dave), Paul (Brenna), and grandchildren Kyle, Reg, Dominic, Brianna and Derek.
Peter the loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle graduated from St. Mary's Residential School in Mission, BC. Peter spent his early years as a fisherman on the Fraser River, as well as an electrician and a carpenter building churches and schools throughout BC. Peter also had a passion for soccer which started for him during residential school and he was known as the best darn goalkeeper throughout the Fraser Valley. He played with teams such as the ``Sasquatch'' and ``Musqueam Blues'' and then the ``Chilliwack Royals''. He coached in the Surrey United Soccer association as well as coached the Katzie men's soccer team which from here on he was called ``Coach''.
After marrying his wife Donna, he was employed with B.C. Tel in Coquitlam, then transferring to Surrey. He retired after 30 years of service with B.C. Tel, but retirement lasted only about one year, and then he was elected Chief of the Katzie people four terms in a row.
As busy as politics kept Peter, he still made the time to support his grand children through their education and sports, even making the time to teach his grandsons how to fish the Fraser River during his last summer with us.
Dad, your smile and wit will be dearly missed by all!!
Peter is the last survivor of his immediate family. Predeceased: parents Andrew James and Margie James (Pierre), and only brother ``Sonny'' and five sisters, Helen, Myrtle, Nancy, Alice and Louise.
Prayers will be held Wednesay, June 21 at 7:00 p.m. at Garden Hill Funeral Chapel, 11765-224 St. Maple Ridge. Funeral Mass to be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Rd. Maple Ridge at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 22. Interment to follow at Katzie Cemetery.
Expressions of sympath can be made at:
www.gardenhill.ca