JAMES MORRISON CARMICHAEL
A SCOTTISH SOLDIER
There was a soldier, a Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
There was non bolder, with good broad shoulder
He’s fought in many a fray, and fought and won.
And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Who wandered far away, and soldiered far away
Sees leaves are falling, and death is calling – And now this soldier, this Scottish soldier
Will wander far no more, and soldier far no more
And on a hillside, a Scottish hillside
You’ll see a piper play his soldier home
He’s seen the glory, he’s told the story
The bugles cease now, he is at peace now.
JAMES MORRISON CARMICHAEL (Jim, Jimmy, Jock, JimPop) of Nelson died peacefully with family at his side on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Mountain Lakes Seniors Home. He is survived by his loving wife Ethel Kathaleen Carmichael as well as many “bonnie lads and lassies” including daughter Brenda (Michael), son Ian (Sherry), grandchildren Marissa (Jeremy), Justin (Lindsay), Madison and Jamie, stepsons Nick (Harriet), Karl (Louise), Rudy (Louise) and Joe, stepdaughters Diane (Paul), Janet, Kathy (Gary), and Margaret (Stirling), numerous step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren and in Scotland by nieces and nephews.
James was predeceased by his first wife Lilian of Nelson and his mother and father Robert and Agnes Carmichael, sisters Agnes, Annie and Maisie and brothers John and Robert all of Scotland.
James moved his family to Canada in November of 1965. They arrived by ship, HMS Carinthia, docking in Montreal and then moving all the way across the country to begin a new life in Nelson. James worked briefly for Kootenay Forest Products then became office manager for the Fish and Wildlife Branch where he stayed until he retired.
After he retired, James and Ethel moved to Kelowna where James was an active golfer and bowler. When Kelowna became too busy they decided to move back to Nelson.
In Nelson, James continued to be active. He was the Pipe Major for the Nelson Kiltie Band; he continued to bowl and be an avid golfer. Brother James was a long time Mason belonging first to the Seaton Delaval Lodge, No. 4617 (Northumberland, England) then to Nelson Lodge, No.23. James was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean War and belonged to the Canadian Legion.
James led a full and active life and touched the hearts of many. James loved Scotland, his family and friends, golf, gardening, a wee dram and a good argument but not necessarily in that order!
So James, to quote you and send you on your way: “May your glass be ever full. May the roof over your head be always strong. And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you’re dead”
The family would like to thank the care-givers, nurses and doctors at Mountain Lakes for the loving attention and meticulous care that James received.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mountain Lake Seniors Centre.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Thompson Funeral Service Chapel on Saturday, November 10, 2012 when all the family is able to attend.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Services Ltd.