News & Events

July 20, 1931 – January 23, 2024

A celebration of life will be held for James Gillespie on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 1pm to 5pm at:
The Hammond River Angling Association Clubhouse
10 Porter Road,
Nauwigewauk New Brunswick, E5N 6X1

July 20, 1931 – January 23, 2024 (age 92)

James Butler Gillespie passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital after a three month stay. Predeceased by his loving wife of 67 years, Evelyn Eloise (Conner). He is survived by his two sons James Michael Gillespie ((Geeta) and Christopher Grant Gillespie (Kimberly), grandson Brett Christian Gillespie, sister Carol Dickens, nieces Patty, Debbie, Cathy and Ann Marie, nephews Doug and Don Conner (Leslie). A special thanks to Angie Scott who has been Jim's faithful personal support worker and dear friend for the last few years.

Jim’s presence was larger than life both physically and socially. He loved nothing more than helping people and being a part of the community he lived in. He was actively involved in salmon conservation for many years. He was involved in multiple projects and community groups including the Mississauga Community Centre, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, the Hammond River Angling Association and Crimestoppers. He was the first Chair of the New Brunswick Wildlife Council and a Canadian Commissioner to NASCO. He was well-known and well-respected for his kindness, knowledge and willingness to help others.

Jim was born on July 20. 1931 and lived most of his life in New Brunswick. He had. a lengthy career with Canadian Pacific Railway holding twenty eight positions over thirty five years in Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Chapleau, Saint John and finally in Brownville Junction, Maine retiring as Assistant Superintendent for CP Rail’s Atlantic Division. He successfully owned and operated a worm business called Jim’s Live Bait for many years following retirement. He enjoyed a brief career as a consultant for the New Brunswick Southern Railway and Irving.

Anyone who knew Jim knows his favourite pastime was fishing….he enjoyed fishing trips throughout his entire life and as recently as last year. Nothing gave him more pleasure than casting a line into the river. Many years were spent spoiling his English Pointer and English Setter dogs while hunting for upland birds. He thoroughly enjoyed attending and cheering for the Saint John Seadogs. He will be greatly missed by his family and large circle of friends and associates. He was well-known throughout the Province and was recognized and known wherever he went.

As per Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John, NB (506-646-2424). A Celebration of life will follow at a later date. If desired, condolences can be forwarded to the family at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hammond River Angling Association or Crimestoppers Saint John.

July 12, 2023

Congratulations to Claire and Paul-André Bourassa, who celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary on July 12, 2023. Paul-Andre retired as General Supervisor of the Angus Montreal store in 1992.

With the outbreak of World War II, the entire CPR network was again at the disposal of the Allied war effort. On land, the CPR moved 307 million tons of freight and 86 million passengers; including 150,000 soldiers, nearly 130,000 army and air force re-patriots, and thousands of sailors.

At sea, 22 CPR ships went to war with 12 of them being sunk, including the CPR’s largest passenger ship ever, which was almost as big as the Titanic — the Empress of Britain II.

In the air, the CPR pioneered the “Atlantic Bridge” – the transatlantic ferrying of bombers to Britain. The CPR set up pilot training schools and opened Canada’s strategic far north, creating Canadian Pacific Air Lines in 1942.

Read more at https://cpconnectingcanada.ca/#war-efforts

From the outset of war the CPR put the entire resources of the company at the British Empire’s disposal. This during the CPR’s heyday, when the railway was much more than just a railway. Not only were the railway’s trains and tracks at the British Empire’s disposal, but also its ships, shops, hotels, telegraphs, and, above all, its people.

Aiding the war effort meant transporting and billeting troops, building and supplying arms and munitions; arming, lending and selling ships.

Read more at https://cpconnectingcanada.ca/#war-efforts

July 1, 2017

October 6, 2022 Parksville, BC