JAMES ALBEN KLEMAS

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JAMES ALBEN KLEMAS With dignity and grace, on Monday, February 11, 2019, our brother James Alben Klemas quietly slipped away to be reunited in heaven with his loving parents, Alben and Anne Klemas. He leaves to mourn his passing two younger sisters, Bonnie Taylor (Jim) and Barbara Hitching, along with nieces and nephews, Tamara Leger, Barbara Taylor, Jason Taylor, Meghan McLean, Jeremy Hitching, Joshua Hitching and Sarah Hitching, as well as extended family of cousins and friends. Our brother was 77 years old. Although he was hospitalized for his last five years, he filled his healthy years with things that gave him joy. He was a proud homeowner and master of his domain right up to his passing. He had practiced sikkaran (a Filipino martial arts) and some of his happiest memories were his trophies and certificates from those years. He would practice his moves in his lovely garden, and never hesitated to give us advice on breathing and posture (and other things). One of his prized possessions was his extensive scientific library, with bookshelves that lined several rooms in his house and filled with scientific tomes he would find by scouring second-hand bookstores. He studied Albert Einstein and Sir Arthur Eddington theory on gravity and time, often joking "I am Father Time". He loved playing with technology, and his upstairs studio was filled with outdated technology, both manual and electronic, all hardwire stuff that gave him endless hours of joy amidst the frustration of getting it all to work. He set up an extensive sound system upstairs that he would blast into the soundproof walls. In his later years, he liked to watch CNN and worry about war and the news of the day. He balanced that with nostalgic radio CJNU 93.7. He was a self-proclaimed eccentric who was unapologetic about his quirks. With much determination he forged a life for himself overcoming many obstacles. Above all, he was truly a good man who led a humble life but made a firm place for himself in the hearts of family and of those around him. The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers of Deer Lodge and Selkirk Mental Health Centre (Tyndall Building), who put so much effort into keeping him healthy and being part of his world. He personally expressed his gratitude at all the kindnesses he received from them. Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 4588 Roblin Blvd., is on Wednesday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m. Viewing from 10:30 a.m. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2019