The
Caledonia Times February , 2015 Edition - Volume 47, Issue #2 The Diocesan Section of the Anglican Journal
The Rev. Jim Cain: Oct. 6th 1928 - Dec. 6th 2014 The Rev. James Cain, retired clergy of St. Matthew’s, Terrace and St. Mark’s Stewart, died on December 6th 2014. He was 86 years old. Jim was born in Meadow Lake SK., on October 6th 1928 to his parents Perl William Cain and Mildred Helena (nee Bell) Cain. The oldest of eleven children, Jim grew up on the family farm near Meadow Lake and as a child, developed a real love for animals, for growing thing and for caring for the earth. Jim came to Northwestern British Columbia for the first time when he worked as a surveyor on the original Alcan project in Kitimat. He helped to construct the tunnel through Mt. Dubose which carried water from the Nechako Reservoir to the powerhouse at Kemano. When the project was finished he, left but would later return to the area never to leave again. On August 15th 1958, he married Frances Tamboline. Family followed soon after with 3 daughters Leslie Ann, Deanna Maureen, and Sharon Elaine and two sons Michael Joseph and Christopher Earl. Jim and his growing fam-
ily made there home for a time on Vancouver Island where Jim worked as a truck driver. In 1968, the Cain Family moved north again from Vancouver to Terrace. Jim became very involved in the life of the community. He volunteered his time to coaching basketball and hockey and to his Church, St. Matthew’s. For many years, Jim served in a variety of roles in the congregation. Eventually, Jim was encouraged by his priest the Rev. Lance Stevens and his bishop the Rt. Rev. John Hannon, toconsider and seek ordination. Jim studied for orders through distance courses with the Vancouver School of Theology while continuing to work as a trucker. On February 1st, 1987, Jim was ordained a deacon in the Church by Bishop Hannon. Jim continued his studies and would make time to counsel, visit, and pray with anyone who needed him. In addition to his work at St. Matthew’s, Jim also took on the responsibility of caring for the Church of St. Mark in Stewart. He would drive NortWh every second Sunday to minister to the congregation and communi-
ties in both Stewart and Hyder, Alaska. Jim retired from trucking in 1992 and chose to divide his time in retirement between the Church and caring for his animals and garden. He also continued his studies and was subsequently ordained to the sacred priesthood on September 12th 2006 by Bishop William Anderson. As a priest, Jim ministered in Terrace for several more years, until in 2011, his health made it possible for him to go any further. He moved into Terraceview Lodge where he would sit in the entrance way, greeting people as they came and went. Surrounded by his family, Father Jim Cain died peacefully on December 6th 2014 at Terraceview Lodge. A funeral service was held for Fr. Jim on December 13th 2014, at St. Matthew’s, Terrace, with Bishop Anderson conducting the service and preaching, assisted by several of the diocesan clergy. Rest eternal grant to him O Lord, and let Light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
The Rev. Ben Hill: August 6th, 1922 - January 2nd 2015 The Rev. Benjamin Magnus Hill (Dzag_m gis haytks) died peacefully, surrounded by family at Prince Rupert Regional Hospital on January 2nd 2015. He was 93 years old. Father Ben was the first born child born to the Late Jonathon and Kate Hill (nee Ridley) on August 6th, 1922. As a child, Father Ben attended both the day school at Gitxaala and the Port Alberni Residential School. Fr. Ben dedicated his early working life to the outdoors: fishing, trolling, hunting, trapping and serving his Lord Jesus. Fr. Ben married Thelma (nee Tolmie) on December 29th, 1948 in Gitxaala. He would often reminisce about the day that he met his wife while out picking berries. From that moment on, he knew that they were destined to be together forever. That is why their anniversary song is “Blueberry Hill”. In married life family and friends were always an important part of his life. Ben and Thelma recently shared their 66th Wedding Anniversary. Their life together was one full of love and they enjoyed each day together, watching favourite television shows like “The Waltons”, “Little House” and “Wheel of Fortune”. Together Ben and Thelma spread the Gospel as members of Port Edward branch of the Church Army.
Fr. Ben and Thelma have a large family: 9 children, 20 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 2 great, great grandchildren. Ben has an even larger, extended family who reside in Gitxaala, Gitga’at and area. Family meals and occasions were never missed. He always looked forward to the Black Forest cake.
His funeral was held at the Prince Rupert Civic Centre with a very large congregation in attendance. Bishop Anderson officiated the service with the aid of diocesan clergy from across the western part of the Diocese. May Father Ben rest now in peace and rise in glory.
Ben worked seasonally as a forklift operator at Nelson Brothers Fishery in Port Edward. He was known as “the Fonz” because of his handsome black hair. Ben and Thelma as a team, taught the Sm’algyax language to preschool children twice weekly at the Aboringal Headstart Program in Port Edward. In his ministry, Fr. Ben began as a server and later became a sidesperson. In 1972, he was commissioned as a Lay Reader in the diocese. He went on to study and train to be ordained and was subsequently ordained a deacon in 1993 and as a priest in 2005. He remained active in his ministry right up until recent months. He is an inspiration to everyone who encounters him. He even counted to prayer with and for others while he was in hospital and worked to make people laugh and brighten their days.
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