James Edward Cadden

James (Jim) Edward Cadden passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 29 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm, BC with his family by his side.  Jim courageously navigated many trials and tribulations while living with cancer over the last 8 years. 

Jim was predeceased by his father Herbert Henry Cadden and his mother Dorothy Lynn Cadden (Zubick). 

Jim was born on June 9, 1952 in Nelson, BC and he spent his early childhood years living, playing, and learning in Sicamous, then moving to Revelstoke, where he graduated in 1970. 

Jim attended Simon Fraser University in 1970 but did not continue after his father’s sudden death.  Jim worked for CPR as a brakeman until he began his studies at BCIT in the fall of 1973.  

Jim graduated from the Forest Technology program at BCIT in 1975 and returned to the Columbia-Shuswap area proudly working in the Forest Industry as a Forest Technician for Downie Street Sawmills.   In 1978, Jim relocated to Francois Lake, south of Burns Lake and worked as a Logging/Wood Supervisor with Eurocan Pulp and Paper – Ootsa Lake Division.  In 1980, he spent a short period of time with Cattermole Timber/Chilliwack Division.  Camp life was not something Jim enjoyed and when the opportunity arose, he moved back to the Shuswap/Columbia area purchasing 100 acres in the Malakwa area, soon to be known as Riverbend Ranch.  Jim spent the winter road building and logging.  In 1981, Jim began working as a Logging Supervisor with Drew’s Sawmill/Mica Creek Division.  Jim and his family lived in Mica Creek enjoying the quietness and beauty of this area.

In 1984, Jim made a significant career decision and seized an opportunity to work for WorkSafe BC.  Over a 23-year career as a Safety Officer, he developed a reputation for being well-respected, compassionate, realistic and solution-orientated.  He ended his career with WorkSafe BC as a member of a specialized group, investigating work related fatalities throughout BC.

Jim spent the final 8 years of his career, working alongside his wife, as an independent Safety Consultant in BC and Alberta, working on various hydro projects for Canadian Projects, TransAlta Corporation and BC Hydro.    

Jim enjoyed being active!  He played many sports growing up and carried this into adulthood (basketball, soccer, baseball, golf, dragon boating), while also enjoying a variety of outdoor pursuits.  Jim was most content and filled with joy while being outdoors, whether it was hiking, fishing, skiing, paddling, snowshoeing or camping.  He craved and appreciated the uniqueness, immenseness and interconnectedness of nature.  Over the last decade, Jim was a proud and valued member of the Dr’Agonize Dragonboat team, and he cherished being with his friends, travelling to competitions, organizing camping or travelling trips and gathering together for countless social outings.  Jim’s passion for sports and outdoor activities lives on today through his children and grandchildren. 

Jim was a coach for life!  He spent many years coaching minor hockey and community soccer in Salmon Arm, thrilled with the opportunity to share his love for sports and help to instill the values and character-building opportunities that come with competition, training, and being part of a team.  He was also active with the Larch Hills Nordic Society with trail building and maintenance, volunteering in the safety host program, as well as leading elementary school groups each ski season. 

His competitive fire also influenced many thrilling opportunities over the years including Adventure Racing on team “Jam Cabins” and placing 3rd at the “Raid the North” competition.  Jim competed with various family members in multiple half marathons, cross country ski loppets, and mountain bike races including the Salty Dog and Cheakamus Challenge.

Jim enjoyed wood working, puttering in his wood-heated workshop, and tending to his property.  His grandchildren enjoyed papa time, and benefitted immensely from the individual wood working projects they co-created.  Jim loved geography, history and travelling - which proved to be an excellent combination later on in life as he spent a lot of time seeing the world!  Shuswap Lake had a lasting impact on Jim’s life, with the Seymour Arm property his final passion project with his son Rob and daughter-in-law Leanne.

Jim’s legacy will always be his family, and he leaves behind a close-knit crew: the love of his life Diane, his wife of 46 years; his devoted children: Brad (Brier), Lanna (Bryce) and Rob (Leanne); his beloved grandchildren: Sylvie and Paige, Simon, Myla and Parker, and Makayla, Colby, Keira and Kai; and his sister: Lynn (Ralph).  Jim doted over his family and would always make time.  He loved watching his grandchildren play sports and perform in music concerts, and he cherished the many camping and backpacking trips with the family. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren brought him joy.  He was motivated by their accomplishments and revitalized by their energy and enthusiasm.

There will be no formal funeral service.  The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.

The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the countless family and friends who have reached out and provided support, as well as the team of health care providers over the years, including Dr.’s Keith and Laura Hepburn, Dr. Merchandani, Dr. Main, the nurses in the Salmon Arm Oncology department as well as the Kelowna Cancer Clinic.  If so desired, memorial donations can be made to the Shuswap Hospital Foundation.