James Douglas Hovell

James (Jim) Douglas Hovell February 8, 1933 - Toronto, Ontario February 5, 2025 - Nanaimo, British Columbia

James “Jim” Douglas Hovell peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Nanaimo, BC, at the age of 91 years.

Born to parents Douglas and Bertha Hovell on February 8, 1933, in Toronto, ON, where he grew up with his sister, June. Jim married Eleanor Richmond in 1954, and together they had four children, but they later divorced in 1981. Later, he met Patrica “Pat” Short on a vacation in Cuba. Jim married Pat in 1984, and they were happily married for 40 years before her passing in 2024.

Jim was employed by the Borough of Scarborough, ON, in the Parks and Recreation Department until his retirement. He was passionate about seeing the world and travelled extensively before and after his retirement. Jim was a proud cat lover, and he always had one or two cats until recently.

After Jim’s retirement, he and his wife, Pat, moved to Nanaimo, BC, to a small acreage to enjoy the warm northern rainforest weather of British Columbia, where they spent much time landscaping and gardening together. It was here that they joined a choir and the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club, where they gained new friends.

Jim is survived by his four children, Deborah Hufstedler of Virginia Beach, VA, USA, Terry (Jean) Hovell of Sherwood Park, AB, Craig (Pam) Hovell of Parksville, BC, Jeff (Nancy) Hovell of Fort Saskatchewan, AB; and his nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Jim is predeceased by his loving wife, Patrica “Pat” Hovell, his sister, June Green, and his parents, Douglas and Bertha Hovell.

The family would like to thank the Long Lake Chateau Senior’s Home staff for their compassionate care during the last years of his life.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the BC SPCA Nanaimo https://spca.bc.ca/ 

154 Westwood Rd, Nanaimo B.C. V9R 0G9 - Telephone (250) 741-0078.