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Memories of Jim Weed
by Val Weed
In this article, I will be sharing some memories of my husband Jim and his long term relationship with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. My first memory would be when Jim, Dave Wood and I began looking in earnest for a new site for the Hickory Wing Ski Club [approximately in 1983 - 84].
Now for the background >>> Before we became Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in 1984, we were the Hickory Wing Ski Club located at Tabor Mt. At this time, there was also a night skiing loop located at Okanagon Helicopters [Otway Rd now >> Timberwest Construction]. Jim and Dave Wood made it their mission to keep the generator running to make sure this trail was well lit especially the downhill section! It was pretty exciting when the lights went out as you began the downhill section! Within a year, Okanagan Helicopters told us that the night skiing loop would be closed as they were planning to develop a gravel pit. So, what to do? Jim and I and other ski club members began exploring property and crown land around Otway Rd. Moore's Meadow was considered but turned out to be too small. In the end, our present site was chosen as it was crown land leased to the city. So, with great expectations work began on a 1.5 km trail to replace the one at Okanagon Helicopters. Jim was involved with all of this. Once this work began for the 1.5 km trail, complete with lights for night skiing attention then focused on the building of a log clubhouse. Jim and Niilo Itkonen worked together. Many smiles upon completion. Now we had a place to meet, to wax our skiies, and to nejoy many "pot luck" events. As more trails were developed, Jim continued his role as a club groomer and track setter. He enjoyed this very much. He was always looking for new ways [or to find new implements] to work the snow. Remember the 'bed springs' and 'the farm harrows'!! Overall, Jim did this for about 20-25 years, initially the first 10 years with a snowmobile and with a Piston Bully snow groomer after 1990. Jim also supervised a work crew to do some trail clearing and building of smaller log structures. The Biathlon cabin comes to mind, now Santa's Cabin. One other memory that stands out, the 1996 Canadian Nationals. Jim was Chief of Course. This was a year of very little snow. The city provided about 30 truckloads of snow to make sure we could have a race course. Everyone, including Jim, was madly shoveling snow onto the race courses. The snow was melting s fast that a small pond formed at the finish line. Someone brought a canoe to put in the pond! Lots of fun and good laughs!
Jim continued his leadership and involvement with trail development until the Canada Winter Games in 2015. After he retired from trail grooming, he continued as an active volunteer with the club and it's 55 km of trails.
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Words from Jim's
Nordic Family at CNSC
When word of Jim's passing reached the core group at the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, there was an immediate desire to remember Jim through stories. His legacy of helping to build the club built up a momentum that carried everyone back in time. The Senator group wasted no time in ensuring Jim would have a seat every morning with group over coffee and cookies. A plaque handcrafted by Rudy Kamstra was hung on the fireplace in the original lodge and a donation was made in lieu of flowers at the St Vincent de Paul Society.
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