VARABIOFF, Jim George - passed away peacefully at the Au Chateau in Sturgeon Falls on Wednesday August 17, 2011 at the age of 84 yrs. Cherished husband of Noëlla Villeneuve Varabioff. Beloved son of George Varabioff and Helen (nee Horkoff) (both deceased). Dear brother of Fred (Pauline), Helen (Bruce), Vera (George) (all predeceased). Brother-in-law to Hector Villeneuve (Henriette - predeceased), Cleo Villeneuve, Elfrida Hakojarvi (George), Richard Villeneuve (Nelda) & Marielle Hurtubise. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Jim and Noëlla were married June 9th, 1973 in North Bay. Jim as a radio technician always gave the best of himself at various airports: Ottawa, Toronto, London, Nakina, Pagwa and initially also worked for 3 ½ years at the Weather Stations in Alert, Prince Patrick Island and Sacks Arbour. Then came back to Toronto and finally settled in North Bay at the Jack Garland Airport in 1960. Jim had a passion for travelling, photography and airplanes. He built and flew his own Lazair Ultra Light. He also enjoyed his flower gardens, nature and music.

I was saddened to hear that Jim has passed away. He was at Sachs Harbour when I arrived in the Arctic in 1956 and we kept in touch over the years.He was interested in our efforts to record the history of the Joint Arctic Weather Stations, particularly since he had served at Alert and Mould Bay in the early 50`s. He shared with us many stories of his time on the stations and his communications with Stan Surber in Indiana. Our condolences to Noella and the family.

John Gilbert

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