“I just felt that, at my age . . . I wanted the satisfaction of knowing I did donate something— not a lot of money these days, but that I did something.”

-Jim Ashworth

Jim Ashworth passed away on September 23, 2025, at the age of 106 and left our Foundation and our community with an extraordinary legacy.

Born in Cranbrook in 1919, Jim moved to Invermere at the age of three.  As a teenager, he worked for Parks Canada and spent a summer watching for forest fires from a lookout on Mount Swansea.

Jim joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1941 where he distinguished himself as a member of the Allied forces in the Second World War. Jim served during the Burma campaign and was awarded a Burma Star for his efforts.

At the conclusion of the war, Jim continued to serve in the RCAF, working at NORAD and as the Commanding Officer at the Tofino Radar Station.

After his career in the military ended in 1966, Jim returned to the Columbia Valley with his new wife, Gaetane.  Their daughter Valerie was born the following year.  The family resided in Fairmont Hot Springs and operated the Hoodoos Resort and Cabins.  In 2005, Jim and Gaetane donated their Hoodoos property to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jim heard about two other Burma Star recipients who had found new opportunities to contribute to their communities. These two other recipients (who lived in Victoria and England) had organized fundraiser walks to fundraise money to be donated to causes they cared about.

This inspired Jim, who was looking for a new and impactful way to leave a legacy. So, at the age of 101, Jim proposed walking 101 blocks to raise money to support the Columbia Valley Food Bank.  In the end, he doubled his initial goal – walking an astounding 202 blocks! Funds raised were endowed at the Foundation in the Columbia Valley Food Bank -Jim Ashworth Fund and the fund’s income is distributed to the Food Bank annually. These distributions will continue in perpetuity.

After Gaetane passed away, Jim was moved to donate $150,000 to establish the Jim & Gaetane Ashworth Community Fund in her memory in 2022. This fund is a major source of the support available through the Foundation’s Community Grants program. In its short history, the fund has supported projects undertaken by Special Olympics Columbia Valley, Invermere Public Library, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, Invermere Film Festival, School District, Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society and Valley Fitness Society.

Jim’s dedication to the community stands out not only for his remarkable generosity, but for the way he truly embodied his RCAF squadron’s motto — “Deeds, not words”.

He will be deeply missed.

“He was generous with his time; never made you feel hurried. And even though he never said a word, never wanted the limelight, he made many anonymous donations for our community. He was a wonderful man and I’m glad to have known him.”

-Seona Helmer

The Columbia Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) honours the memory of Roger Smith, a devoted supporter and beloved community member who passed away on August 7, 2023, at the age of 86. Roger’s life was a testament to generosity, dedication, and unwavering commitment, values that resonate deeply with our mission at the Foundation.

Born in Melville, Saskatchewan, Roger’s journey led him to Invermere in the early 1960s, where he met his wife, Dorothy (Dot). It was in this vibrant community that Roger made his mark, known for his active participation in local activities such as old-timers’ hockey, men’s night at the golf course, and evenings at the Legion.

Roger was more than a familiar face in the community; he was a pillar of support and kindness. His longtime business partner and friend Rick Andruschuk reflected on Roger’s impact, saying, “Even with an extremely busy practice, Roger never turned anyone with a question away. His door was always open to staff and anyone else who came through the office.” Roger’s dedication extended beyond his professional life. His commitment to community service was evident in his significant contributions to the Rotary Club, where he volunteered countless hours to various projects aimed at improving the lives of others.

As a founding member of the Foundation and a long-time member of the executive committee, Roger’s influence was profound. He was a driving force behind the establishment and growth of the Foundation, and his legacy continues to inspire our work.

Fellow CVCF founding board member Seona Helmer, remembers, “In the early years the office for the CVCF was upstairs in the Pynelogs building. While we were very grateful for the space, it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Roger never missed a meeting and was always concerned about everyone’s comfort in that location. I always appreciated his ‘sartorial elegance’, quite simply, he was a beautiful dresser, so classy! He was generous with his time; never made you feel hurried. And even though he never said a word, never wanted the limelight, he made many anonymous donations for our community. He was a wonderful man and I’m glad to have known him.”

From the beginning, Roger’s vision was clear: he sought ways to enhance community well-being and create positive change. Known for his forward-thinking approach and deep sense of civic responsibility, Roger was instrumental in shaping early conversations about many community initiatives.
Despite a decade-long battle with dementia, Roger’s spirit remained vibrant. He continued to smile, laugh, and share his trademark humour, embodying a resilience that inspired all who knew him.

As we reflect on Roger Smith’s life and contributions, we are reminded of the values he embodied and the impact he made. His legacy lives on through the work of the CVCF and the countless lives he touched. Roger’s enduring commitment to improving our community will forever be a guiding light for our Foundation and a reminder of the power of one individual’s generosity to create lasting change.