December 27, 1963 – October 8, 2011
On October 8, 2011 Jimbo passed away peacefully at Royal Inland Hospital at the age of 47 years.
He is survived by his loving father John E. Wenlock (Helen), brothers John Greg Wenlock (Lynda), Jerry Wenlock and sister Susanne Wenlock, and great aunt and uncles: Clarence and Caroline Fortier and Allen Williams; aunts Martha Matthew, Geri Matthew, and uncles Willie Matthew, Keith Matthew; nieces and nephews: Amanda, Richard, Johanna, John, Jayne and numerous other relatives.
Jimbo was predeceased by his mother Bertha Matthew, grandparents Jack and Josephine (Fortier) Wenlock, Wilfred and Delores Matthew, aunts Norma and Eleanor, Judy (Wenlock) Malachowski and uncles Kenneth (aka Sam) and Ron.
Jimbo attended the Overlander School in Kamloops. He lived in Louis Creek, Barriere and Chu Chua. He was raised by his uncle Harold and grandmother Josephine (Nanna) and was very helpful to all community members. He loved any genre of music, rockin’ in the air band, watching sports such as wrestling, baseball and hockey, and the rodeo and chuckwagon races at the North Thompson Fall Fair. He enjoyed luncheons, shopping and field trips with the Simpcw Elders, often making them laugh.
Jimbo loved to attend concerts such as George Thorogood, Streetheart, Blue Rodeo and George Jones. His favourite food was a hamburger with no onions and fries. He was a perfectionist when he mastered his teachings and knew exactly where things were supposed to be. He was a walking book of knowledge - knew the statistics on music and sports.
In his early years Jim travelled to the States and Winnipeg - he face many surgeries and operations so as he could walk - was in a wheelchair. He appreciated any gifts he was given. He remembered birthdays and Christmas and the generosity of everyone.
Tough thing that Jimbo wouldn’t complain and he was always asking are you okay and what can I do for you even when he was not feeling well.
During the 2003 wildfires, Jimbo spent a couple of weeks at Canim Lake residing with Fred and Maryanne Christopher. Jimbo always said “I’ve been everywhere”.
Special thank you to Royal Inland Hospital staff, Barriere Diagnostic & Treatment Centre staff, Simpcw First Nation, family and community members for the excellent care of Jimbo.
A Wake was held for Jimbo on Oct. 14 at the Chu Chua Spiritual Centre, with Services held there the following day. Cremation to follow - internment at a later date.