We regret to advise that RCAF Warrant Officer First Class, Foreman of Works James McNab Chrystal, CD (Ret'd) passed away in Chilliwack on 19 November 2009 at age 93.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jim was a WW II veteran and had a long post-war Construction Engineering career in the RCAF. He served with distinction in the Construction Engineering section on a number of RCAF bases. After retirement from the Canadian Forces Jim had a ten-year career as Building Manager of the Marine Building, Vancouver's landmark high rise office building.

Moving to Chilliwack, he joined 879 (Earl MacLeod) RCAF Wing (Chilliwack) of the Air Force Association of Canada and was a faithful Wing member right up to the time of his demise. Jim was a generous man who gave freely to community service organizations and was active in other areas such as a Freemason, Legion, and Elks member and a community volunteer.

One of Jim's achievements in Chilliwack was the installation of the Piper Richardson Memorial statue that resides in Veteran's Memorial Park grounds beside the Chilliwack Museum building. Jim was also involved with the "Blue Hydrangea Living Memorial Garden" on the grounds of the Chilliwack Middle School [formerly the Chilliwack High School on Yale Road East]. This memorial was originated in 1942 to honour former students and teachers who had joined the RCAF and had lost their lives in combat during WW II. As each casualty was made known, an additional Blue Hydrangea bush was planted and there were 48 bushes by the end of the war. Throughout the ensuing years, the Garden fell into neglect and Jim lead the way to revive and rededicate the Memorial. Failing health did not allow him the energy to finish the project but colleagues completed his work. On 6 May 2009 the memorial was rededicated and now includes a special plaque that commemorates the rededication beside the photograph display of those 48 airmen. A similar ceremony will be held on the school grounds each year to remind younger generations of Canadians of the sacrifices made.

A Celebration of Life will be held on 12 December at 11:00 am. At St. Thomas Anglican Church, 46048 Gore Ave., Chilliwack, BC. Reception will follow in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a homeless shelter or an animal shelter of your choice in Jim's name.