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‘Mr. Committee’ Jim Bristowe dies

Jan 8, 2018 | 11:15 AM

The man they called “Mr. Committee” in Prince Albert has died.

Jim Bristowe, a former city councillor with a close and lasting connection to the P.A. Raiders, and whose accolades included both citizen and sportsman of the year, died in Kelowna, B.C. on New Year’s Eve. He was 72.

“He loved the city,” son Allan Bristowe told paNOW from Prince George, B.C. “He grew up on the East Flat with his five sisters and was passionate about everything in Prince Albert, whether it was the Raiders or any other community initiative.”

Bristowe was on city council from 1988-2003 and his role included chairman of the city parks and recreation committee. He is arguably best known for being the man on the microphone giving public address announcements during Raider games for no fewer than 25 years.

According to the Prince Albert Sports Hall of Fame his legacy of volunteerism includes involvement in the fundraising for the Comuniplex, as well as efforts surrounding the West Hill Community Club, Lead Gifts and Community Fundraiser projects, and countless sports events.

“He was an icon in the community,” said Bruce Vance with the city of P.A. who worked on many initiatives with Bristowe. “A lot of people knew him, liked him and he was a very humble man. He was into everything knee deep… he knew everybody.”

Bristowe’s community involvement touched countless people and his presence on volunteer committees for regional and big national events left a mark on the city, young athletes, and the development of sports facilities.

“You could always rely on Jim when you needed help and you needed something to be done,” said former mayor Don Cody who served on council with Bristowe for nine years. “Jim did more for volunteerism than you could shake a stick at.”

Bristowe was named P.A. Sportsman of the Year in 1988 and Citizen of the Year in 1989. According to the P.A. Sports Hall of Fame he was also the recipient of the Fred Schmidt Award for Dedication by the P.A. Minor Hockey Association.

Former mayor Jim Scarrow sums up the sweeping impression Bristowe made across the board.

“He was always proud to say he was from Prince Albert and his record of service… over many decades is one [his family] should be very proud of. They don’t make people like that anymore,” he said.

Bristowe’s family said they were aiming to have a celebration of life for Jim in Prince Albert during the summer.

 

glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow