MACGUIGAN, James Patrick "Jimi"

Teacher, astronomer, father and friend. Born December 29, 1942 in Halifax. Died December 15, 2020 at age 77 due to complications from COVID-19. An inquisitive teacher and researcher for all of his life, Jimi was born in Halifax along with his twin brother Peter. As children, they were given a telescope and joined the Nova Scotia Royal Astronomical Society where they actively engaged. Their lectures were frequently written up in the Halifax Chronicle Herald. Jimi graduated from Dalhousie University with a degree in education. He spent a summer conducting a research study at the Summerhill school opened by A.S. Neill. He grew up in a conservative household, yet went on to teach in alternative schools, where he wanted greater respect for children’s individuality, autonomy and independence of thought. His students knew him as "Magic Jim". Jimi moved his young family to Vancouver in the mid-1970s where he returned to his astronomical roots. For many years, he could be found at the Vancouver Telescope Centre, and in the evenings he would teach classes in astronomy and the use of telescopes in greater Vancouver school boards and recreation centres. His love and passion for astronomy meant he would even set up a large telescope in his driveway for late night star viewings with the neighbours and passersby. His much-loved daughter and son, Deirdre in Ottawa and Neil in Vancouver, remember happy summers spent studying star charts, sleeping under the stars, and attending the Mount Kobau Star Party near Osoyoos in the Okanagan Valley. He leaves behind his two children; his granddaughter, Julia Beall, and sisters: Mary Baglole, Catherine Mcguigan and Sharon Mcguigan-baki and their families, as well as Joan Montgomerie, his steady friend and former wife. We thank the staff at Renfrew Care Centre who cared for him and appreciated this wonderful, individualistic man.