Jim Lybeck was born on January 26th, 1958 in Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan and spent his boyhood days on the family farm. He was the youngest member of four children born to Ilyn & Ernie Lybeck.
His passion for sports was evident at an early age as he spent countless hours throwing a ball against the barn, which still bears the markings of his activities. That passion continued throughout his boyhood and adult life and his knowledge of athletes or sports events was unquestionably superb. He was a fanatic in keeping stats on athletes and sporting events. The undefined support for the underdog was always evident in his favorite teams, Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL, Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, St. Louis Cardinals of the MLB, and Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL. His bragging rights were boosted when the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series of Baseball in 2006.
He loved outdoor activities and spent numerous hours with his father either fishing or hunting or playing with his only son, Logan, who has acquired the same attributes of his dad, a sports fanatic.
Jim was a dedicated family man and enjoyed participating in family outings and celebrations. His love for children was evident in his partaking as a coach in minor hockey, soccer or baseball and was inspirational in the development skills of many young athletes he coached. He loved to play with his nieces and nephews and truly will be missed by them. The coaching skills and inspiring comments were instrumental for the successes of teams he was connected to, particularly in the case of the Karolat Angels winning the silver medal at the Worlds Masters Fastball Championship and at the Ottawa Oldtimers Hockey Tournament where the men’s team from Quesnel won a gold medal. He also played on many men’s fastball teams, mixed slowpitch and enjoyed golfing.
Jim moved to Hixon, B.C. from Saskatchewan with his family when he was 16 years of age and was hired on at Dunkley Lumber. He worked in the lumber industry around the Quesnel area.
Jim found his one and only true love in Denise Melnyk & couldn’t have been a happier man when she married him on May 21st, 1988. The only thing that may have topped that moment, was when his pride & joy – his bestest buddy in the whole wide world, his son Logan, was born 7 1/2 years later.
Shortly after being married, Jim gained employment with the City of Quesnel first working at the arena, then transferring to the yard crew and then later being employed again at the Quesnel & District Twin Arenas as part of the maintenance crew. He was employed by the City of Quesnel for 18 years. He was noted for his pranks, practical jokes and was well respected by his fellow employees and management of the arena.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Denise, his son Logan, his “bestest buddy in the whole wide world”, his parents: Ilyn and Ernie Lybeck, brother: Allan Lybeck, sister: Elaine (Merle) Rudniski, nieces: Tracy (John) Darmokid, Jordan & Colton, Lora-Lee (Chris) Wasyliw, Ty & Drake, nephews: Trent (Shawna) Lybeck, Dustin & Shae, Micheal (Lara) Rudniski. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, many members of his extended family and life long friends.
Jim was predeceased by his brother: Larry Lybeck.
A Celebration of Life was held on November 27th, 2006 at the Quesnel & District Twin Arenas, officiated by Reverend Teri Meyer and assisted by Pastor Cliff Siebert with approximately 800 friends and relatives in attendance.
With Jim being an expert zamboni operator, it was very appropriate to have his Celebration of Life begin with the two arena zambonis driven by his close friends, George Natalizio and Bill Wilson doing a series of synchronized pirouettes on the ice surface and coming to a stand still before the podium. A beautiful power point presentation was displayed with some of Jim’s favourite songs accompanying the presentation.
Jimbo will truly be missed by his families, friends and fellow workers.
Good-Bye My Love, My Dad, Our Son, Our Brother, Our Uncle, Our Friend –
We’ll miss you and God Bless You!