James Thomas Banting

Battalion Chief James Thomas Banting, (called "Cap" by most) was born May 20, 1955 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, died peacefully in his home on February 23,2011 in Fort McMurray, Alberta.

Jim lived on a farm and attended school (Grades One through Twelve) in Dinsmore, Saskatchewan and then relocated to Saskatoon, to obtain his pilot's license.
Captain Banting came to Fort McMurray in September 1976 as a 21 year old youth, looking to make his fortune. Having just gotten his commercial pilot's license, he initially came looking for a job as a pilot. During that visit, while Jim sat on the sidewalk of Franklin Avenue, eating a sandwich Tom Weber, stopped to speak with him. Tom initially stopped to talk to Jim about Cap's 1975 Honda Goldwing motorcycle -Jim still has and used that 1975 Goldwing, much to the mirthful musings of many at the frrehall!

Deputy Chief Weber mentioned to Jim "we are hiring frrefighters". Such is the way of providence. The challenge of what began Jim's chosen firefighting profession, and the wilderness, assured Cap was not going anywhere. Jim Banting now belonged to the north.

Many benefitted from his guidance, experience and -'with respect' -his stubbornness. Cap started out as a firefighter and earned his progression through the ranks ..... Lieutenant, Captain, Platoon Captain, to our Battalion Chief. Saying he was ' our' Battalion Chief was said in the form of a brag, for Cap was truly a leader, one whom people were proud to have as their officer. He was an officer and a gentleman who held the trust of many.

In a department with many young, inexperienced but nevertheless talented men and women coming through, there was additional weight on the more mature and experienced firefighters. Jim relished in this, he was good at it, and he provided endless guidance and knowledge to new members, building within each ofthem a pride in their 2nd family, The Fire Department.

For the last 30 years, since 1981, Cap's collaborator on the home team has been Arlyn. His friend, partner and grand love.

Jim contributed to the Fort McMurray Fire Department family by encouraging, supporting and instigating various off duty 'activities'. As an officer, he enjoyed being part of the team wholly, and contributed to the unity of the group, the camaraderie, the collegiality. When Jim socialized with his team, he was just'one of the boys' .
Woodworking: Cap made and ran a great wood working shop, he proudly did the ceiling in his home, all the trim, baseboards and office. To say he was 'focused' in his woodwork would be an understatement.

Travel: Cap and his love Arlyn traveled every year, Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Thailand . . . everywhere be it on sea or land. His natural curiosity continued and took them worldwide, with 'the team' returning from every trip with a treasure of one type or the other. Whenever they left a country, they left newly made friends behind.

Camping & Fishing: many lakes and rivers found Cap and Arlyn camped next to them; and shortly thereafter the fish stock declined as Cap was a bit of a keen fisherman. To Jim getting a fish, cleaning it and cooking it right on the spot, was the best meal in the world, he was content. Jim's idea of camping was not a hotel, even when he was able to obtain a motor home he still would take his tent with him and occasionally would be found in his tent, next to his very comfortable motor home.,. He was a man of the north who was at home in the wilderness and was able to take care of himself and others who travelled with him, in the wilds.

James Thomas Banting is survived by, and will be forever missed by, his Wife, Arlyn Greig; Father, Walter; Mother, Wilma, Sister, Cathy (Jack) Newby; Niece, Ginger (Trent) Great Nephew, Tysen and Great Niece, Caitlin Appel.