AULENBACH. James Charles

2017-06-28

It is with great sadness that the family of James Charles Aulenbach, 76 of Lunenburg, announces his passing on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at the Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg, surrounded by family. Known affectionately by family as Grampy Jim and Uncle Jimmy, and friends as Jimmy, he was born in Halifax. Jim was the adopted son of the late Cyril and Frances (Leary) Aulenbach and the birth son of the late Helen (Sullivan) Saulnier and Edward Glover. Jim earned his Associate of the Royal Conservatory diploma in Toronto in 1964 and was professionally affiliated with NS Registered Music Teachers, Maritime Concert Opera, The Lunenburg Choral and the Lunenburg Heritage Society. He also received his BA with a Major in Music from Acadia University in 1968. Jim taught hundreds of students privately and within the public school system after completing teacher’s college in Truro in 1960, where his interest in music and community became irreversibly linked. He was driven by his desire to share the joy of music which he did at every opportunity, whether it was within churches of every denomination where he was a greatly respected accompanist or as a performer and choir leader. He also composed and arranged a number of pieces for piano and choir. Jim took a brief hiatus from teaching to work for the NS Government as Music Officer in the late 70s, where he helped many communities hold musical and cultural events. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bridgewater where he was church organist and Music Chairman. The Town of Lunenburg benefited greatly from his talents where he assisted as organist at St. John’s Anglican Church, St Barnabas Anglican Church in Blue Rocks, and various other churches in the area whenever his help was needed. Families also appreciated his contributions as organist at the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home for many years. He will be greatly missed at the Lunenburg Music Festival for his valuable and regular assistance and for generously sharing his joy of music to all participants. Jim’s love of gardening and talent for flower arrangements was appreciated by many. It brought much joy to his life and others’. His love of life, family, friends and the community at large were so important to him. Jim’s quiet courage, strength of spirit, creativity and sense of humour will be carried forward by those who knew and loved him. Jim is survived by his daughters, Leah Aulenbach (Tony), Dartmouth, NS, Juliette (Sheldon) Choo, Dartmouth, NS, sons, Craig (Sheila) Ajax, ON, Terrence (Michelle) New Minas, NS, Larry (Jennifer), Fort McMurray, AB, Stefan (Charlene), Kentville, NS, Trevor (Maria), Arizona, and Jerry (Kelly Dawn) Edmonton, AB, the mother of his children, Melissa O’Connor, Dartmouth, NS, and 20 grandchildren. Jim will be buried next to his son, Bruce, who died in infancy. Friends are invited to share their memories of Jim with his family during visitation at the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy. 3, Lunenburg on Monday, July 3rd from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held Tuesday, July 4th at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 337 Aberdeen Road, Bridgewater, Bishop John Caulfield officiating. Interment will be in Brookside Cemetery, Bridgewater. In lieu of flowers Jim’s wishes memorial donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation, South Shore Hospital Foundation, Diabetes Association, Kidney Foundation, NS Epilepsy Association, Doctors Without Borders or any worthy Charitable Association. www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca

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