Born at Calgary's Holy Cross Hospital, James Rion lived his life by Peter O'Toole's famous words: "If I'd known I would've lived this long, I would've taken better care of myself."

Predeceased by his mother, Eileen (Ridley); his father, Cowboy Floyd; and his brother, Morgan, Rion was part of a strong and close-knit blended family who loved him more than he could ever accept.

He was the proud father of Dolly (Patrick Sperry) and Hannah (McCrae Iles) of Calgary; Beth of Edmonton; and Rory of Canmore. He was also a proud papa to Nevica, of Calgary; a proud stepfather to Wynny, of Red Deer; and, as strange as it may sound, an appreciative ex-husband of their mothers: Bev Sillito (Calgary), Shannon Doyle (deceased), and Colleen Donahue (Calgary). Rion loved his family and always tried to do his best by them, including his baby brother, Mark (Carol Ramey) of Cardston.

Rion lived to laugh and to make others laugh. His varied careers in banking, sales, communications, and employment counseling took him to Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, and Lethbridge, where he made many friends along the way. He worked at CIBC, Stentor, AGT/Telus, Intergold, FWJ, Calgary Mustard Seed, and the Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Rion's family would like to thank the dedicated people at Renfrew Addiction Services, Sheldon Chumir, the Rockyview and Foothills Emergency Departments, and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

May he find in death the peace that eluded him much of his life.

In memory of Rion, donations can be made to HomeSpace Society .

Click HERE to listen to a playlist of Rion's favorite songs. A musical keepsake form his family to you.