Biff (John Robert) Jamison, age 83, of Elmworth, Alberta, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2025, at Kelowna General Hospital. His last days were spent as he had lived: as a free spirit, living life to the fullest.

Biff was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, on November 27, 1941. His family then moved to Vulcan, Alberta, where his dad practiced family law. Biff attended the University of Alberta, Mount Royal College, and the University of Calgary, graduating from U of C with a B.A. in Economics.

He met Leslie in Calgary during his university years, and they married on November 9, 1968. They had many adventures together, including travels via train, plane, automobile, grain ship, motorbike, bicycle, canoe, x-country ski, and, of course, by foot. In 1972, they moved to Whitehorse, Yukon, where their son, Ian (1973), and eldest daughter, Megan (1975), were born.

In July of 1976, the family moved to Elmworth. Living two miles past the end of the road in a canvas wall tent with two kids and a cat, Biff and Leslie began their homesteading “back to the land” adventure. With logs from an old barn on the property, Biff re-created a small cabin, which became a cozy home for the next four years, as the family grew with their second daughter, Alison (1978).

Biff was incredibly self-sufficient and self-reliant, getting much pleasure from planning and executing his many projects. He would always find a solution or create the right tool for the job. He hand-built the log house that has been lived in ever since, moving in for Christmas 1981, shortly before their youngest daughter, Tara (1982), was born. The number of farm animals also grew, from a milk cow, several pigs, sheep, and chickens, to a large herd of cattle. In his later years, he downsized his herd, but alongside close friends, continued grazing cows, baling hay, and feeding them through the winter, because “Everything is better with some cows around.”

Biff was dearly loved by his family and friends. He made friends everywhere he went and always saw the best in people. “We’re all doing the best we can,” was one of his many sayings. He will also be remembered for his curious mind, love for debate, enthusiasm for adventure and spontaneity, and as an independent free thinker.

He is survived by his wife, Leslie, four children: Ian (Alycia), Megan (Sohail), Alison (Steven), and Tara (Lorne); 8 grandchildren: Kaydence, Cailyn, Elliot, Miken, Rielle, Ben, Jack, and Sam; his sister, Myrna (Sid) Marty; a niece; and 3 nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Marjorie Jamison; parents-in-law, Don and Joyce Stewart; and his brother, Michael (Fran) Jamison.

Biff volunteered his time and energy at Red Willow Boys and Girls Camp for years, supporting building repairs and outdoor adventures, including rappelling kids down the bank of Red Willow River. He also greatly enjoyed curling, bonspiels, and making ice at Mountview Curling Club.

Biff was an eternal optimist who spread joy to others with his uplifting stories, energy, and laughter. He is dearly missed. Biff enjoyed any opportunity to get together with others and make the most of life, whether playing bush volleyball, curling, baking pies, having spontaneous adventures, getting the farm work done, or celebrating all of life’s moments.

All are welcome to gather, remember, and celebrate the life of Biff Jamison on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Rio Grande Hall.

Biff had an impressive memory and took great joy in lifting favourite lines from the many books he read. With a hearty laugh, he’d occasionally quote from the failed Antarctic Scott expedition as he left the house for his next farming mission: “I’m going out now. I may be gone for some time.”