Jim Quarles
Jim Quarles died January 25th of Recurring Malignant Melanoma. He got this cancer inside his ear six years ago (an area that is seldom covered with hair for men, nor with cream, as no one thinks of it - and men use baseball caps!!!). He was 74 yrs old and basically was cycling 50/100 km in a day without too much trouble. He had XC skied in the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) winter before last and did almost all the sections, even though he left at 8:00 am (Coureurs de Bois leave at 6:00 am) and the total distance was 150 km that year. He was recovering from a Bad prostate operation from the summer before that left him incontinent, but he came back with a vengence to prove he could do everything, including becoming continent again.
This may not be a great story for the public, but trust me it was amazing how he fought back.
The outstanding comments that are glaring at us in all of his life were about his, always positive, nature; his huge smile; his capability to put anyone at ease whether an athlete (like himself) or someone of lesser abilities; a great converstionalist; his mentoring of many in business, sports and life; his gentlemanly manner; his honourabilty. He knew how to set a wonderful example to others, and never judged people harshly. He was very respected and admired, but was very unpretentious throughout his whole life.
We have lived through some bad times of losing what we had tried to build up, but never once did he falter with his positive attiude. It took too much energy he said to worry about it! As long as you are healthy, you can fight back!!!!!
