It was with heavy hearts and utmost sorrow that the parents of James Neil William Lipowy announced the passing of their amazing boy on August 17, 2023. James passed away peacefully with his parents by his side after a 2 ½ year battle with Osteosarcoma.
James was always a very special boy whose smile would light up the room. Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting James knew he was an exceptional, intelligent, brave boy. He was a kind and gentle soul who made sure people were included and cared for.
James was 5 years old when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in his left leg in January 2021. After extensive chemotherapy, and many hospital stays James had rotationplasty surgery in May, followed by more chemotherapy. James was a fighter and did not let his prosthesis hold him back. He was soon up and about, going for walks with his family and loved playing on the playground equipment.
James started Grade One at Our Lady of Grace School in November 2021 making many new friends and staying active. He continued to be involved with hockey, and soccer as well as expanding his love of reading.
The summer of 2022, just before the family’s scheduled trip to Thunder Bay, they received the news that James’s cancer had spread and he would require further surgery Luckily James recovered quickly and in September the family was able to make a trip to Thunder Bay, Ryan’s hometown. James had a great time visiting his Thunder Bay family and playing with his cousins Emmy and Lauren.
October brought worse news that his cancer had spread further, and surgery was not an option. Family and friends banded together to raise funds, research new cancer treatments and search far and wide for his best options.
James took every day in stride and his parents treasured their time together creating many special moments with their kids.This included trips and many new experiences but most of all lots of love and attention for both James and his sister Lainie.
James was very proud to make his first Holy Communion in May of this year at St. Mary’s Cathedral, where he had been baptized.
James had the opportunity to “Make a Wish” and as travel was not an option for James at this time his wish was for a He-Shed where he and his sister could spend time together.
James created a YouTube channel to raise awareness and give hope to others with osteosarcoma by showing all the things he could do.
Ryan and Jacquie’s entire world was their two children, James and Lainie. James loved his daily soccer practices and going to hockey games with his dad. Cuddles and evening walks were the activities he loved most with his mom. Saturday Movie and Slurpee night with the entire family was the best part of their week together.
We can all learn a lot from James’s strength, resilience and positive attitude. He fought without complaint and made every moment count. We encourage you to tell his story, share his pictures and live every day with kindness and faith as his legacy.
James will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his parents Jacqueline and Ryan Lipowy, his sister Alaina, his great grandma Elizabeth Lipowy, his grandparents Neil Provins (Elaine Shaw), Wendy Provins (Dave Turton), Bill Lipowy (Christine Arnold), Lisa Sellors as well as many Aunts, Uncles cousins and other relatives.
A Funeral mass was celebrated on August 31,2023 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Calgary, Alberta
A Celebration of Life for James will be held in Thunder Bay on September 15,2023 at St. Dominic's Church on Redwood Avenue at 7 pm celebrated by Fr. Mahoney. We invite all family members and friends who were unable to attend the funeral, all of his prayer warriors, as well as anyone who has heard James’s story to attend.
