It is with deep love and great sadness that we announce the passing of James O’Friel, who died peacefully on July 14, 2025, at the age of 87.

James was born in Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland, to James and Kathleen Friel. He was the third of eight children, growing up in a house filled with warmth, laughter, and spirited chaos. From his father, he inherited a passion for plants — a calling that led him to study horticulture at Johnstown College, setting the course for his life’s work and passions.

While working at the Abbey Tavern in Howth, James met April, the love of his life. They married in January 1964 and welcomed their daughters, Elma (October 1964) and Sarah (June 1968). In June 1969, they embarked on their greatest adventure, emigrating to Canada and settling in Ottawa. Their family was completed with the arrival of their son James in April 1970.

When an opportunity arose at the Botanical Gardens at UBC, James took a train across the country to scout a new life out west. April soon followed, three children in tow, beginning a new chapter in Vancouver.

James loved his time at UBC, but after a series of back injuries, he transitioned into teaching horticulture at BCIT (formerly called PVI and BCVS). He proudly led the program for decades, shaping the careers of countless students. Several former students have shared how much his mentorship meant to them.

In his third career, James worked as an arborist for BC Hydro. Whether inspecting trees or explaining difficult removals to residents, James had a rare gift for tackling challenging conversations — often leaving with dinner invitations and new friends.

James’s heart was forever divided between Canada and Ireland. His love for home inspired the purchase of a tumbledown cottage in Donegal in the late 70s, which he and April transformed into Aghadreena Cottage, overlooking Lough Swilly. It became a place of memory-making for friends and family from both sides of the Atlantic, with the original walls living up to their legacy as a ceilidh house.

After suffering his first stroke in 2015, we feared his traveling days were over, but thanks to April’s tireless love and care, he returned to Ireland four more times. In 2019, a second stroke changed everything, and James moved into long-term care at Eagle Ridge Manor. April visited him nearly every day, bringing warmth and familiarity to his new home. They continued to live out their vows — sharing video calls to Ireland, enjoying April’s home-baked treats, and celebrating life’s big and small moments, including their 60th wedding anniversary in January 2024.

When April passed in September 2024, Dad never fully seemed to register the loss — and while we visited often, we weren’t April. In the months that followed, he maintained his cheerful disposition but began to decline.  Many have commented on the sorrow of losing both our parents just ten months apart, but those who knew their love aren’t surprised. It was only a matter of time before he followed her.

James is now reunited with April, his parents, and three of his brothers - Charlie, Kevin, and Brendan and his granddaughter Sara. He is deeply missed by his surviving siblings — Margaret, Don, Niall, and Mary — and by his children Elma (Bryan), Sarah, and James (Marie), grandchildren Andrew, Jaci, and Ciara, and great-grandchildren London, Alfie, Maya, Kobe, and Chez.

We take comfort in knowing he and April are together again — dancing to their favourite songs, walking among the trees, laughing in a garden, or revelling in the view at Aghadreena Cottage.

Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, July 23 at 11am at St Joseph's Catholic Parish in Port Moody.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation