Jay Boppre, aka J-Bird, a Shuswap Lake local legend, flew the coop early on Friday, June 14, 2013. Jay will be remembered always for his wild laughter, crispy deep tan, his 70's style summer shorts and his immaculately clean pick up truck.

He was predeceased by his beloved Mother and Father, Leonard (Tyke) and Lucille Boppre and his 2nd Mom Joy Neilly.

Jay was born in Calgary but raised in the Shuswap Lake area where he remained and built a life surrounded by family, friends, community and sunshine.

Along with his love, Michelle Neilly, Jay raised his two active children, Kyle and Danielle, to love and respect Shuswap Lake and the mountains surrounding it as much as he did. Jay often took them snowmobiling up Crowfoot Mountain and summertime was spent navigating the Shuswap waters in "Dad's" boat.

Jay worked many years managing the Shuswap Provincial Campground in Scotch Creek and took great pride in making the large lawns greener than green, while working on his fabulous tan. He was an avid scuba diver and eventually turned this passion into his local "Swimmin' the Shuswap" business, which he also took great pride in. Jay accumulated many work rags in his years at Captain's Village Marina.

"The Bird" dedicated much of his free time to his community, earning himself the award of Citizen of the Year for the North Shuswap Community Association! Jay was one of the founding members of the Crowfoot Mountain Snowmobile Club and was also Chief of the Scotch Creek/Lee Creek Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Jay was a playful and energetic man with a mischievous sense of humour. He loved a good joke and when he laughed, people couldn't help but laugh with him. He had a quiet gentle side that was appreciated by his 4-legged critters. He was often accompanied by a furry companion or had one waiting for him to return home to fire up the BBQ!

Jay's love of family and friends was profound. He loved life. He loved a good party and a great BBQ. Jay Bird, Cranky Pants, JAY! The Bird Man, Father Time, 'ol Man Winter, and Papa Jay were a few of his endeared nicknames.

He will be forever missed by his Shuswap Lake friends. He will be deeply missed by Kyle (son), his three "Little Ladies", Danielle (Dan), Jaelynn (grand daughter), Taylor (daughter), and, Rya (grandson), Mark (brother), his true love Michelle, Debbie (Taylor's Mom), his many in-laws: Lynda (Greg), Mark (Carin), Keenan (Mo), Ed, and his closest nieces and nephews: Alysha, Tarah, Karla, Eric, Jennifer and Mason. Jay's best furry friend Thor will never howl the same without him.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to: Dora MacQuarrie, Mark and Angie Lagore, the staff at Overlander, Ponderosa, and Polsen extended care facilities and the hospice staff for their kind support and hard work taking care of Jay. Jay was gently assisted in his last days by the professional and compassionate staff at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice in Kamloops, BC.

In loving memory of Jay Boppre a sun loving shrub will be planted in the gardens at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice.

A Celebration of Jay's life will be held on July 6th 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the North Shuswap Community Hall. All friends and family are welcome to a reception at the hall after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crowfoot Mountain Snowmobile Club for future club projects. Contact Julie or Martin at crowfootsledding@gmail.com