Obituary of James Doak

JAMES (JIM) BASIL CHARLES DOAK (Chev. L.H.) September 10, 1955 - April 23, 2015 Jim, a prominent Bay Street figure, philanthropist and a Chevalier de la Légion D'Honneur, died suddenly of natural causes, on Thursday, April 23, 2015 while on business in UlaanBatar, Mongolia. He was 59 years old. Born in Montreal to beloved parents Kenneth and Barbara Doak (née Ward), Jim was raised in St. Lambert, Quebec as the youngest of their four children. Fiercely proud of his Scottish roots and Canadian heritage, Jim attributed his determination and strength of character to his family's pioneering past in Quebec. Cherishing his family history, Jim could often be heard recounting an old family story with his brothers, causing much laughter. Generous, intellectually gifted and forever optimistic, Jim leaves behind a huge network of people touched by someone who cared about the world, his country and community, and how it could be improved. His ability to connect, his love of history, a sardonic sense of humour and a raconteur of (sometimes) terrible jokes will be forever remembered. Having studied economics at McGill and the University of Toronto, Jim was determined to make his mark in the world of finance. After two years in Saudi Arabia, Jim returned to Toronto and rose through the ranks to become a top rated equity research analyst, proprietary trader and fund manager at McLeod Young Weir, First Marathon Securities, Scotia McLeod, Enterprise Capital Management, Megantic Asset Management and Sui Generis Investment Partners. Jim was also a past President of the Toronto Society of Financial Analysts. Developing a reputation as having a sharp intellect, insatiable curiosity and fearless tenacity, Jim's career also included serving as a director and Chairman of several public and private companies that included PetroKazakhstan, Spar Aerospace, Purepoint Uranium, Airbus Helicopters (Canada), Cascades and Khan Resources. Jim's unique flair and astute business perspective had a strong impact on colleagues, peers and business leaders in Canada and internationally. He was a frequent commentator on Business News Network (BNN) and developed a wide and loyal following. Dedicating years of his life to volunteer work, Jim created lasting impacts through the Robert B. Salter Visiting Professorship Foundation at The Hospital for Sick Children, as Chair of the Board of the Toronto French School and as the President of the Alliance Française de Toronto. Inspired as a young boy by his father to learn French, Jim's love of the French language, literature and cultural development in Toronto culminated in his receipt of the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour of the Republic of France), one of his proudest achievements. A devoted and loving father of four whom he proudly raised with Daphne, Jim's dynamism will continue to inspire his children. They will remember him as a life-long Habs fan, a lover of music, an adventurer, and his ability to relax and enjoy family time at Lac des Sables (Quebec) and Go Home Bay (Ontario). But most importantly, they will remember him as their biggest fan. Jim will be sorely missed by many and forever loved by his four children Laura (Maciej), Alexander (Rachael), Natalie and Rosalind, brothers Doug (Lai), Grant (Deborah) and sister Susan McLaney (Bill), companion Patricia Best, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends worldwide. A Funeral Service will be held at ST. JAMES CATHEDRAL, 65 Church Street, (at King Street East) Toronto, on Friday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow. If desired, donations can be made to the Dr. Robert Salter Society, Division of Orthopedics, Sick Kids Hospital or The Alliance Française de Toronto. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging. "One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words." Goethe