Comments on: Rocking camel by B.C. painter/author Jim Willer

By: Rob

Rob — Tue, 17 May 2016 01:18:34 +0000

I read Paramind when I was in my 20’s after meeting Jim through his daughter Xanthe. Took it out from the West Vancouver library, and read it in view of the Lion’s Gate bridge in a summer afternoon. Loved the book and wish Mr. Willer could have written another. Paramind is in my opinion up there with some of the works of Ray Bradbury. Have lost touch with Xanthe over time, but would love to get back in touch. Thanks for this blog.

By: Martha

Martha — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 17:12:54 +0000

The camels are lovely and the story of Jim Willer and his art is fascinating, but my objective is altogether off the topic, unfortunately, as I am interested in making contact with one of your commenters, Jocelyne Salter, who I believe is an old friend of mine from Winnipeg days, and with whom I would absolutely love to get in touch with after 50 years of trying to find her!! So, Sophie, if you are reading this, or Jocelyn, in person, this is my email address: marsarma at hotmail dot it. If anybody reading this blog can put me in touch with Jocelyne, I would be so grateful. Many thanks! And long may camels try to get through the eye of a needle!!!

By: Clare Elkington

Clare Elkington — Wed, 18 Jun 2014 20:54:01 +0000

Hi I have just stumbled upon this website having watched a BBC tv programme here in the UK with a character called Xanthe. It got me wondering about my second cousins Xanthe and Sophie Willer who I met and stayed with for a couple of days in 1986, with my brother Giles. One quick google search and I am delighted to have found a link! The Willer family were so hospitable to us, I will always remember their home that was built around 4 big trees on the Vancouver coast… Sophie, it would be lovely to get in touch. Hope you remember me! I’m Clare, nee Campbell, so my Dad Ian, and your mum are cousins. X

By: Amanda Leggett

Amanda Leggett — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 12:33:58 +0000

How fantastic! I will try and find my totem cards. And maybe with my daughter’s help I could upload the sketch Jim made of my son Max

By: LB

LB — Sat, 11 Jan 2014 20:10:56 +0000

In reply to Ray McIlwain. Ray, thanks! Very interesting. I'll add a scan of a painting by Jim that hangs in my aunt's house. And if anyone has images of Jim's other work, please send it to me here and I'll upload it (or send me links to your online photos).

By: Ray McIlwain

Ray McIlwain — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 19:58:08 +0000

I have just been reading the book The Grande Dames of the Cariboo by Julie Fowler, just published this year, in which she mentions Jim Willer’s name. This particularly interested me because back in the early 60’s ? 63 my parents got to know Jim and I remember him well ( for always beating me at ping pong, and for helping making some home made rockets ) and for encouraging me with some early art work. We lost contact after he went to Vancouver, and I have often wondered about his work and life. I would love to see some of his work.
Ray

By: Susan Sutherland

Susan Sutherland — Tue, 28 May 2013 22:59:28 +0000

Hi Jimmy,
Yes, this is from Susan, your god child.
Mum (Aileen) and I would love to hear from you if you can reply. We talk with May Mary at least once a month and would like to keep her up to date about you as well.
The Camels look great. I turned out to be a wood carver in sort of a way. I have carved five signs just for fun.
I tried carving in the round but I’m afraid I am not very good at it. Arthritic hands—takes me too long to take away the proper amount of wood. One should not wait until you are over 60 to try your had at carving, but there is no time until you retire. Is there?
Would love to hear from you.
Susan, PS, Brett says Hi too.

By: Linzi Hardy

Linzi Hardy — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:26:32 +0000

Also I think when yr dad came to my wedding in 1985, a painting was based on it x

By: Linzi Hardy

Linzi Hardy — Sun, 12 May 2013 00:24:06 +0000

Mandy I have just stumbled too, please lovely second cousins (or third) respond. I love those rocking horses xx

By: Amanda Leggett

Amanda Leggett — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 21:11:18 +0000

Hi Sophie,

I am amazed because I accidentally stumbled across this site whilst looking for some stuff about Jim Willer your dad. My dad Tony and Jim were cousins and I was lucky enough to have met Jim though sad it was only a few occasions.I was also very lucky in that Jim sketched my son one evening whilst we were chatting and I treasure the drawing.
Anyway, last week I was at an art gallery in Norwich UK and a fellow student showed me some Haida pieces by various artists and it stirred a memory in me of some cards that Jim sent me of Totem Poles which were prints of his work.
I have long regretted that we lost contact and would love to hear from yourself or Xanthe
Warmest Regards,
Amanda Leggett