Let’s celebrate the life & legacy of Jaime

James “Jaime” Archibald Sanderson Lumsden                       July 26, 1980 - January 9, 2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jaime “Kip” Lumsden on Sunday, January 9th, 2022 in his 41st year, with family and loved ones by his side. Jaime fought this battle with courage, strength and everything he had. Unfortunately even with the best doctors, treatments and care, in the end, the deck was stacked against him and it wasn’t a fair fight.

Jaime is survived by his wife, Vanessa and daughter, Gigi. Jaime and Vanessa found love together and were truly each others soulmates. He often told Vanessa how much he loved her, and always made her feel special and valued. They enjoyed all the simple exchanges of affection daily; holding hands, cuddling, and he would always grab Vanessa for a slow dance in the kitchen. They were best friends and were only just getting started.

In 2021, Jaime and Vanessa welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Georgia “Gigi” James. Jaime always wanted to be a Daddy and it came so naturally to him. Even on his worst days, he always had a smile for Gigi, and she would smile right back at him. He looked forward to being able to play with her on the floor, chase her around and watch her grow. He couldn’t wait to see her handprints all over the windows of their new house. Gigi was the light of his life and she will always be told stories of the incredibly handsome, wonderful, caring, sweet, strong and funny man that her Daddy was.

Jaime has left behind a multitude of people who he loved dearly and who treasured him and will miss him deeply. For anyone who knows the Lumsden Family, you understand how close- knit they are and how they work together as a team, always looking after one another. Jaime’s parents, George and Sue, are extremely proud of the incredible man that Jaime had become and the beautiful life he lived. Jesse (Hayley) and Lindsey had an extremely special bond with their brother that went beyond being siblings, they were always there for each other. Jaime was very close with his cousins Jeff (Jen) and Jason (Kerri) and his Uncle Tom. Gramma, Jean Bell, was often working her magic on Jaime with her healing touch. Jaime will also be missed by Barb and Doug Burton, Katie Burton and Dave Cheung, Steve, Stephanie and Corey Bell, and many friends that he considered family.

Jaime was such a proud Unkie to his nieces and nephews; Lucy, Josie, Harrison, Betty, Lottie, Colton, Jaxon, Ella, Rowan, Jameson, Patrick and Clara. He had instant bonds with each of them that he held close to his heart. They all looked up to him and loved him beyond measure. Jaime would always be the first to hold them, and would often drop by for surprise visits. He was just like a big kid, playing with them on the floor and being a human jungle gym. Being an Uncle was an important job to Jaime, and he made sure he was the best Unkie a kid could ever ask for.

Jaime was born on July 26, 1980 and grew up in Markham where he created many lifelong friendships. He attended MDHS, followed by George Brown College for Tool and Die. He started his career at Dietron Tool & Die, where he continued to work for 21 years. Jaime was brilliant when it came to machinery, engines, welding, electrical and building. He could fix just about anything and was meticulous in his work. He and Vanessa planned out a house that Jaime took on and built from the ground up. The time he spent with his Dad, brother and friend Tucker while building, was some of his happiest times. He was so grateful to have been able to move in, even though it was only for a few months.

Jaime had a love for sports. He played hockey and baseball his whole life in Markham and Stouffville both in co-ed and mens leagues. He also played and refereed lacrosse for many years in Markham and Ajax-Pickering. He was an avid Leafs and Blue Jays fan, never turning down an opportunity to go to a game. Jaime was very active and naturally good at everything he did. Whether it was wakeboarding, snowboarding, golfing or trying anything new, he would do it with ease. He loved concerts and country music. He would always be up for going to the cottage and looked forward to family trips to Cape Cod.

Jaime was an organizer, whether it was creating a baseball team or planning a shin-dig, Jaime just loved it when everyone was together and having a good time. He had the biggest heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. Jaime made everyone feel important. He was genuine, kind and sweet with a mischievous streak. He had the best sense of humour, a laugh that no one will forget and a beard as majestic as he was. Jaime was so strong, yet so gentle.

We are forever grateful for the time we had with Jaime and know he will always be with us and watch down on Vanessa and Gigi. We know that Gramps (Alex Bell) was waiting for him at the gates of heaven where he will meet up with Grandma (Pat Lumsden) for a game of cards and finally meet his namesake Grandfather (Archie Lumsden) as Jaimes full name is James Archibald Sanderson.

Our family is so thankful for the love and support since Jaimes diagnosis. All the efforts, from the gofundme to the golf tournament, the Mill Street block party to the dropped off meals, he felt the love and appreciated it so much. Jaime has such an incredible group of friends, it is really a testament to how truly amazing he was.

Jaime lived his life always thinking of others and paying it forward. In lieu of flowers, please ask yourself - What would Kippy do? Take a moment to do a good deed for a neighbour, or help someone without hesitation. Give each other the benefit of the doubt. Live your life in a way that represents just how selfless Jaime was. Let that be his lasting legacy.

Update:

Thank you all so much for your incredible donations. We are overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and very grateful to have such a supportive community rooting for Jaime. 

When Jaime returned from New York he faced some setbacks with his nutrition which took a few weeks to get under control. Once that was sorted out he began a rigorous round of chemo that has been given bi-weekly. He’s remained in good spirits throughout it all despite how hard it has been on him. 

A few weeks ago Jaime was having some difficulty breathing. Scans showed a build up of fluid around one of his lungs. After being drained a few times as an in-patient he was referred to a specialist who determined that another surgery was the best way forward. Chemo was temporarily delayed so Jaime could undergo surgery at Southlake hospital, which went well. After a brief stay there he is now back at home recovering and will start up chemo again this week.

We are hopeful that the chemo is doing what it is supposed to as Jaime has been able to start eating more solids and has improved digestive function.

Please keep sending your positive thoughts and vibes to Jaime while he continues this fight! 

Jaime’s story:

In July 2021, our family received the most devastating news imaginable. Jaime was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called peritoneal carcinomatosis. They thought 2021 was going to be their year; Jaime and Vanessa had welcomed their beautiful baby girl in February, Georgia James (Gigi) and they were about 2 weeks away from moving into the gorgeous home that Jaime had spent the last 2 years building for their perfect family when they received the shocking news.

After Jaime and Vanessa met with the oncologist at Markham Stouffville Hospital, the doctor explained the possible treatment plans and how to start this long battle. Two days later Jaime got very sick and was admitted to the hospital with what they found to be a bowel obstruction caused by the cancer. The doctors here didn't think they would be able to fix the obstruction based on the CT scans. They also said he couldn’t do chemotherapy with a bowel obstruction.

We were absolutely terrified and felt like we were out of options. Our family quickly came together to research anything and everything that could be done to move forward and help Jaime begin this fight. We tried to get transferred to Mount Sinai or Princess Margaret in Toronto but they wouldn’t accept Jaime as a patient at the time. A lot of phone calls were made and within days he was accepted to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City into the care of a very talented surgeon who specializes in this rare type of cancer. We are so very fortunate that this was even an option, and grateful to everyone who helped make this happen.

Jaime and Vanessa flew to NYC via air ambulance leaving their precious 5 month old baby girl Gigi at home to be taken care of by their parents. As heart wrenching as it was to leave her, they knew it was the next step to fight this battle.

After a month in New York with Lindsey by their side, they were finally able to come home to continue treatment close to their families and be reunited with their beautiful Gigi.

Jaime has a long road ahead of him with chemo treatments here in Canada with the hopes that it will get him to a position that he is a candidate to receive advanced life-saving surgery only available to him in the United States.

For anyone who knows Jaime, you know he is an amazing, generous and incredible man and we are all so lucky to have him in our lives. He would do anything for anyone, no questions asked. Now it's our turn to help him. As a family we have decided that this fundraiser will be a great way to support Jaime, Vanessa and Gigi by relieving the financial burden that this journey will entail. Vanessa and Jaime will not be working during this time and the medical expenses outside of what is covered through OHIP will add up quickly. These funds will help cover the costs of Jaime’s surgery in the United States, additional medical expenses and home care, daily expenses, bills and the next steps in his road to recovery.

Your contribution is so very appreciated. Please know that any amount that you are able to give, is going to be so helpful in getting Jaime through the difficult times that lie ahead.

We would like to thank each and every one of you in advance for being a part of this journey, we are truly grateful for the love and support that has been shown.

Please continue to send positive, healing energy and let’s help Jaime kick cancer!