When dementia is another of life’s adventures

Jim and Dawn’s life together has been a series of leaps of faith. Jim’s careers have run the gamut from steel fish boat building to buying and selling wild mushrooms; from home renovations to commercial recycling; from a stint in the Royal Canadian Navy to harvesting geoducks. Meanwhile, Dawn narrowly escaped when they lost their home – twice. Dawn, who spent years living in a remote boarding school in India as a child, and Jim, who grew up alongside a rotating cast of young farm hands, found it a natural fit to become emergency foster parents. They took in youth in crisis at any time, day or night, while needs were assessed. Later they lived with two young sons aboard a 42-foot motor cruiser Jim built. Even after moving ashore into their apartment in Esquimalt, they continued travelling the world and seeking new experiences. 

Jim and Dawn are used to the unexpected. 

So when Dawn—then a financial manager—saw her doctor in 2019 for back pain and came home with a dementia diagnosis, she and Jim approached it like any other chapter they’ve written over 55 years together. 

“We said, ‘Okay,’” Jim says, “’I guess this is the next adventure.’”  

Jim is outgoing and curious, the guy making jokes and striking up a conversation with anyone he meets. . Dawn is more private and caring, but quick to smile along with her husband’s humour, even if they happen to be about traumatic experiences they’ve experienced. With different needs, very different personalities and a shared love of community, both have found meaningful connection and support through Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon programs. Referred shortly after Dawn’s diagnosis, they immediately accessed available support and education. 

“We got a hold of the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon and signed up for everything we could that would tell us anything about how to go about things,” Jim says. “And we've been doing that ever since.” 

The Stewarts are regulars at Minds in Motion^®, a social and fitness program, and a Coffee & Chat group that has grown into lasting friendships. They also participate in separate support groups tailored to care partners and to people living with dementia.

Their push for connection and community—at the core of their ability to cope—extends beyond the Society’s programming. They regularly meet up with longtime friends who aren’t affected by dementia, but who are supportive and understanding. Teachers by nature, Jim says they’re always willing to share what they’ve learned about dementia—and appreciate supporting friends through different aspects of aging.  

“If it's grey hair related and it's in the Victoria area, we’ve probably tried to connect,” Jim says. 

Now grandparents to five, they’ve settled into their life in Esquimalt, where they’re close to family. While their days travelling abroad or launching new businesses may be behind them, they stay engaged socially and let a Rick Steves documentary scratch the travel itch. Learning, sharing knowledge and taking each day as it comes has shaped a life rich with experiences. It’s an approach they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. 

“We’re constantly adjusting to see,” Dawn says, “‘What does this day look like?’”  

Some days are harder than others, but with the support of their community, they’ve been able to handle them all. 

“Life’s full of surprises,” Jim says. “Dawn escaped two burning mobile homes. This was just the next one.”