IN MEMORIAM
the years, which might have sprung in part from his parents operating a group home while James was growing up. James was on the Hillside Co-op Board for many years and a volunteer for the amateur hockey community at Burnaby Winter Club (BWC). At BWC, James served as the risk manager for seven years. His volunteerism in amateur hockey continued with the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association for over five years, during which time James initially held the position of risk manager, then vice president, and lastly president. James was a motor- cycle enthusiast and the loving pet owner of Cheeky, a love bird; rabbits; cats; and dogs, Blue and Jax.
JAMES ALLEN RAE 1967 to 2024 James Allen Rae of Burnaby, B.C., passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 23, 2024, at the age of 56. Although James was taken too soon, his final moments were surrounded by loved ones and he left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. James was born in Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver on Aug. 20, 1967, to his surviving parents, Lawrence and Roseanne Rae. He’s also survived by his wife Wendy, sister Leanne, and daughter Meghan; James was preceded in death by his son Ethan.
In 1986, James attended University of British Columbia to study philosophy and Burnaby Christian Fellowship (BCF), where he met Wendy Hulstein, whom he married in 1993. He spent the next 30 years as a devoted husband and father to Meghan (27) and Ethan (passed in 2017 at age 18). James was a trusted security systems risk and support specialist; during his long experience in the security industry, he helped many clients, people whom James saw and treated more like family and friends than as mere clients. James was a good neighbour and became a father figure to many of his children’s friends and classmates at Hillside Co-op in Burnaby. He and Wendy also fostered many babies over
Spring 2024
every new day. From his humble beginnings to becoming a pioneering figure in the self-storage industry, Hal’s story began under the tough conditions of rural Texas, where early experiences of picking cotton barefoot under the scorching sun instilled in him a formidable work ethic and a deep appreciation for hard work. These formative years shaped not only Hal’s character but also his future endeav- ors. His venture into the world of textiles showcased his love for fabrics and a keen eye for detail and style, qualities that would become hallmarks of his approach to business and life. Hal’s initial steps in the self-storage sector were taken as a laborer for Watson and Taylor. Here, he learned the intricacies of self-storage con- struction, laying the foundation for a storied career that would see him revolutionize the industry. His tenure at Watson and Taylor was not just a job; it was a masterclass in under- standing the nuts and bolts of the business from the ground up. This experience proved invaluable, as Hal would later go on to innovate and improve many areas within the self-storage industry. In the 1980s, Hal’s journey led him
HAL SPRADLING 1941 to 2024
In the tapestry of life, few threads are woven as richly and with such vibrant colors as those of Hal Sidney Spradling’s. It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce his passing on Fri., Feb. 16, 2024, at St. Michael’s Hospital. At the age of 83, Hal left us peacefully, leaving behind a legacy that is as remarkable as the life he led—a life that was a testament to passion, dedication, and an undying zeal for
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to Toronto, where he dedicated four decades to the self-storage industry. His resilience and determination culminated in the co-founding of All Canadian Self-Storage, later known as XYZ Storage, in 1997. From a laborer to president emeritus, Hal’s rise through the ranks is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and unwavering commitment. One of Hal’s most notable contribu- tions was the creation of the first drive-through self-storage facility in Ontario, Canada. This pioneering concept revolutionized the industry, offering unprecedented convenience and security to customers and setting a new standard in self-storage solu- tions. Hal’s vision extended beyond the practicalities of storage; he saw an opportunity to enhance customer experience, and he seized it with both
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