I have never imagined that the uncertainty of moving to another country, of going to live with people that you’ve never met and work on something that is still not defined could be vanished on the first day due to a warm welcoming hug from a stranger! Jim had this amazing power of raising in each person a feeling of protection, warmness, support and confidence since the very beginning. For sure an unforgettable way of dealing with the human nature! The canoe trip gave us the opportunity to get to know him better, and today we are so grateful for those days with him. In many ways Jim was our spiritual father here in Montréal and when he left it created a big vacuum in the house and inside of each of us. But Jim left something very special in side of us, as individuals and as a group – we knew we have to keep going, although it was and still is very hard for us. Jim left us with the importance of living, doing and to be - to be who you are and to try to make the best out of what you do. He will always stay in our heart. Jim is someone you can grow so attached to within days. We are saddened yet privileged to have been able to spend two weeks with Jim in Montreal. He gave his time and energy endlessly and unconditionally to others, especially to the Sauvé Scholars over the past few years. The kindness of his heart and the forgiving nature in the way he embraces people and society are invaluable sources of hope and optimism in life. Anyone would have been blessed to come under his radar. It is the means not the end that define life. A leader is someone, somewhere down the line, as you reflect upon life and you realize what a great influence he was, wherever he is now… Jim was the heart and soul of the Sauvé Scholars program, and he lives on as a true leader in our hearts. Madalena Dias, Liran Gal and Xiaoli Pan Sauvé Scholars 2007-2008