The man behind beloved downtown bookstore Munro's Books has died in his Victoria home with family at his side.
James Munro was 87 years old.
"It was fairly sudden. It was surprising to everybody, but he didn't suffer and he was surrounded by family members," says Munro's Books managing partner Jessica Walker.
Munro opened Munro's Books in 1963 with ex-wife Alice Munro. They switched locations several times, ultimately settling into the old Royal Bank of Canada building on Government Street.
Walker says Munro loved Victoria and he was passionate about its politics, economics, and architecture. She says his lasting legacy is clear.
"It'll definitely be the book store. He was so proud of the business, and loved kind of being the center of... We're kind of the heart of downtown," says Walker. "It's important to say that he loved our customers. I think he would want me to say a big, 'Thank you', from him for their support over the years."
Munro retired in 2014 and gave the store to Walker and three other longtime employees. Munro's family still owns the building, and Walker says there's no doubt the book store will live on.
Employees are inviting customers to stop by the book store to sign a book of condolence and share their favourite memory of James Munro.