Jim Saville’s life is a bit like Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. There’s the dramatic, pounding keyboard opening as the 17 year old man leaves Nowhere, Saskatchewan, looking for the city life he hoped would give him something he had not yet found on his parents’ ranch.

"I left here in 1972 because I had to find out who I was. You can only imagine how confused I was at that age, at that time. But I had a true entrepreneurial spirit: I wanted to own my own business."

The pounding keyboards settled into a classical exploration of themes as the young man worked at different jobs as a waiter. He then went to college and worked in parks for five years after getting some background in Park Interpretation and Environmental Science.

"But I wanted to be my own boss," he realized.

So why isn’t Jim’s dream of arts and guests (he hosts writers, photographers, workshops, retreats, concerts, and the occasional Governor-General) based in a bustling metropolis, rather than nestled 60 km off the #1 Highway?

"I was living in Saskatoon, but at that time there were bylaws preventing B&Bs...I could cook; I could clean; I’m not well educated, but I enjoy people, and I’ve travelled. I went through Europe and stayed at B&Bs. It was getting to be big then in Europe."

With his parents’ help he found an outstanding building and location in Irvine (near Medicine Hat), but there were bylaw issues there as well. Push came to shove, and he sold in Saskatoon and bought in Irvine. He petitioned the residents and presented his bylaw amendment proposal to the town council, only to be turned down.

"So I took the house (he laughs). The town was pissed off because they were going to designate it as a heritage site."

By "took the house" he literally means he moved the building.  That’s our cowboy!  He tells us that the building was originally shipped to Irvine by rail car as a kit that could be purchased from the Eaton’s catalogue.  "All the nails, the windows the doors, the wood, it was all there. But you had to put it together."

Thus, Tchaikovsky’s first movement ends dramatically, with the house being trucked down the road to Jim’s portion of the family ranch.

The house celebrates its 100th birthday in 2013, which is also the 25th year of the annual Ranch Rendezvous GLBT Weekend.

However, after spending this much time raising rare heritage breeds of cattle and poultry, running a successful B&B with a restaurant, bringing in artists for both performances and professional development, and not making enemies of any of his immediate family, Jim is wanting a change. Now begins the concerto’s quieter, reflective 2nd movement as Jim considers the future of a single gay rancher.

"I guess I’m getting lonely as I age; I don’t want to be alone. I want to share my life, and I’d love to share my property, but gay men don’t want to live in the country. If they can’t go shopping in a Wal-Mart, get a drink in a piano-bar, and get their hair done... (exasperated sigh); get a life! But they don’t want to feed chickens."

Fueling these recent reflections was certainly the passing of both of the Saville parents in 2012, separated by only a few months. Jim mentions seeing his mother being cared for in a nursing home like she was their own family. But with neither he nor his 3 siblings having any children, he wonders about the companionship he will retain as the senior years creep up.

"I’ve never had a partner, (never found) anybody that would share this dream. Initially when I came here, when I was 30, I had this passion, to own and start my own business out in the country."

And he keeps trying new ones. For two years he used the dairy cattle to make his own cheeses: feta, havarti, cheddar. But the focus on that industry cut down on his travelling guests, which he couldn’t stand. And Jim is aware of the challenges of being gay in a ‘straight’ retirement home, so his business mind is whirling again: he put ads in a couple of local publications to see if anyone was interested in a gay retirement/semi-retirement home near his locale: he could make the Ranch into a place for like-minded seniors.

"I’ve had quite a bit of response: there’s definite interest in that. As the baby-boomers age, whether you’re gay or straight, it doesn’t matter: there’s going to be issues with housing, and health-care and long-term care. So then I’m thinking, maybe I don’t need to sell this place."

"Though location does become critical as we age. And this house isn’t conducive to aging, with stairs to the loft, and stairs to the second-level bedrooms. But I thought that would be the easiest, just to stay here."

Besides, Jim has 25 years of Ranch Rendezvous (and the first two movements of the Piano Concerto) behind him: though he hasn’t heard the final notes yet, themes have been established and drama has been experienced. He mentions that some of his regulars casually threaten him when he discusses a possible sale: where would they go to kick up their heels in the hills?

This year, the Rendezvous is from August 2nd to 5th, and there will be both a 100th and 25th anniversary celebration, with vintage fashion shows, music, hot tubs, games, meals, and all of the usual shenanigans. If you’ve attended, you’ll know what they are: if you haven’t, it’s a great opportunity to see some of the beauty in the Cypress Hills. Having gone out to see for ourselves, there’s definitely a little bit of magic as you descend into the Spring Valley. A fellow traveler gasped, "It’s like those beautiful little glens you see in the movies!"

So if you’re an investor looking to put money into new developments, a hottie looking to settle down on a historical ranch, someone particularly interested in the prospects of LGBTQ retirement space, or a man or woman simply interested in the Ranch Rendezvous’ 25th incarnation, give Maverick Jim a call. He’s friendly to a fault, and the music hasn’t ended yet!