Joe passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2018 at Cowichan District Hospital at age 82.
Predeceased by wife Ileane in Aug 2016, brother Bert in 1974 and first wife Cheryl in 2000.
Survived by his sister Joyce (Peter), children Debbie, Roy (Cindy), Glenn (Sheryl) and Alan (Linda), grandchildren Becky (Greg), Gregory, Scott (Sage), Jordan, Katelyn, great grandson Jackson and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by Ileane's children Carol (Ron) and Kellie, grandchildren Carl (Noel), Heidi and great grandchild Ryan.
Born in Craik Saskatchewan. When Joe was 9 years old his father died requiring Joe, Bert and Joyce to do many daily chores on the farm. The family moved to Victoria, at age 15 Joe supplied documentation claiming he was 16 to allow him to work in the Merchant Marine as an oiler. In 1955 Joe married Cheryl Shea and had four children.
After two years plying the seas in the Far East and local waters Joe commenced an apprenticeship as a welder. In 1959 he started work at Victoria Machinery Depot welding pressure vessels and constructing new BC Ferries. In the early 70's he traveled out of town for work. In the late 70's he worked for Stan V Wright in Victoria then worked at the Crofton Mill until he ended his welding career in 1993.
He married Ileane in 1988 and they enjoyed retirement together in their lovely home in Duncan. Working in the gardens, traveling and spending time with family were their favourite things to do.
Joe was an avid salt water fisher his entire life and owned many boats over the years. He especially enjoyed winter fishing at Oak Bay as well as his annual trip fishing to the Port Alberni canal. He won many Times Colonist Kingfisher badges in the Cowichan Bay fishing derbies.
He guided for Oak Bay Marina for several years. Joe also enjoyed following Nascar racing.
The family would like to express gratitude and appreciation for the care and comfort provided to Joe by the staff and caregivers at We Care, doctors; Herd, Roy, Iturra and O'Malley and the staff at Cowichan District Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 27th at 10 am at First Memorial 4725 Falaise Drive.
In lieu of flowers a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, SPCA or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.