Joe passed away peacefully on November 9, 2015. Born April 25, 1923 in East Broughton Quebec, he was a 10th generation Canadian who could trace his ancestry in Canada back to 1652.

He was predeceased by his father Noel, mother Bernadette, two sisters Jeannette and Marie-Reine, his little brother, Paul and his beloved wife Mary. Joe is survived by his three children James (Jane ) Jacques, Paula (John ) Masterson, Carla (Ken ) Stef, and four grandchildren: Kathleen, Matthew, Ashley and Thomas.

After graduation from College St. Jean in Edmonton in the early 40’s, he enlisted in the RCAF and served his country in WWII. As the war ended, he headed north to find employment and was recruited in Whitehorse by the Bahrain Petroleum Company. Joe lived in Awali, Bahrain for two years and made many lasting friendships including that of his future brother in law, John. He came back to Canada and met the love of his life Mary Shewchuk, whom he married in 1949. They began married life in Devon, where Joe worked as a field superintendent for the Imperial Pipeline Company. In the late 50’s they moved to Edmonton and then Calgary where he worked as an executive with Imperial Oil. In 1970, he gave up the security of this position to follow his dream and launched his own business, Mainway Esso, a landmark for many at the corner of 61st Avenue and 109th Street in Edmonton. He was an excellent businessman, honest and hardworking, and prospered.

With the passing of Mary in 1982, Joe did his best to move forward, keeping active, using his French language skills in part time work for the federal government, and even buying his first motorcycle. He stayed active and young well into his eighties, skating in the winter each day and walking 2 miles each day in the summer.

In 2010, when he could no longer live an independent life, Joe moved to Vancouver to be closer to family. He was a kind and good person, a loving and faithful husband and the best father anyone could wish for. He was a talented artist and loved music and languages. He left his mark on others with his example of bravery in the face of loss, and truly was a most interesting person who all his life was more interested in others than himself. He was a guy that everyone liked.

A special thank you to the kind and gentle nurses and care aides who looked after Joe at South Granville Park Lodge, and especially to Dr. Brad Fritz for his many visits and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Poppy Fund in remembrance of Canada’s Veterans.