October 28, 1923 - January 6, 2020
Joe was born in Centreville, Nova Scotia in the Annapolis Valley. He spent his early years fishing with his father on a seine boat, where he lost his thumb in an accident. In 1941, Joe joined the Army and was assigned to the Provost Corps.
While on a routine tour, he met his future wife who was AWOL from the Navy. They married in 1945 and moved to Haney, B.C. where their four children were born. In 1969, they moved to Southbank and Joe started his career on the Jacob Henkel as a deckhand; retiring as a captain, in 1986, on the Omineca Princess.
His years in the area were spent operating as a guide/outfitter and was very actively involved in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 50, serving as branch president and also as Zone Commander for Central B.C. He also volunteered his service to Veterans Affairs Canada where he ensured the veterans he visited were well cared for.
Joe was predeceased in 2003 by Jean, his wife of 58 years. The following is a quote left by Joe for his family and friends, "I've lived in the valley my whole life. Childhood in the Annapolis Valley, moved to the Fraser Valley now the Bulkley Valley, so there will be Peace in the Valley."
A service for Joe will held at a later date.