Obituaries

Sadly, the family announces the passing of Dad/Papa in his 97th year. Consistent with his wishes there will be a private service where Dad will once again join his wife Bette at St. Andrews Anglican Memorial Gardens.

Married for almost 61 years, Joe and Bette were blessed with three girls, Susan, Vivian, and Janine. In turn, husbands and children: Susan/Robert Black (deceased), Jennifer, Douglas; Vivian/Bob Goettler, Kristine, Jarrett: Janine/Len Wlasichuk; Andrea, Dyana, Erica; and many great grandchildren.

Joe enlisted in the war in June 1941. On a fateful day in July of 1944 his transport plane crashed during an electrical storm in Eastern France. Of the 16 on board, only Joe the navigator and two others survived. He was initially found and hidden by the French Underground but was too badly injured and had to be turned over to a German Military Hospital. After five weeks he was then shipped off to a Prisoner of War Camp until the end of the war. When Joe last visited France with Bette in 1999 a Memorial with the 13 graves were as immaculate as when he first visited in 1974.

Joe enjoyed a lengthy and successful career at Manitoba Telephone System where he started as an office boy in 1938 and worked his way up to management allowing him to retire in 1976 at the age of 53.

Sports and exercise was a must and membership at the YMCA was a family affair. ‘Gentleman Joe’ was an avid hockey player, playing senior hockey when he returned from the war. Later as a referee he travelled across Canada reffing many Junior Hockey Championships. This led to his induction into The Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Joe taught Bette how to golf ensuring him more play and she wisely allowed him to score all the holes-in-one, all seven of them.

Community involvement played a role throughout Joe’s life including St. James Rotary, School and Golf Club Boards, and the Manitoba Golf Association. Giving back was always very important to Joe and he pledged to many organizations, especially in the medical field including The Red Cross, and Alzheimers Foundation.

Still young at retirement Joe’s love for sports especially golf allowed him to take on a Golf Pro position at Wasagaming Golf course at Clear Lake. The cottage they occupied on the 10th hole left lasting memories for the entire family.

Retirement suited Joe and Bette, and most winters were spent exploring sun country between San Diego and Myrtle Beach. Four summers in Britain and Europe and two winters down under, principally New Zealand were especially memorable with its many natural wonders and ever unfolding beauty.

Dad’s take on life: EVER REWARDING, PROVIDED ONE PERSON TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE VAST NUMBER OF PROVEN PATHS AVAILABLE IN OUR PROUD AND PROGRESSIVE NATION.

Condolences and memories may be sent to Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com