ZALESKI, Joseph Edward.
April 25th, 1922 – November 27th, 2011.
Joe passed away very peacefully in his sleep following a brief stay in hospital. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He was predeceased by his wife Hazel, his parents Mike and Lena Zaleski and his three brothers, Edward, John and Walter Zaleski. He is survived by his daughter Janice (Dan) Quatell, his sister Marie Dewey, his grandchildren Dennis Wangler, Steven Wangler and Lisa (Robert) Wagner-Lewis; his great-grandchildren Shyanne and Jenna VanVelzen, Ryan and Camryn Lewis and Justine Thiel...his wife Nola and several nieces and nephews.
Dad was the “Rock of Gibralter” to his family. He was our mentor, our teacher and our best friend through life...always putting others before himself. His accomplishments in life are too many to mention, but to name a few, he excelled in baseball and hockey but being the eldest sibling he stayed home to help his mother when he was picked for the Toronto Maple Leafs farm team.
He served in the R.C.A.F. For 25 years then retired from the Service and settled in Comox. He worked at the Elks Club in Courtenay where he volunteered and attained a lifetime membership. He also worked at Bennett's Sheet Metal for 10 years. One of his most noted accomplishments to the community was the founding of (along with Les Cartwright) the Comox Valley Minor Hockey Association. He didn't do it for recognition, he did it for love of the sport and for the kids. He touched the lives of so many people, in more ways than he realized and we all feel we are better individuals (family and friends alike) for having had him in our lives. There will be no funeral, by request, and donations to the B.C. Lung Assoc. would be greatly appreciated in lieu of flowers.
A Celebration of Dad's life will be held at a later date... to be announced. A heartfelt thank you to the first floor nurses at St. Josephs Hospital, who did such wonderful job of taking care of Dad with such care and compassion...thank you!!
Gone in body but never in spirit – we will hold you forever in our hearts – and know that you'll be right there with us watching every hockey game.
We love you.
Daughter Janice (Daniel) Quattel
Grandchildren – Dennis, Steven, Lisa, Robert and your sister Marie
Happy Journey Dad