April 15, 1949 - January 21, 2023
In loving memory ~
Joseph passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife Geraldine by his side. He was the son of Margaret and Sidney Smith (deceased), a pioneering farming family in the Comox Valley. Joseph worked at Westmin Resources for 32 years as the company's Senior Systems Analyst. He retired in 2002 and continued to grow his large vegetable garden that reflected his family's farming roots. Fishing was his first love, though, with good friends and with Geraldine. They met many wonderful people camping and fishing over the years. Joseph is remembered as a kind, loving man who could steal a piece of your heart with his smile and twinkly eyes. He fought a heroic battle with cancer for the past 11 months fueled by a fierce desire to keep on living. His deepest wish was to watch his grandchildren graduate and to dance at their weddings.
Left to share in their grief are Geraldine, his partner, best friend and accomplice in many escapades for 44 years, his sister Susan (Don) Comox, and sons Brian (Christina) Edmonton, and Jeffrey (Allison) Nanaimo. His cherished grandchildren who will miss their Gramps are Nathan, Sadie, Sawyer, Jordan and Aaliyah, as well as his sisters-in-law Nikki, Bonnie (Bob), Louise, and Faye (Ross) and many nieces and nephews. Always your partner and friend in life and afterwards. All our love forever and to the moon and back.
If you knew Joseph you understand what a friend he was, if not, you missed one of the truly great ones. Raise a glass or two and toast this lovely human being.
The family thanks Dr. Green, Dr. Tinmouth, Dr. Brais and the physicians and wonderful nurses at the cancer clinic.
There will be no service as Joseph requested. Cremation by Piercy's Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
I've finished life's chores
assigned to me,
So put me on a boat
headed out to sea.
Please send along my fishing pole
For I've been invited to the fishin' hole
Where every day is a day to fish,
To fill your heart with every wish.
Don't worry, or feel sad for me,
I'm fishin' with the Master of the Sea.
We will miss each other for a while,
But you will come and
bring your smile.
That won't be long as you will see
Till we're together you and me.
Be happy as I go out to sea.
If others wonder why I'm missin'
Just tell 'em I've gone fishin'.