October 9, 1926 - February 4, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness the family of Joe Sr. announce his passing. He is predeceased by his parents and all of his siblings, his wife of 68 years Hazel (Shambrook) and his youngest daughter Sandra.
He is survived by his life partner Donna Allen, who quite frankly gave him his reason for living once Hazel had passed. We will always be grateful to her.
He is also survived by his children, Sharon (Alan), Joe (Cindy), Peter (Kelly) and Bill (Christine) of which produced 13 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren to date. Born in Vancouver B.C. the family moved to Winnipeg, Man. Which is where Joe ran away from home at the age of 12, by hopping a train and riding it all the way to Vancouver. He was returned home by the railway police after being on the lam for two months.
At the age of 15 he ran away again, this time to join the Navy and help with the war effort, but was too young. So he lied about his age and joined the Merchant Marines. When the war ended he found himself in Victoria, B.C. where he met his future wife, Hazel. Needless to say he never returned to Winnipeg.
Dad had many jobs in those early days but they all seemed to revolve around the forest industry. Most notable was Dad taking his young family to New Zealand to help start up a pulp mill. The family returned to Canada in 1955 due to family obligations.
In 1956 Dad joined the construction team at Crofton, building the pulp mill and weir. He continued on as a faithful employee of BCFP until his retirement in 1988. Joe and Hazel began their next adventure and they threw themselves into it becoming world travelers. They traveled by land and sea, visiting every province in Canada, Alaska, Europe, Middle East and South Africa.
Dad loved to sing and he had a voice to go with that love. Mom's passing was perhaps Dad's biggest life challenge and then along came Donna who had recently lost her husband. The rest they say is history.
A memorial service will be held for Joe at his beloved St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 531 Herbert Street, Duncan, BC. on Wednesday March 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Joe's name.
Online condolences may be made at www.hwwallacecbc.com
H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre
Service Details
2:00 PM