Norm
I am sorry to hear about your father's passing.
WEBBER, Joseph George
1926 - 2022
With great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Joseph George Webber (Josey) on March 23rd, in his 95th year at the Blanche River Health Kirkland Lake Site. Joe was predeceased by his wife Vivian (nee Miller) of 61 years, infant son Larry, parents Roy Haliburton and Hazel (nee Goodheart) Webber, siblings Viola Gaudaur, Pauline Leclair, Dolly Shaw (Merlin), Pearl Cahill, Toby (Mary) and Bunny. He is survived by his brother Gordon (Dorothy predeceased), also survived by his sisters-in-law Norma (Leonard predeceased), Shirley Desjardins and brother-in-law Gibb Nash (Ros), and children Donald (Barbara), Gerard (Jane), Brenda (Marc), and Norman. “Papa” will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Jessica (Dan), Alisha (Cory), Christie (Tyler), Riley (Meagan), Mackenzie (Eliott), Noah and Ethan, and great grandchildren Vivian and Margot. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Joe was born May 7, 1926 in Tisdale Township, South Porcupine, Ontario. At the young age of 18 years (1944), he enlisted with the Canadian army to proudly serve his country during World War ll. He had completed his basic infantry training at Camp Borden, ready to be shipped out overseas, when the war thankfully ended in 1945.
On his return to King Kirkland, Joe began his working life at Upper Canada Mines Ltd., where he learned his trade as an Assayer. This lead to opportunities and travel, including working for Falconbridge Mines Ltd., in La Luz, Nicaragua, Central America in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many adventures and life long friendships were created over the 10 plus years the family spent in Central America.
When the adventures of Nicaragua ended, Joe spent the rest of his working career with Assayers Limited, spending time in Sudbury and Rouyn Noranda. He truly loved his job, and understood the challenges of prospectors and those in the exploration and mining fields who trusted his high integrity and commitment to the assaying field.
Joe became an avid golfer and played many tournaments during his tenure down south. Those were great years! He continued this passion in later life, golfing every summer with Vivian, as they enjoyed their retirement years together at the Kirkland Lake Golf Club.
Joe was also an avid Blue Jays fan, always looking forward to a game on TV. He wore his Blue Jays merchandise with pride. They often travelled to games in Toronto, and Dunedin, Florida for spring training, where Joe and Vivian would meet up with their children and grandchildren to enjoy an afternoon of baseball. In his early days, Joe was a coach (baseball and hockey) and an umpire in Little League baseball. In his later years, he proudly played 1st base for the King Kirkland Old Timers slow pitch team and created so many fond memories.
He was caring and interested in his grandchildren, always asking how they were doing in their lives, school, etc and appreciating their visits north to share stories and great laughs.
Joe loved music. He grew up in a community full of music. Always supporting local musicians and local dances. In particular, he loved the guitar and especially enjoyed Chet Atkins’ finger picking version of Wildwood Flower. A real favourite of his.
Most notably, in the last few years, Joe was reliant on his youngest son Norman for his day to day needs and care while living his life to the fullest at home. Norman was always there for Dad and is clearly appreciated by all.
For a person who spent 95 years on this earth, one could go on and on about his life and all his adventures. We could never fully share them all in the space provided here. Joe lived his life well and leaves a proud and great legacy behind. Well done Dad, you can Rest In Peace now.
At the request of Joe, there will be no formal service. Many thanks to the staff on the fourth floor of the Blanche River Health Kirkland Lake Site for their attentive and compassionate care. Donations in memory of Joe to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 87 in Kirkland Lake would be appreciated.
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