Joe passed away surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer at the age of 86. Dad was born in The Hague, Holland. After his required military service and always with a need to do things his own way (right to the end), Joe immigrated to Canada in 1957. He met and married his wife, Josephine in Burnaby, BC. in 1959. Joe worked in the sawmill industry on the mainland and then for many years in Tahsis, BC. He loved the wild and wet west coast where they raised 2 children. After retirement in 1997 Joe and Josephine retired to Courtenay, BC. Joe spent retirement enjoying his family and doing some travelling. His children and grandchildren were always a great source of pride and fulfillment. He also was a founding member, and 23-year volunteer, with the Anderton Therapeutic Garden Society. Joe spent many hours on projects and became the greeter. It was his pleasure to show visitors around and regale them with stories of the garden. Left to mourn are his wife of 62 years, Josephine, son Douglas (Linda), and daughter Debbie Willms (Travis Willms), grandchildren Ryan Tinga (Kayla), Mercedes Vandenberg, Briana Vandenberg, family in Holland and BC. No service by request. A private family celebration will take place in the future.