With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph Gaetz on Friday, February 14, 2020.
Joe, who was born in Shuler and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta, was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Christian, brothers Martin and Robert and sister Rosemarie, and by his grandson Kyle.
It is bittersweet that Joe left us on Valentine’s Day. He always spoke of his deep love for Ruth, his loving wife. In addition to Ruth, he is survived by his children Terry, Steve (Melanie), Karen and Lynne (Murray) and Daphne.
Joe loved his grandchildren— Kelly, Kara, and Garrett (Karen), Diego and Rebeka (Lynne), Maya and Evan (Steve), and great grandsons Kash and Kane (Kyle), as well as Jack and Lauren (Murray) and Hillel (Daphne).
His children and great grandchildren cherished their time with him and have all spoken of his profound influence on their lives.
He is also survived by his siblings Kay, Pius, Theresa, Ray, Leo, Shirley, and James.
Joe was a power engineer and was employed at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary, Alberta as an instructor and later as a program supervisor. Known by his grandkids as Mr. Fixit, Joe was able to build garages, fix automobiles, and repair any number of household appliances. Later in life, while living in Kimberly BC, he developed a love of fishing and a talent for gardening. He also bought a boat and spent much time fishing at Premier Lake, BC, with his buddies. In 2010, he and Ruth moved to the Arboretum in Guelph.
Joe was appreciated by friends and family for his lively sense of humour, his unending optimism, and his strong values. In short, Joe was an honorable man and he will be deeply missed.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 519-822-0051.
A private family celebration of Life will be held in the spring.
Memorial contributions to The Foundation of St. Joseph’s Health Centre would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted in memory of Joseph Gaetz in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum. Dedication service, Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 2:30 pm.