Joseph Dean « Joe » Smith
1933-2019
It is with deep sadness that the family of Joseph Dean Smith
announces his passing on August 21, 2019, at the age of 85 years. Joe
led a long and full life. He was born into a large family of 12, the
son of Rachel Harvey and Clifford Smith in the Annapolis Valley, Nova
Scotia. He went on to join the Royal Canadian Air Force and build
communications towers in France, Belgium and Germany. While there, he
found and married the love of his life, Edith « Ginger »
Bacon. They built a life together over 63 years raising their four
children in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador where he headed up
technical services for CBC. Joe spent decades installing CBC radio and
television towers and transmitters all over Labrador and in Nunavut,
an accomplishment for which CBC’s Pierre Juneau, presented
him with the CBC President’s Award of Recognition of
Service. After living for over 50 years in the north, they moved back
to Nova Scotia to be near their very large extended loving family. We
are eternally grateful for the 85 years we had him with us and we will
cherish his lessons of a life well lived. Lessons like:
• if you step on a sleeping moose while picking
raspberries (and he did), say sorry and keep picking, the jelly has to
be made;
• when a communications tower fails in a
winter storm, climb it and bring along some aluminum foil for
repairs…it works;
• in the winter at
the fish camp always get the morning water from the ice hole in your
pajamas and parka, it’s easier;
• when
your little girl is in hospital getting her tonsils out, leave your
watch for her to put next to her ear, the ticking will remind her that
you’re close by;
• let the neighbourhood
kids follow you around in the garden telling you their stories and
asking you a thousand questions, it makes them feel safe and
heard;
• whistle a tune while you drive,
it’s breathing with music;
• there is no
such thing as a shaggy dog story that’s too long, stretch it
out and then laugh from your belly, always laugh loud and full;
and
• if you see a problem…fix it! If
you don’t know how…learn! If you
fail…try again, always try again.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 63 years,
Ginger and his children, Jodean (Brian) Tobin, Robin (Dennis) Peck and
Sherry (Stan McDonald); his seven grandchildren, Heather, Adam, Jack,
Joseph, William, Grace and Robert; his three great grandchildren,
Vivienne, George and Camila; his sisters, Bonna Hyde and Eva deCruz;
many many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, grand nephews, grand
nieces and a devoted group of friends. Joe was predeceased by his son,
Michael; brothers, Hugh, Vance, Merle, Jerry, Sonny, Doug; sisters,
Verna, Betty, and Ekie. Cremation has taken place and there will be no
visitation, by request. A memorial service for Joe will be held at
2:00 p.m. Monday, August 26 2019 in the Avonport Baptist Church,
Reverend Wayne Fevens officiating. The family would like to extend
many thanks to the staff at Parkland at the Gardens for all their
kindness during this difficult time. Interment will take place at a
later date in Happy Valley Goose Bay, Labrador. In lieu of flowers,
donations in memory may be made to Avonport Baptist Church or the
Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted
to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
Kentville.
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1933-2019
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Joseph Dean Joe Smith..
Décès pour la Ville: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia