Delbert Josephson, 88, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 in palliative care at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina SK., with family at his side. He suffered from asbestosis resulting from his time working at the Co-Op Refinery. With the love and care of his wife, Joan, by his side, Del was able to remain in his home for his final few months surrounded by comfort, care, and love.
Delbert William Frederick Josephson (Del), son of Bertil and Bernice Josephson, was born in Radville SK. on September 1, 1933. He was predeceased by both his parents, and survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 65 years, Joan Josephson (Hind); brothers Eldon (Audrey), Leo (Shirley), Dave (Cathy), and sister Gloria (Fritz); children Dean (Luella), Ryan (Candy), Dan (Heather), Tim, and Pamela (Jason); grandchildren Ben (Katelin), Kallie (Tim), Tyrell, Cassie, Brianna (Adam), Meagan, Em, and Brennan; great-grandchildren Harrison, Hudson, Leighton, and Malena; and numerous nieces, nephews, and special extended family.
Del grew up in Brooking, and later, on the family farm at Radville, SK. He worked tirelessly on the farm growing up while attending school. Not long after graduating grade 12, at the age of 18, Del moved to Regina, SK where he met his wife and raised his family. His first job was at the Federated Co-Op Refinery where he worked for 27 years. He started as a utility man doing yard work and pumping septic tanks. As he was a hard worker and fast learner, it didn’t take him long to work his way up the line to Master Operator. Del believed strongly in the union movement, and spent his career striving to make fellow workers lives’ better, both as a local union official, and later as a National Representative for his union, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 1994. His countless hours of work in the service of fellow workers touched more lives than he knew, and improved the lives of many, many more.
Del was a part of family traditions that will be carried on for generations. He loved camping and shared that love with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many nights each summer were spent in a van, tents, or trailers, creating long lasting and cherished memories camping from coast to coast, and from the Arctic to the southern USA. Mexico became a treasured winter vacation place that Del and Joan shared with their siblings, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan holding season tickets for 28 years.
Del’s strong sense of fairness and social justice were passed along to his children and grandchildren. In Del’s own words, his message was to “Live the good life. Be good to your family and be decent people. Be kind and be respectful.” Del was most thankful for “a good wife and good family and good life.”
Del will be greatly missed by Joan, the love of his life, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family and friends. When we think of Del, we remember his endless love of family, unwavering support, family vacations, humour, loud snores, quiet reflective moments, and power wheelchair rides with great-grandchildren.
In honouring Del’s wishes no funeral will be held. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Delbert Josephson January 18th 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Regina, Province: Saskatchewan