There’s a quote that goes something like this, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, they may forget what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel”. On February 19, 2022, we lost one of the great ones. Our Joe, Joey, Dad, Yoey, Papa, Pop Pop, Uncle Joe, Mr. Wonderful, Patrick Joseph Michael McGorisk passed away, leaving this earthly realm. If you were in the presence of this man, you never felt anything less than special.
He saw and focused on the good in all people. Always ready with a sincere, genuine, heartfelt compliment. He built people up. He was one of the best role models in our lives, intelligent, charismatic, a bunch of fun, lover of life and laughter, story teller, word smith, stand on a chair to make an announcement or toast, kind of guy. He was our editor and proof reader of important papers and applications. He was a poet and writer, a joker and an entertainer. He embodied some sort of bottomless well of joy that he selflessly shared with others. And that sharing was like a dance that he did with you, in fact, with everyone he encountered. It was like a little jig, and when he really got going, which he always inevitably did, it looked like he was really dancing.
He had a very strong faith, and the deepest love for his wife, Susie and all of our family. They had a beautiful relationship that has been exemplary.
His parents were born in Ireland and he was born and raised in Detroit. They had very, very little in way of money or material things. Sharing a small apartment between, Mom and Pops, Joe and his twin Gene, plus older brothers, Neil and Charlie. It was not easy being new Irish immigrants in downtown Detroit at that time. There are many humorous and touching tales of their adventures growing up in Detroit. All of the boys grew to be successful in every regard. Joe quietly gave back and helped countless people over the entirety of his life. His kindness and generosity is immeasurable. He impacted so many lives in such positives way.
A devoted husband, dad, step-dad, friend, brother, son, best papa and a complete gentleman. He was a super hard worker, always dressed to impress, freshly shaven and smelling of nice cologne. He was a shopper too! Buying Susie lovely and practical gifts on a regular basis. They were an incredible team together, that did countless jobs and events to raise money for different groups and foundations. Joe quietly and anonymously helped many, many people in times of need. Joe started his career in the Harness Horse Racing Industry, at the Michigan tracks; Hazel Park, Wolverine, DRC, Northville and Jackson. He made the move to Windsor Raceway in 1965. Joe was a Marketing Genius, Operational Director, Admissions Director and ended his career as Senior Vice-president at Windsor Raceway. Many looked to him as a mentor as his guidance was a springboard to their successful career paths.
He was the best Irishman you can imagine. He had a special energy and vitality about him. Dance a jig, hug the family and enjoy some cheers in Heaven Joe. Although we’ve been preparing ourselves for your imminent departure, the reality of losing you is a story of grief, mixed with love and beautiful memories.
We love you and will always miss you, know that your great lessons, kindness, memories and love, will live on in all of us. You truly were an angel on earth. We know you will be wheeling and dealing, working your magic, to oversee that things are good for all of us, as our guardian angel now.
His cherished memories will remain with his wife, soulmate and best friend Susie (nee Wright), his children Patricia (Sam) Phillips, Lisa (Scott Lites) Jackman, Keith McGorisk, and their mother Jeanie (Stroker) McGorisk, grandchildren Lucas, Logan and Declan. Step-children Jodi (Bil) Nolin, Jeff (Amy Smith) Kessel, step-grandchildren Tate, Ben, Reed, Pebble, Sylvester, Essie and Solomon. Loving son of the late Beatrice and Cornelius. Dearest brother to Neil (late Terry), late Charlie and sister-in-law Sheila and late twin brother Gene (Christine). Dearest brother-in-law to Wayne (Carol) Wright and Greg Wright. Joe will be missed by many nieces, nephews, Superior Street Gang, Windsor Raceway Crew and dear friends in Canada and the United States.
On Friday, February 25, 2022 reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend visitation from 2-5 pm and 6-9pm at Families First, 585 Sandwich St. South, Amherstburg, 519-969-5841. Parish prayers at 8:00 pm. On Saturday February 26, 2022 reservations and personal face coverings are required to attend the Funeral Mass at St. John the Baptist (225 Brock St.) at 11:00am.
You can reserve your time for visitation or seat for Mass at FamiliesFirst.ca (RSVP) or by calling directly.
On Saturday, a livestream link of the Mass will be available on Joe’s online profile.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hotel Dieu Grace Healthcare (Palliative Care Unit) or Windsor Cancer Research Group.
View the livestream link, share memories, photos, or make a donation online at www.FamiliesFirst.ca
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joe McGorisk 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Amherstburg, Province: Ontario