November 27, 1928 ~ December 11, 2020 (age 92)
Dad, we celebrate your life, with this ode to Joe,
We love you far more than you would ever know.
For your loving faithfulness to Carole, our Mom, for 65 tender years,
And for the life you’ve shared with us—through laughter and through tears.
Whether camping, fishing, building the garage out on Ramsey Lake, walking Chapin, raking autumn leaves or shovelling mounds of snow,
You did it all with a zest for life, that made your spirit glow.
You made friends in the cities you called home: Kenora, the place of your birth, Terrace Bay, Red Rock, Spanish, Kitchener, Midland, Sudbury and Marathon.
Welcoming change into your life, you accepted each new challenge and place, but never stayed too long.
You earned a living as a stationary engineer by trade,
Working hard to provide for your wife and seven kids, we always felt we had it made.
We admired your service to the community, wherever you did live,
To your neighbours and your friends, you did so generously give.
As a leader of the local Catholic church, Grand Knight and District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus, even a Knight of the Fourth Degree,
You were a loyal, humble servant who lived your faith proudly, for everyone to see. You led the Way of the Cross and prayed and taught the rosary.
Serving on the Superior North Catholic School Board in Marathon, and volunteering at the Georgian Bay General Hospital and the Villa Care Centre in Midland,
You shared your gifts and talents with others, always ready to lend a helping hand.
You did it not for accolade, but in 2014, were honoured with a Villa Years of Service Award, marking your 16th year.
Your heart was made for giving. That’s why God extended your life so long; to us, this is now clear.
You join your brother Peter, Mom Annie and Dad Louis in the Eternal’s loving embrace.
Your remaining family: brother Walter, wife Carole, children Linda (Bob Gourlie), Tammy (David Hemphill) Christine (Andy Miller), Janice (Jim Edgar), Julie (Paul Rocchetta), Tricia (Andrew Bales) and Teri (Tish Troppman), will honour you as brother, husband and father, far beyond this time and space.
Your legacy lives on through a family filled with caring. You cherished your eleven grandchildren: Jeffrey, Kelly, Tracy, Matthew, D’Arcy, Valerie, Julissa, Cyrus, Joseph, Walter and Rosemary, and two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Erica. We hope they learn from your life the lessons you were sharing.
Well done, good and faithful servant, you always gave your best,
You’ve earned your place among the stars—a sweet and peaceful rest.
The Diduch family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff of the Georgian Bay General Hospital for caring for Joseph during his failing health, and staff at both King Place in Midland and Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene, respectively, for the support and care he received in the final years and months of his life. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donate to the charity of your choice.
