Obituary of Joseph William Remai
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Remai, who died peacefully at his beloved Emma Lake, surrounded by family.
Joe was born and raised in Carrot River, Saskatchewan, where he spent his formative years on the family farm. Later, he moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan, earning a degree in agriculture and meeting the love of his life, Bev Gendur. His university years were filled with cherished memories, including late-night games of kaiser with his cousins and friends.
Joe and Bev were married on August 23, 1975, while he was still a student. After graduation, Joe began working for Elanco, which led the couple to Yorkton, SK, and then Melfort, SK. Eventually, he and Bev relocated to Carrot River, SK, where they farmed for several years. In order to support the farm, Joe also managed apartment buildings, and worked as a night watchman for Carrot River Peat Moss.
In 1979, Joe and Bev joyfully welcomed their daughter, Jennifer Jo, into their lives, followed by the birth of their son, Joshua Steven in 1982.
In the mid-1980s, the family made their permanent home in Prince Albert, SK, where Joe took on a role as a property manager for his Uncle Frank’s business. Not long after, he and his brother Jim launched their own construction company, building condos and apartments across Western Canada.
With his entrepreneurial spirit, Joe later founded his own construction and development company, Span West. His dream came true when his son Josh joined the business in 2011. Despite multiple attempts at retirement, Joe found it hard to step away from work entirely, as it brought him immense joy and satisfaction.
Known for his affable nature in both his career and personal relationships, Joe had positive attitude, was quick with a smile and always stayed true to his word.
He found great happiness spending time with his family at Emma Lake, where he enjoyed water skiing, towing his grandchildren, Hudson and Hannah, in a tube, or driving his 1941 Fargo truck in the Western Days parade. Winters were spent cross-country skiing on nearby trails with his children, or a friend by his side.
In 2022, Joe was honoured with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for his philanthropy. A cause close to his heart was Global Neighbors Canada, a charity that led him to Thailand multiple times.
Calvary United Church also played an integral role in Joe’s life. As a dedicated member, he was actively involved in church activities and valued the friendships he formed there.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Mary Remai; his mother- and father-in-law, Steve and Violet Gendur; his baby brother, Robbie; and his brother-in-law, Terry Slusar. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his two children, Jennifer (Travis Saubak), grandchildren Hudson and Hannah; and Joshua (Julie Barnes).
He will also be missed by his siblings, Jim (Doreen) and Jim’s three children, Kelly, Bridget and Jason, and their mother, Helen; his sister, Rosanne Slusar and her three children, Peter, Morgan, and Joanna; and his sister Mary Jane Brown (Terry McLaren) and son Matthew.
Also left to cherish his memory is his sister-in-law, Donna Sastaunik (Randy) and their two children, Becky and Michael; brother-in-law, Daryl Gendur (Denise) and Daryl’s children, Landon and Caitlin; as well as numerous great nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to our dear friends, The Tait family: Jodi, Kevin, Geneva and Alea.
In recent years, Joe was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, a neurological disease that gradually diminished his once-vibrant spirit and independence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to CurePSP, https://www.psp.org/iwanttohelp , or the Mont St. Joseph Foundation, https://montstjoseph.org/donations/ .
The family invites you to join them in celebrating Joe’s life on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 11:00 am at Calvary United Church,114 25 St E, Prince Albert, SK. To view Joe's service please follow the link provided https://youtu.be/aJlsLM0ZJA4.
Joe will be remembered as a kind-hearted husband, father, grandfather, and friend—a man who was, in every sense, the best “Poppi” to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Marianne Turcotte Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
