Obituary of Joseph Gilbert

GILBERT - Mr. Joseph 1917 - 2012 On September 6, 2012 Joseph Warren Gilbert late of Big River passed away at the age of 95 years. Joe was born on July 7, 1917 to Harry and Augusta Mae Gilbert. He grew up on the family farm in Ladder Valley where he also did his school years. When WWII broke out Joe enlisted and was sent to England. He was not in England very long when he met Alma and they were soon married in 1944. The first of their children was born in 1945. Joe was discharged in 1945 at the rank of Corporal. The family moved back to Canada to the family farm in the Valley. The family grew once more in 1947 with Colleen and again in 1948 with Ann. Joe took over the farm in 1949 upon the passing of his father. They stayed on the farm till 1963 when the opportunity to sell came along and they moved to town, and Joe started to work at the Hotel Bar. He also took on a job at Waite Fisheries Hardware, where he was the Marshwells Manager. Joe worked at Waites until he retired. Some of Joe's other jobs through those years was Mayor in 1970, Justice of the Peace in 1979, Coroner in 1970 for 36 years. He also became a Commissioner of Marriage, he officiated many marriages in Big River including his first grandson and later a granddaughter. Joe was also a member of the Elk's with Alma joining the Royal Purple Ladies. He was a life member of the B.R. Royal Canadian Legion. He really enjoyed participating in all their events, not missing a Remembrance Day Service. Joe was very proud of his family especially his grandchildren and would happily tell you so if you asked. Joe enjoyed going to Church every Sunday, as well as trying to fit one or two golf games in every day. He even got a computer when he was 80 years old so he could keep in touch with everyone including his in-laws in England. We celebrated his 90th birthday with a party at the golf course. Joe believed in staying in shape, walking wherever he could, even rowing on his rowing machine and walking on his treadmill. Joe was well passed 90 and still cutting grass, and running up and down the yard with his snow blower. Joe suffered many losses in his life over the years that came too soon, the loss of his wife, his granddaughter and his two brothers and two sisters, but always tried to stay positive through it all. Joe formed many close lifelong friendships including a special friend Mabel Hodgson, they liked to visit family and friends together, shared meals, went to Church and watched T.V. Joseph will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Joe leaves to cherish his memory, his special friend, Mabel Hodgson of Big River, SK; His son, John (Susan) Gilbert of Fox Valley, SK; His daughters, Colleen (Raymond) LaPlante of Bodmin, SK; Ann Offet of Big River, SK; His grandchildren, Tracey (Barry) Schmaltz and their children, Josh and Peter of Fox Valley, SK; Bart (Kim) Gilbert and daughter, Katiana of Saskatoon, SK; Brandy (Merle) Catarat and their children, Mandi and Zoe of Buffalo Narrows, SK; Jody LaPlante and daughter Valiyah of Regina, SK; Tammy LaPlante of Bodmin, SK; Kim (Roy) Anderson of Big River, SK; Cory (Jason) Offet of Magrath, AB; Numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends. Joe was predeceased by His wife, Alma Gilbert, his granddaughter, Valerie LaPlante, his parents, Harry and Mae Gilbert, his brothers, Cubby and Dick, his sisters, Guilda Brownfield, Helen Panter, 4 brothers-in-law, 2 sisters-in-law. The Funeral Service for Joe took place on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at the Big River Community Hall at 2:30 p.m. with Delores Beaulac officiating. Arlene deVlaming provided music, Sandra Gilbert shared memories of Joseph and the Legion formed an honor guard for Joe. Pallbearers were Bart Gilbert, Jody LaPlante, Josh Schmaltz, Roy Anderson, Evan Gilbert, and Clint Panter. Interment took place in the Big River Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joe to the Lakewood Lodge Auxillary. Emailed condolences sent to www.beaulacfuneralhome.com will be forwarded to the family. Beau"Lac" Funeral Home entrusted to the arrangements, 747-2828.