Joe Jessup

With full hearts and endless memories, we announce the passing of Joe Jessup.

Devoted husband to Anne for 64 years and loving father to Josie (Warren), Geoff (Patti), Angela (Rick), and Glen (Lisa). Joe was a cherished grandfather, great grandfather, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle, and friend.

Born in Norfolk, England to Daisy and Tom Jessup, he was the youngest of the family with four brothers (Viv, Geoff, Roy, and Courtney) and his surviving sister (Audrey).

At the age of 18, Joe joined and served the British Navy before emigrating to Australia in 1948. A move to New Zealand followed in a period of his life which would inspire his thirst for adventure and contain many cherished stories of his youth. Seven years on, Joe returned to England and met the love of his life, Anne. Shortly thereafter, on a fateful day in the summer of 1955, Joe would board a ship to Canada. This journey eventually led him to Vancouver where he and Anne would raise their family and find the place they called “home”.

Joe had a sharp mind but never shied away from hard work. He held a variety of physical labour jobs including manning a jackhammer, cutting sugar cane, working in sawmills, and steel refineries. It was 1956 when Joe walked through the doors of Dairyland and began a career that would span 33 years. He made an immeasurable impact through social, union, and managerial involvement until his retirement at the age of 62.

Joe loved to travel and would drive, fly, and sail by freighter to the far corners of the world. If he ever showed you his world map full of pins representing all his destinations, you would know the joy it filled him with. The only thing Joe cherished more than travel was his family, friends, and the time spent with them. Witty, intelligent, and well-read, his storytelling was legendary and best enjoyed over a beer or two. Joe was always active and a fan of most sports. From his early days as a boxer to social bowling, darts, and golf teams he loved the challenge of competition. If he wasn’t beating you at one of these, he was taking pleasure in thrashing you at a game of cards.

Joe will be deeply missed but will live on through his family and those who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please reach out to any family member or email memoriesofjoejessup@gmail.com to receive details as they become available.

You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.