Delbert Josephson
January 18th, 2022
Delbert Josephson, 88, passed peacefully on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 in palliative care at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina SK., with family at his side. He suffered from asbestosis resulting from his time working at the Co-Op Refinery. With the love and care of his wife, Joan, by his side, Del was able to remain in his home for his final few months surrounded by comfort, care, and love.
Delbert William Frederick Josephson (Del), son of Bertil and Bernice Josephson, was born in Radville SK. on September 1, 1933. He was predeceased by both his parents, and survived by his soulmate and loving wife of 65 years, Joan Josephson (Hind); brothers Eldon (Audrey), Leo (Shirley), Dave (Cathy), and sister Gloria (Fritz); children Dean (Luella), Ryan (Candy), Dan (Heather), Tim, and Pamela (Jason); grandchildren Ben (Katelin), Kallie (Tim), Tyrell, Cassie, Brianna (Adam), Meagan, Em, and Brennan; great-grandchildren Harrison, Hudson, Leighton, and Malena; and numerous nieces, nephews, and special extended family.
Del grew up in Brooking, and later, on the family farm at Radville, SK. He worked tirelessly on the farm growing up while attending school. Not long after graduating grade 12, at the age of 18, Del moved to Regina, SK where he met his wife and raised his family. His first job was at the Federated Co-Op Refinery where he worked for 27 years. He started as a utility man doing yard work and pumping septic tanks. As he was a hard worker and fast learner, it didn’t take him long to work his way up the line to Master Operator. Del believed strongly in the union movement, and spent his career striving to make fellow workers lives’ better, both as a local union official, and later as a National Representative for his union, a position he held for 18 years until his retirement in 1994. His countless hours of work in the service of fellow workers touched more lives than he knew, and improved the lives of many, many more.
Del was a part of family traditions that will be carried on for generations. He loved camping and shared that love with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Many nights each summer were spent in a van, tents, or trailers, creating long lasting and cherished memories camping from coast to coast, and from the Arctic to the southern USA. Mexico became a treasured winter vacation place that Del and Joan shared with their siblings, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan holding season tickets for 28 years.
Del’s strong sense of fairness and social justice were passed along to his children and grandchildren. In Del’s own words, his message was to “Live the good life. Be good to your family and be decent people. Be kind and be respectful.” Del was most thankful for “a good wife and good family and good life.”
Del will be greatly missed by Joan, the love of his life, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family and friends. When we think of Del, we remember his endless love of family, unwavering support, family vacations, humour, loud snores, quiet reflective moments, and power wheelchair rides with great-grandchildren.
In honouring Del’s wishes no funeral will be held. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Messages:
I am so sorry for your loss. My memory of Del or as remember him ”Pams father”is of warmth and care for others. As a young swede new to Canada and life far away from home for the first time I were welcomed into the family and taken care of by Del and the whole family. That made all the difference for me and kept me staying and actually enjoying my time in Canada. That hospitality is for me one of the most significant traits of Del, The Josephsons and of Canadians. With love
So sorry, Joan. Please pass on my condolences to Tim as well. Hugs.
Joan, Pam & family, my sincerest condolences on Del's passing. I remember him as a very kind gentleman and someone I had tremendous respect for. The love and pride he had for his family was obvious and he leaves a tremendous legacy in his children, grandchildren and great-grand kids.
Dear Joan and Family, Michael and I send our deepest sympathies to you all on the passing of of such a good man. Del lived a good life, raising a family of true strength, honesty, and love of community. May that strength of family hold you tight during this most difficult times. He lives on within each of you and he would be proud of you all. With much love and sadness, John and Michael
Dear Joan and the whole Josephson clan, What a beautiful tribute this is to Del’s long, full, meaningful, love-filled life! Your lives have been the richer due to his presence on this earth, and his legacy will live on - in the form of ongoing Josephson family camping trips, autumn leaf parties and Roughrider games, and also in the values of kindness, fun and hard-work that he instilled in his children and their children. When I conjure up an image of Del, he’ll always have a smile in his eyes and a grandchild on his lap. Know that our family will be thinking of yours as you mourn Del’s passing and celebrate his amazing life!
A man so loved and respected by all his family and ours too. Sending our love to all the family. May his memory be eternal. Russ, Laurisa Temple and family
My sincere condolences to your family Tim.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Joan and family. Del was a very special man. It was awesome he was able to visit with all the siblings on his birthday on September 1st. Thank you so much for doing that Pam and Joan. It is so nice to have all the memories of him. He will be deeply missed. At least he is at peace now and no longer suffering. Love Dave and Cathy
My condolences to you and all your family. Del was a force for good at CCRL.
Joan Pam Jason and Family My heart breaks knowing the loss and pain you are feeling. My sincere and deepest sympathies
I am glad to have had the privilege of working with Del.
My condolences to the Josephson family....may peace be with you all---what a mighty fine man to all he touched!!
He sounds like an amazing husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law.…among his many other roles. It is wonderful that he dedicated himself to making his workplace and community a better place for all. My condolences to your family.
So sorry for your loss Joan and family.
So sorry for your loss. Even when expected it is always a shock. Keep him in your prayers and thoughts.
I am sending Buckets full of Love, prayer, and strength!!!
Joan, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Daycare Grandpa was a very loved man, and will be missed fiercely by everyone that knew him. Please remember to take care of Del's favorite person and life partner- you. Much love, Benjamin, William, Tabitha and Adam.
My deepest condolences to all. He touched so many lives with his great big heart! He will be missed dearly.
We are grieving with you. Uncle will be missed. Our thoughts are with you. Lots of love.
so sorry in Del’s passing but the angels have lifted him to the other side He is at peace sincere sympathy to the family
I’m so sorry for your loss Aunty Joan! Uncle Del will be missed dearly. Sending you extra love. Xoxoxo
Our condolences from the Iannone Family