Joshua James Poirier
June 17th, 2015
Josh passed into the presence of his Lord on Wednesday June 17th, 2015. He is lovingly remembered by his parents, Guy & Lolly Poirier, his sister Chantalle, along with all the family members they represent.
The Memorial service will be held Sunday June 28th, 2015 at 3pm at Peace Portal Alliance Church, 15128 27B Ave, Surrey, B.C.
Josh was born is Chetwynd, B.C. and from the very beginning he had a smile on his face, always cheerful and full of life. His younger sister Chantalle was born 2 years later, and they were instant best friends. Josh and his family traveled a lot when they were young, and lived in many places including Malaysia. Raised in a Christian home, Josh accepted Jesus into his life at a young age, and as a man rededicated his life to the Lord, and believed in Jesus, he always had such a light and life to his spirit. He was very close with both his parents, and had a beautiful relationship with them.
Josh loved the outdoors, action and adventure, his love for the ocean was seen through all aspects of his life. A Professional helicopter pilot, avid surfer, and thrill seeker in every sense of the word, he pursued excellence in all he did. He grew up racing BMX bikes, then went on to race Motocross bikes, and his love for all sports extreme continued to grow. As an adult, he followed in his father’s footsteps, and he and his father had the privilege of flying their helicopters together.
Josh was greatly loved by all who knew him, always known to have a smile on his face, in high school he was actually nicknamed “smiley”. To all who have known him, his kind heart and happy spirit was something that left an impression, and touched the lives of those around him.
He was, and is immensely loved, and will be greatly missed. We look forward to seeing him again one day in Heaven.
Messages:
As so many have pointed out above Josh's influence on the world has been amazing and profound. I am saddened at the news of his passing. As a teenager trips hitching rides out to Tofino, Mt. Washington and Kennedy Lake were part of being friends with Josh. What was most awesome was talking about life's questions and faith. Though we were rebellious there were many long convos that for Josh and I always came around the faith. I am eternally grateful for those talks as it has changed my life! Thank you Josh and see you
Am so sorry to hear the news of josh passing has been few years since had contact was privileged to have met him in Bali & connect again in Australia. He was a great bloke and we shared the same birthday November 28th sadly he will not be here in person but will celebrate in spirit. He was a wonderful generous soul who will be sadly missed. Deep condolences to his family who he loved so much
There are no words to describe this kind of loss. I met Josh in elementary school a lifetime ago it feels like now. I am sad our paths will never cross again. He was amazing then and will always be.
Lolly, my thoughts are with you, Guy and Chantalle at this very sad time. I am so sorry that Josh was taken from you at such a young age. Keep the faith and take care and just know that there are many friends and family you can reach out to if you need to. Know that I am thinking of you and hope you find peace while trying to get through this very very sad time.
Josh always light up every room he walked in to. He was an amazing friend. Whenever I was with Josh I felt at ease, and peace surrounding us. He is such a gentle spirit and was so passionate about life. No matter how long you go without talking with Josh, once you reconnected with him it was as though no time had passed at all, and he always had amazing life thrilling adventure stories. Until we see eachother again Joshy. I know you'll be looking over everyone. The world has lost an amazing person, and heaven has gained another guardian angel. We all love you Josh.
Josh was an incredible man that I had the pleasure of meeting in Nicaragua. He was funny, intelligent and the kindest and most generous. He taught me a lot, a few valuable life lessons that I will ensure I remember for years to come. You will be missed mate!
Guy, Lolly and Chantalle, So sad and upset to hear of Josh's passing. It's been years since he and Neil spent time together. I always enjoyed having him around,such a pleasant young man. My deepest sympathies to all of you. Sincerely, Arleen
Although we haven't kept in touch for many years, we remember Josh as always being happy and adored by everyone. Our most heartfelt condolences to Lolly, Guy, and Chantalle...we are deeply sorry for your loss. We wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Shocked and saddened by this news. I haven't seen Josh in many years, however I do have many great memories of good times we shared throughout Elementary and high school. Josh was one of the best outdoor enthusiasts I knew, he could ride a dirt bike like you wouldn't believe! I will never forget the fun, crazy times we spent burning around on our bikes.. TIll we all meet again, Josh! My deepest condolences to the Poirier family. Sincerely, Dave Chalmers
I randomly met Josh at Bankstown Airport on his first tour to Australia for the Heli Fire Bombing Season. He was lost and was after directions and I thought nothing more of it. About a week later we met again on a HUET course and we randomly went out for a drink after the course..... Josh ended up staying with us for the rest of his tour in Australia. We stayed in contact ever since and linked up on his second tour of AUS where we went surfing and had a great time. We are absolutely devastated by this news. Josh was a great friend and like an extended member of our family over here. We will miss him greatly and he will forever be remembered in our photos and memories. If any family members would like any photos of Josh in Aus please contact us - jd.king@y7mail.com. KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE BROTHER!!! From one life to the next. We love you and will miss you greatly...
It is simply crushing to come across - but SUCH a joy to find out he was a believer and that one day I shall see him again. I knew Josh briefly in Nanaimo when I was about 14y/o. He was the perfect gentleman. I remember thinking he was so good looking and so nice. I've come to learn that when God keeps bringing a particular person to mind it's because He wants me to pray for them. So, although I haven't talked to Josh in almost 20 years, that's all I could do - pray for him. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know nothing of the life Josh came to lead other than what's written here, but it's obvious that Jesus knew what was going to happen and clearly wanted us to cover him in prayer. Even by those of us long forgotten. Though we can rejoice in knowing he is in glory with our Lord & Savior, I know this can't be easy for you all. So, my prayers will be instead. May our Lord be a strong tower for you as you rest in the arms of our Savior during this time of loss. Blessings and hugs to you.
I don’t remember when I first met Josh but we spent a lot of time together through high school. Most of my memories are of us spending hours and hours hitching back and forth to Tofino and sleeping rough stashed under the bushes at one of the beaches. Don’t know why we never took a tent. Don’t think it ever occurred to us. Funny thing is that I don’t remember ever hearing word of complaint from Josh. Even shivering with his lips turning blue in the worst west coast rainstorm the beach was still the only place he wanted to be and didn't really care what we had to put up with to be there. I moved away pretty much right out of high school and then left the country so we didn't see each other for years but when I came back to Canada for a few months between jobs he showed up at my place in Canmore out of the blue and stayed for a week. He was exactly the same guy and I remember thinking at the time how fortunate I was to have a friend like him…after that I left again and although we stayed friends we never met up again. My deepest condolences to the Poirier family who must be suffering greatly right now. Your son was a wonderful man who found a place in the hearts of everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. I’m glad I was able to spend the time with him I did. I’m sorry I was unable to attend his memorial service but I’m just too far away. Miss you lots bro, see you on the other side. Steve Percival
Josh, I have fond memories of the week you and Guy spent in Callander. We had loads of laughs. You flew -- with the guidance of Guy-- all the way back to Nanaimo. You will be missed.
I met Josh in grade 8 and he was always so polite and smiley in the halls! I was shocked to hear of his passing! My condolences to all his family and friends
Josh was one of a kinda a great friend and boyfriend. He was crazy and questioned his choices at times. He loved everyone despite their flaws. He lived life with passion and defiantly to the fullest. He will enjoy his second half of life as much as he did here on earth. Love always. Kelsey
Rest in paradise Josh. Sending love strength and prayers to Josh family and friends during this hard time. Xoxoxox
I knew Josh throughout and after high school and just like many others we had many a good time together over the years. My last vivid memory of him was quite amazing actually! I was studying Legal in Kelowna and he was doing his helicopter pilots license. He was ready to take a passenger on his first solo piloting flight and he asked me if i wanted to be that person:) it was a special adventure for me and he totally rocked it, of course. I will never forget his indeniable gorgeous eyes and smile, he was always happy and his awesome laugh that went along with all of that was one of a kind. He lived his life to the fullest and I consider myself very lucky to have spent time with him- he was such a kind soul. RIP Josh xxoo
My deepest condolences to the Poirier family during this terrible time of loss & heartache. I went to high school with Josh. Whenever I think of him, I always see his amazing smile & great demeanor. He had a heart of gold & was definitely one of the good ones. He will be missed by everyone who had ever had the pleasure of knowing him.
I met Josh just a few weeks ago through work at Eagle Copters here in Calgary after he flew in with an aircraft for some maintenance. Had the opportunity to chat over drinks and learn we both graduated from the same school in Nanaimo just a few years apart. From the short time I spent with Josh I felt he was a great guy and was hoping to cross paths again in the future. I know flying was something Josh must really love, seeing as when unpacking the aircraft , one of the first things he asked was where could he fly his high tech remote control helicopters with the huge smile on his face. My condolences to his friends and family. He will be truly missed.
Josh was kind, smart, loving, always had a smile and a welcoming spirit. Adventurous for sure, he loved life and he lived it to the fullest. His love for his family was very evident! I'm so blessed to have known him! Guy, Lolly & Chantalle you are in our hearts and prayers. May God comfort and strengthen you during this season of intense grief and sorrow. Also, may the love & support from family & friends help you through this time.
Please accept my deepest condolences and sympathies. Josh's spirit will live on through the many, many lives he touched. Much, much love to all of his family and friends as they wade though such a terrible time.
I have very many great memories of this wonderful beautiful full of life man. I know his life's passions were surfing and flying and just living life to its fullest. I have ran into him a few times over the years and it was just like old times. I know he would love for us all to keep our heads high and keep on keeping on. All I can picture is his great big smile! Josh I love you .
I'm just feeling super sad about this all around. The last time I saw Josh was on my wedding day here in Tofino. He was so genuinely, awesomely happy for me and I felt so good having that big squeezy platonic friend hug - he was totally sharing in my joy. We crossed paths in the most random of places - he even knew my husband from his time in Kelowna, and we had a chance to hang out together there too, many moons ago. Kind of hard to believe I won't stumble upon him in the aisle of a Canadian Tire again, or busting out of some salal on a beach in Tofino. His was a life well lived for certain. I'll keep that smile and some pretty funny memories close to my heart. Sending love and light to Team Poirier and to all of his friends and family. xoxo
Such tragic news :( Sending love to the Poirier's as Josh was a close part of our family too once upon a time. Josh always lived life to the fullest! He will be looking down and here in spirit now :) Light and love..
I tried for the last couple of years to reconnect with you, and I'm sorry we couldn't find each other. Some of the most hilarious times I've ever had were with you. We ripped it up something fierce when we were teenagers. My sincere condolences to your family Josh. Take it easy, my friend. I love you.
Josh was a wonderful friend and partner throughout the many years I was lucky enough to know him. We shared amazing adventures together and was always up for anything, pushing me out of my comfort zone and challenging me. I feel so lucky to have shared my time with him and am a better person for knowing him. Josh was loving and supportive and I loved him very much. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and his gorgeous smile will always be in my mind. To his family and friends, my prayers, thoughts and love are with you. All my love. Vickie
I met Josh in grade 8. Through out high school we were in almost all the 'basic' classes together. He definitely was smiley :) I don't think I've ever seen him *not* smile! He was very kind. I remember in high school how protective he was of Chantalle & I used to think that was so sweet :). He just adored her. We weren't close friends in high school but did share some of the same mutual friends. However after grad, I ran into him at the mall in Langley..it must have been 1998/99. If i remember correctly, he was taking his pilot training & living at his Gramma's in white rock? From there we kept in touch over the years. He'd come back from some awesome globe trotting adventure & he'd tell me about the amazing places he'd been to & the scenery. I would live vicariously through him :) as I love to travel but myself, was settled down with a family...I remember we’d talk about work, travel, family & even girls, he seemed to be very sweet & sentimental :). I always thought he was a 'sweetie pie'. I remember when he told me how proud he was of Chantalle after Addison was born..he was surprised at how much work little babies are :). He sure loved his family :). We kept in touch until a couple years ago when he deleted his old facebook account... I missed our chats. I thought of him every so often, wondering how he was doing & if he had settled down & found a lady like he had talked about.... I wondered if he was still going on worldly adventures or if he moved to San Diego like he had been thinking about the last time we chatted...I’d send him a little mental hello, & wished him well. Oddly, I even thought about him on Wednesday. Saturday I heard the news & i was just stunned :(. I still can’t even believe it. Mr & Mrs Poirier, i can’t even fathom the heartache you must be feeling, I’m so, so sorry. As a mom, i just can’t even imagine. I am glad you have the Lord to help you through. You raised a beautiful person (& from the way Josh spoke of Chantalle, you raised 2 beautiful people). When I think of Josh, I think of a beautiful soul...happy, no fear, kind, funny, genuine & he radiated this... energy... & he loved experiencing life. When I think of him, i see his face with that big smile & his contagious laugh & that blonde hair. He was proud of his family & loved you very much. I know he’s in Heaven....but I’m still so sad he's not here :(. I feel blessed to have had a friendship with him. Sending all of you love, strength & prayers. I’m so truly sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Lena
I worked with Josh at Ultra Helicopters and with his dad. It was very heart breaking to hear the terrible news. Josh was a great co-worker and friend. He will be sadly missed but always thought of. My deepest sympathies to Guy and his family.
The world is a lesser place without Josh's beautiful soul. We had a fantastic relationship that was full of laughs and love and I will miss him terribly. My thoughts and condolences to all of his friends and family. His infectious laugh, positive outlook on life and his kind words will always remain in my heart.