Thomas Elijah Nehemiah Joseph

“Bassie”, or “Tom”, was born on August 17, 1932 in Willikies Village, Antigua, West Indies, the second child of Constantine and Vera Joseph. He was an avid scholar and a lover of life-long learning, a fascinating storyteller, an aspiring writer, a lover of history and current affairs, and a passionate cook and baker who loved to feed everyone who came through his door. After finishing school, he worked at the Antigua Sugar Factory then as an apprentice carpenter before becoming a teacher at Willikies School. After doing correspondence courses through England, he was awarded a Canadian Government scholarship to study at the University of Calgary. He came to Canada in 1967, earning his BA in history and political science and graduating in 1970. 1968 was the year he met his beautiful wife Carol through a mutual friend at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It was love at first sight for Bassie, and he and Carol went on to marry in August 1970. Returning to Antigua with his new wife, he resumed his teaching position. He and Carol remained in Antigua until 1975, before settling in Calgary with their two small children and welcoming a third in 1976. Once back in Calgary, Bassie went on to complete his BEd after-degree and an MEd. He worked for many years as a substitute teacher for the Calgary Board of Education, retiring in 2008. In the late eighties, he took time off to pursue his dream of attending culinary school at SAIT, graduating with his diplomas in professional cooking and baking. He was a long-time member of the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer and often lent his culinary skills to the Fellowship Group meetings and other special occasions.

Due to mobility issues, he spent the last three years at Bow View Manor, where he was cared for with empathy and compassion by the wonderful staff.

Bassie is lovingly remembered by his wife Carol, his son David (Olya), his daughters Heather (Marvin) and Colette (Adrien), and his seven grandchildren, Jordan, Aaron, Anneke, Milena, Jacob, Silas, and Alex.

He is also survived by his brothers Linroy (Olive) Joseph of New York and Stephen (Gloria) Joseph of England, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in Antigua, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Bassie was predeceased by his parents and several siblings.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a visitation held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

He was a man who lived his life with gratitude.