Joe was born in Newton, B.C. on July 31, 1920 to Nick and Della Antonelli. His schooling began in Newton and continued at Cloverdale High School. As the oldest of five siblings, he was their leader for many adventures around then rural Whalley. He developed a keen knowledge and deep
appreciation of the outdoors that grew throughout his life. He was no stranger to hard work, including shake cutting until 1938 when he began work at Green Timbers Forest Nursery. He cleared trails and sites for fire lookouts arriving in Campbell River in 1939 with the B.C. Forest Service. He moved to Courtenay working for Woods Bros. Logging and Comox Logging at Comox Lake until enlisting in the Air Force during WWII where he served his country for 4 years as an Air Frame Mechanic and learning and developing a passion for flying. Post War he returned to the B.C. Forest Service planting trees and felling snags. He became a camp foreman at Qualicum and Horne Lake. He advanced to Forest Ranger with postings throughout B.C. until he left the service in Pemberton where he met Frances Decker who became his wife and the mother of their 3 children. He was self-employed, first saw milling and then trucking throughout the Pemberton Valley until the remarkable age of 79. Joe returned to Campbell River upon retirement where he and his brother Ken spent countless hours revisiting people and places form their early years. His huge heart had plenty of room for new friends, especially Amy and Dieter and namesake “Joe” Voss. Joe was predeceased by his wife Frances, brother Marsh and grandson Corey. He had a gift of touching the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his sister Grace, brothers Ken (Lin) and Dan (Deirdre); his children Debbie, Nick and David; grandchildren Tyranne, Anja and Franklin as well as many extended family members and longtime and new dear friends who will fondly remember and miss him.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. deBruin and Janine from Palliative Care for their support and understanding during Joe’s short illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to a charity of your choice.
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