Joseph Journel Ostin

Born on August 8, 1943 in Roche-a-Bateau, Sud, Haiti from Juliome Ostin (father) and Rozina Simy(mother). He was the youngest of five children in his family. He had four brothers; Are, Julier, Lauco and Iliome Ostin and a sister; Mersine Ostin.

In 1950 his parents valued education and sent him to a small community school called “Ecole Communautaire de Maurace” in Port-Salut, Haiti. He spent six years in the school where he was able to complete his primary basic education.

At the age of 17 he went to a shop learning how to sew. After three years in learning how to sew, he opened his own shop at his parents’ home in which he taught many youngsters in the community how to sew.

In 1965 at the age of 22, he met the love of his life, Irene Ostin Desir. Two years later, they had their first

child; Pierre-Louis Ostin.

While he continued to work as a tailor inheriting the nickname “boss” and enjoying his farming life to support his wife, three more children were born; Austifils, Venita, and Marie.

In 1975, he enacted his vision to help his community at large as a peacemaker. In 1977, he formed a non-profit organization to maintain and preserve the natural resources within the community. He founded a school name, “Ecole Onoac” in which he taught youth and adults how to read and write. While serving as a strong leader in his community, he had three more children; Felicia, Benel and Frenel.

In 1987, he travelled to Port-au-Prince to work in a clothing factory providing financial means to support his wife, seven children’s education and other philanthropic activities in his community. After two years of work in the factory, he moved back to the countryside to reunite with his family.

In 1990, a group of people asked him to run for office, which he declined at first. However, he finally

accepted after receiving so much support from his community. He was elected as Kazek, “a district

congressman”. In September 1991, the political turmoil in Haiti forced him to seek asylum at the US

Embassy in Haiti. Three years later, his asylum application was granted. He moved to the United States of

America on May 17, 1994.

From 1994 to 2013 living in Portland, Oregon, he worked two jobs (Amtrak & Burger King) to continuedly

support his wife and the rest of the children in Haiti. With all of the limitations and difficulties he thrived. He

was able to bring over his wife, children, and his grand kids in Haiti to Portland. After all the family members arrived, he worked for another seven years until his retirement.

During his retirement, he spent time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and traveled back and forth to Haiti.

In summary Joseph Journel Ostin, can be remembered as a Husband, Father, Farmer, Entrepreneur, Tailor, Philanthropist, Leader, Teacher, Politician, Peacemaker, Believer, and a loving individual that made a difference in people lives within his environment. He is well loved, will be greatly missed and his legacy will be carried on.