Blair ‘Bearcat’ Joseph, 78, of Sydney, NS, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by partner of 15 years; Wendy Clark; children Colleen, Derek, Amy, Tami, Ryan and his loving siblings.
Blair’s journey in life began as the second of 14 children to David ‘Dates’ and Mabel Joseph. It didn’t take long for him to forge a passion for sport that would span over 70 years. Sport may have opened the door for his involvement in community but his passion for people and his contagious personality transformed him into a community leader; known by most as ‘Bearcat’!
As a youngster Blair fell in love with the sport of ice hockey, where he would excel from elementary school hockey at St. Joseph’s through the ranks until his playing career ended at the age of 35. The highlight of his playing career was when he captained the Cape Breton Post Bombers to a Maritime Jr A Championship where he was the most valuable player in the league. The Bombers competed in the Eastern Canadian Championships in Sydney, NS against the Quebec Champions; Lachine Maroons and the Ontario Champions; Smith Falls Bears.
To train for hockey, Bearcat developed into a promising amateur boxer; winning 12 bouts by knockout. After one professional bout and sparring with four Canadian Champions, he decided to concentrate on hockey culminating with a professional tryout with New Haven of the Eastern Hockey League in the United States.
After a respectable playing career where he was known as a leader and hard-nosed talented player, he naturally progressed into coaching and management. He coached locally at all levels from St. Joseph’s, Sydney minor hockey, Major Midget, University, Jr B, Jr A, Major Junior, Intermediate and Senior. He coached in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for 11 seasons with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles under 4 head coaches. He also scouted for the Eagles once his coaching career ended. ‘Blair The Bear’ won provincial championships in Senior with the Sydney Merchants in 1985 and in Jr B with the Port Hawkesbury Strait Pirates in 1999. He also started the Tuesday Night Squirts Program for young local players; many of whom went on to Major Junior and professional careers. He also taught hockey schools in Nova Scotia and with HOA in the United States.
Blair ‘ Bearcat’ Joseph was inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame as a player with the CB Post Bombers in 2003 and as a builder in 2013; being recognized for his contributions to sport in Cape Breton.
‘A Good Coach Can Win A Game; A Great Coach Can Change A Life!’ ——— John Wooden
Bearcat had a lifelong positive influence on players and coaches of all levels.
In his later years, Blair developed a passion for golf where he played with family, friends and hockey foes. Partner Wendy, would get up at 5am to book the preferred tee times. He had that competitive winning attitude no matter what he was playing; whether it was cribbage, tarabish, horseshoes, billiards or bowling with his MT&T buddies.
In his professional career, he worked for MT&T as a lineman and later in management.
Blair’s first love was his beautiful wife of 34 years, Patricia ‘Patsy’ MacLean. He often commented on how fortunate he was to have two incredible women in his life, with wife Patsy and partner, Wendy Clark.
Blair and Patsy had five children and fourteen grandchildren; Colleen (Matt) Hornberger: Grace, Lilly and Caden; Derek (Jessie): Danica and Brody; Amy (Todd) Pannett: Nate, Ty and Zoe; Tami (Roddy) MacCormick: Mya, Josie and Madden; Ryan: Lola, Drake and Rosie. Blair had 2 stepchildren with Wendy; Chris (Jennifer) Clark; Karen (Chad) Clark: grandson, Riley. Dad/Papa Bear was so proud of all of them and his vibrant personality will live for generations to come.
Also known as ‘Buckee’ to many of his nieces, nephews, brother-in-laws and friends; he was amazing at making you feel better about yourself with his genuine interest in you no matter what the circumstances. At his core; it was his love for community; pride in his Lebanese/Irish roots and being a proud Cape Bretoner; that made him unique.
Blair was predeceased by his wife, Patsy, his parents David ‘Dates’ and Mabel Joseph; brothers Bradley, Alan (Mary); Brandon; David (Chrissie); brother-in-law Mike (Darlene) Kravosky and nephew David (Stephen and Helen).
Blair is survived by his partner, Wendy Clark; brothers Bobby (Bernadette); Glenn (Diane); Stephen (Helen) and Fabian (Sherry Lynn); sisters Darlene (Gary) MacLean; Cheryl Chisholm (Kenny Miller); Cindy (Bruce) Doucet; Pam (Carter) Chapdelaine and Valerie (Danny) MacInnis.
A branch has fallen from our tree; a branch that was so respected and loved by family and friends. They say a person’s life is judged by how much they give; compared to how much they take. The support of prayers, cards, messages and countless visits; solidified that Blair Joseph gave an enormous amount.
The family would like to thank the staff at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, especially the cancer unit; Dr Saliba, Dr Lawand, Palliative Care and his VON team; who showed so much compassion and professionalism. A special thank you to his friends who were ‘in his corner’ in his battle; Dr Ron MacCormick, Dr Phil Smith and Helen Sweeney.
Visitation will be at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, Sydney, NS; Wednesday, June 7, 2023 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.
A private family mass will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023.
A celebration of life will be held at Membertou Arena in Sydney, NS, on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 6pm.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Kidsport Nova Scotia to help children in need from Cape Breton to participate in hockey.
www.kidsportcanada.ca/nova-scotia/cbrm-victoria/donate
