Joseph died on April 5, 2019, shortly after his 81st birthday on March 19, at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. He was born in Verbka, Poland in 1938. Joseph was about two years old when forcibly deported to Siberia with his family, along with up to 1.5 million other displaced Poles; four when he left Siberia for multiple refugee camps in Kazakhstan, Persia (Iran), Pakistan, and Uganda; ten when he arrived in England with his mother; and 13 when he finally arrived in Canada on the Scythia.

Canada gave Joe and his family stability and opportunity. Joe found jobs with the railway, and in construction and mechanics. He remained fiercely independent and shaped by a catastrophic childhood throughout his life.

His surviving family includes his 93-year-old sister, Stephanie; nephews Edward and Henry; niece Genevieve; and eight great-nephews and great-nieces.

A heartfelt thank you to the outstanding help from Penny McKinnon, and the nursing and support staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. Graveside service will take place at Brandon Cemetery on Thursday, April 11, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.