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Joe Bryksa

Image by Nick Andréka

JOE BRYKSA

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September 11, 1966 - November 2, 2021

Joelan “Joe” Paul Bryksa passed suddenly on November 2, 2021. He is Predeceased by parents Emil and Shirley Bryksa. Joe is survived by daughters Hayley and Taylor Bryksa, their mother Tracey Shelton and sister Laurie Bryksa.

 

Born September 11, 1966 in Winnipeg, Joe’s passion for photography began in high school and continued at Red River College. He became a staff photographer at the Winnipeg Sun and then the Winnipeg Free Press.

 

An award-winning photojournalist, Joe was known for his keen eye for detail, relentless pursuit of the news and talent for capturing beauty. His images reached far beyond Winnipeg, including shooting many Grey Cups, the Calgary Olympics, the aftermath of September 11 in New York and Canadian troops in Afghanistan. Joe was most proud of the award-winning No Running Water series investigating the lack of running water on Manitoba reserves.

 

More than anything, Joe’s greatest gift was his children. He was proud of his girls and loved them very much. He also loved nature, capturing countless images of wildlife, fishing and hunting with his lifelong friend, Matt McCorquodale.

 

Thank you to the ICU staff at Grace Hospital and HSC for their care and compassion.

 

Cremation has taken place. Joe’s family kindly request that his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by visiting his tribute page at EthicalDeathCare.com. A photo-biography, as well as memories and stories published by those who knew him, are available there.

 

Rest in peace, Joe.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Chris Alexiuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My family was so saddened to learn of the passing of Joe.  We got to know Joe as fellow swim parents with the Manitoba Marlins.  Joe and I spent many hours together at the pool as either swim officials, or as parents in the stands watching our kids swim.  Joe was always so friendly and had a fantastic sense of humour.  He always found the funny side of any situation and had many stories to tell.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Hayley and Taylor, and loved ones. Chris Alexiuk
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Marnie Strath

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the privilege of working with Joe at the Free Press several years ago and he was always generous with his time with my department - agreeing to help out with any photo shoot we needed. My sincerest sympathy is extended to his daughters, sister and all other family. He was a wonderful man.  Marnie Strath 
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Maureen Fitzhenry

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

When we were young journalists, we created our own “family,” a group that did everything together, and Joe was one of us. So I feel like a member of my family has died, even if we have not been together for many years. So many fun memories. Such a great talent. So painfully sad that he has gone. RIP Joe.❤ Maureen
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Ryan & Jennifer Girardin

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

We are so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a kind and helpful neighbour to us for several years, even taking family photos for us on a few occasions. He always spoke so fondly about Taylor and Hayley. Thinking of all of Joe’s loved ones and wishing you find comfort in your memories of him.
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Choo Rosenbloom

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I didn’t know Joe personally but I loved his 30 day a goose a day project and I have the link to his incredible images on my website.  His death has come as a shock.  Rest In Peace, Joe.  Your memory will live on in your incredible photography.  
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Barb (Melillo) Bobychuk

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My deepest condolences to all of you. Joe was a great father, friend, photographer. I had the pleasure of working with the three amigos at The Winnipeg Sun (Shawn, Joe & Kevin).. going down to the photo lab always meat great conversation and laughs. Joe “graduated” to The Free Press and we were all very proud of his accomplishments and followed along throughout his career. The biggest accomplishment was of course you girls.. you were his biggest “award”! Take care of each other and know the “shoot” is now never ending.  Rest In Peace  Barb (Melillo) Bobychuk 
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Rachel

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Joe went out with my sister when I was a teen. Our family fell in love with him and treated him like he was part of the family. he liked to come over and visit on his own without my sister and hang out with our parents and treated me like a little sister. I loved him as if he was my brother. He was so warm, caring, kind and such a great guy. He will always be a part of me and I will never forget him. I will love him always. I should of got him to somehow take a photo shoot of my family with him in it and of me and him together. I never asked him to take any pictures for me or give me any of his pictures with his signature on it so I could frame them. Never thought of it. I remember him talking about wanting a free press job while he worked at the sun paper press..I was the proud little sis of him when he finally got his free press job and loved bragging how great of a photographer he was. Many great memories To his sister Laurie, kids and any other family members... just remember he's taking pictures everywhere in heaven and hanging out with mom and dad.. maybe one day we'll find or see heaven pictures from him. Hugs to all of you and he will watch over all of us and love everything we say about him.. his smiling face stays with me. Here are my condolences to everyone.❤❤😢 RIP JOE.. FROM YOUR LITTLE SIS.. Rachel ❤❤❤❤❤ 
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@curriergeoff

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

Shocked and terribly saddened to read of Joe's passing.  Anyone in the media knew of Joe's work and what a top notch professional he was. His work stood above the rest. More than that I will recall all of the events we covered at the same time, his professionalism but also his good nature. He was always able to see the humour and absurdities in so many situations and we shared many laughs along the way. He has left us far too soon. My sincere condolences to the family
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Tessa Gilmor

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

As a fellow swim parent, I worked many swim meets with Joe. We shared a lot of laughs. He was so fond of his girls. I am very sorry for their loss. 
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Tess Bernacki

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I worked with Joe at the Winnipeg Free Press for many years. He was an incredibly talented photographer and an authentic, kind soul. Joe was a proud dad and always eager to share stories about his two beautiful daughters Hayley & Taylor♥️. Years ago I had the privilege of having Joe shoot my wedding photos and celebrate my special day as a guest. I will always be grateful for having that time with Joe... My deepest sympathies to Tracey, Hayley & Taylor and sister Laurie and countless friends. May you Rest In Peace Joe. 🙏♥️ 
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Marilyn and Michael Krochak

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So very sorry to see you go so soon dear Joe .  You are with your mom and dad now. Our deepest sympathy to the family especially Laurie you will indeed miss your brother. May the angels carry you safe into the arms of Jesus.  Fr. Michael and Marilyn  Krochak. Eternal Memory
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George Kent

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

A new neighbor this summer for us at the apartments in Lasalle.  I was looking forward to "comparing photography notes" with Joe  going on a "shoot" to learn more techniques from the professional he was in photography.  Joe told me all pictures were great, its the way you look at them.  Unfortunately the pandemic kept most of us at arms length away and masked up so socializing was most difficult.  My condolences to his daughters Hayley and Taylor and their mom Tracey.
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Tracey Yeager (née: Austford)

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I had the pleasure to take photography with Joe (and Matt) at Sturgeon.  His talent was evident even in those early days.  I have many wonderful memories of those years. While I lost touch with Joe over the years I always loved seeing his photographs in various publications. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.  May your memories bring you joy in this time of sadness. 
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Randy Kohuch

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I'm so sad to hear this news. The Bryksa family lived a few houses over from us on Highcliff Bay. Our parents were friends, and my sisters and I used to play together with Joe and Laurie when we were kids. I reconnected with Joe in later life through his photography. A very nice man with a great eye. My sympathies to the family. He will be missed.
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Kimberly Yanecki (Glowachuk)

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My condolences to his girls.  Very sad to hear about your dad.  Cherish your memories of your dad.  
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Darcia Senft

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

My siblings and I were so very saddened to hear about Joe's passing.  Our parents were good friends.  Growing up near the Bryksa's on Highcliff Bay, I can remember many great neighbourhood hide-and go seek nights. Laurie, we are so very sorry for your tremendous loss.  Our thoughts are with you and with Joe's  daughters at this incredibly difficult time. Looking at his photo here, I can so clearly see your folks in his features. May his memory be eternal.
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Terumi Kuwada

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

I met Joe when he did a presentation at the Manitoba Camera Club, many years ago and he invited anyone to be his shadow at their convenience.  I volunteered quickly and he was so gracious.  The day I was his shadow, was a day I will always treasure, as he shared his knowledge, skills and what it took to be a photojournalist. Those lessons have stayed with me for many years and I will always be grateful for having known him for a day and would always follow his work at the Winnipeg Free Press. An outstanding photojournalist and a generous and kind man. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. 
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Glenn Bryksaw

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So sorry to hear of Joe's passing.  I recall visiting Joe, Laurie, Dad Emil and Mom Shirley when they lived in Regina in an olive green house near the airport.  That was well before Joe took up photography and became the special photojournalist that he was.  To Joe's girls our deepest condolences from your extended family here in Ontario. Take care, be well and cherish your memories of him.  Always,
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Gord McFarlane

September 25, 2024 at 7:32 PM

So sad to hear this news. In the 70's,  Joe lived on Corbett Drive just down from our family, I walked to Elementary and Junior high with him everyday.  He was a good friend and I always enjoyed hanging out with him.  I followed his photo career from afar and was always impressed with his work.  I am so sorry for the familie's loss, you will be missed Joe.  Rest in peace.   Your old buddy Gord McFarlane
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Taylor

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Missing my dad already. May he Rest In Peace🙏🏻

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Hayley Bryksa

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

A recent photo of my dad.

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Hayley Bryksa

September 25, 2024 at 7:31 PM

Going to miss my dad so much. He was taken way too soon. 

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