JOHN GARNHAM JOYCEY

Born in Cleethorpes, UK to Reverend Geoffrey and Irene Joycey (both now deceased), John immigrated to Canada at the age of 4 along with his siblings – David, Jenny, Rosemary (now deceased) and Phillip (born just after arriving in Canada). They lived in Coaticook QC, Ocean Falls BC, Ayer’s Cliff QC, and Rock Island QC. John then moved to Dixville QC where he met Hedy (nee Loewen). They, together, then moved to a few different southern Ontario locations before landing in Winnipeg MB where they raised their family. John and Hedy retired to Baldur MB in 2010.

John and Hedy were married on February 1, 1973 in Smith Falls ON. Tamara was born later that year. After moving to Winnipeg in 1976, Stephanie and Cynthia were born. The Joycey family grew up on Luxton Avenue where John and Hedy lived for 32 years. As a dad of three young girls, John coached his kids’ ringette and baseball and attended the many (many) other sports and activities in which his girls participated. John also played hockey and slow-pitch and loved to golf.

John’s career choices demonstrated his belief in and desire to support peoples’ potential. He worked in health care as an orderly early on, then as a support worker for people with disabilities in Dixville Home, and as a caregiver in various groups homes in Parkhill Ontario and Children’s Home in Winnipeg. From there John moved into leadership roles, most notably as Director at Youth Employment Core and then at Industrial Training Centre where he was able to begin to share his knowledge and know-how in construction, renovation and metal fabrication, while leading organizations that helped people gain skills for employment. He also volunteered his time on many community boards.

In between work and being an incredible dad and husband, John loved renovating homes, repairing cars and playing his guitar. After retirement John expanded his love for music within his new community of Baldur by joining music jams, performing, providing sound equipment and support for other musicians. Together with Hedy, they hosted Home Routes concerts and loved attending music festivals including, Prairie Wind (Cypress River) and Harvest Moon (Clearwater).

John had a great sense of humour and used that to connect with people. He loved joking with the ladies at Baldur Trading, telling stories between songs, and didn’t shy away from a laugh at his expense. He was also a gifted and effective writer, sharing annual family updates, writing grants for work and community projects, and offering his (sometime not appreciated) editing skills to homework and university assignments.

John’s family will miss him dearly. He leaves behind his wife Hedy; daughters, Tamara (Marc), Stephanie (Terrill) and Cynthia (Ken); grandkids, Owen (Lindsey), Russell (Meagan), Ruth, Brielle, Jack, and Cáel, and a large extended family.

His family is grateful for the supports offered by friends, extended family, the palliative care program (Kara), and the staff at Tri-Lake Health Centre. A memorial service will be planned for the spring. In memory of John, share a joke, sing a song, or extend your good fortune with someone who needs a hand.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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