It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Joseph (Joe) Walkinshaw in Powell River, BC. Joe passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
Joe was married to the love of his life, Ginette (née Sabourin, predeceased July 17, 2023), for 50 years and was the beloved father of his two sons John (spouse Brittany) and James (spouse Sarah), and proud grandfather of Ronin.
The oldest sibling from a large family of nine children, Joe is survived by Elaine, Andrea, Janet, Blake, Roberta, Carole, Richard and Laura. He was born in Kenogami in the Saguenay region of Quebec on May 31, 1949, son of decorated RCAF officer John Walkinshaw and Kathleen Beaudoin.
Joe and Ginette were married in 1973 in Alma, Quebec. The warm winters and beauty of the west coast enticed them to start a new chapter in their lives in 1980 with a move to Powell River, where he worked for MacMillan Bloedel and eventually retired. Joe was a proud papermaker and a fourth generation Walkinshaw who worked in the pulp and paper industry.
An avid reader, Joe loved public speaking, golf and spending time with his family. He was charming and always enjoyed a good conversation.
"We will miss Joe, dearly."
A celebration of life will be held in memory of Joe and Ginette Walkinshaw in Powell River this coming summer, their favourite time of the year.
