Joseph Nicholas Antonelli
July 31, 1920-July 9, 2013
It is with sad hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of a treasured gentleman, Joe Antonelli, just days before his 93rd birthday.
Joe was born in Newton, BC on July 31, 1920 to Nick and Della Antonelli. His schooling began in Newton and continued at Cloverdale High School. As the oldest of five siblings, he was their leader for many adventures around then rural Whalley. He developed a keen knowledge and deep appreciation of the outdoors that grew throughout his life.
He was no stranger to hard work including shake cutting until 1938 when he began work at Green Timbers Forest Nursery. He cleared trails and sites for fire lookouts, arriving in Campbell River in 1939 with the BC Forest Service. He moved to Courtenay working for Wood Bros. Logging and Comox Logging at Comox Lake until enlisting in the Air Force during WWII, where he served his country for four years as an air frame mechanic and learning and developing a passion for flying.
Post war, he returned to the BC Forest Service, planting trees and felling snags. He became a camp foreman at Qualicum and Horn Lake. He advanced to forest ranger with postings throughout BC until he left the service in Pemberton where he met Frances Decker who became his wife and the mother of their three children.
He was self employed; first sawmilling and then trucking throughout the Pemberton Valley until the remarkable age of 79.
Joe returned to Campbell River where he and his brother Ken, spent countless hours revisiting people and places from their early years. His huge heart had plenty of room for new friends, especially Amy and Dieter and namesake ‘Joe’ Voss.
Joe was predeceased by his wife Frances, brother Marsh and grandson Corey. He had a gift of touching the lives of all who knew him. He is survived by his sister Grace, brothers Ken (Lin) and Dan (Deidre); his children Debbie, Nick and David; grandchildren Tyranne, Anja and Franklin as well as many extended family members and longtime and new dear friends who will fondly remember and miss him.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. de Bruin and Janine from Palliative Care, for their support and understanding during Joe’s short illness.
A Memory of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, July 21 at 1:00p.m. at Eagles Hall, 1999 14th Ave. in Campbell River.
A memorial in Pemberton will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joe’s memory to a charity of your choice.