Joe Dorval

Joe Dorval, beloved husband of the late Marie Dorval passed away on February 15th, 2022 at the age of 97 years. 
Joe leaves to cherish in his memory his sole surviving sibling, Elizabeth (Roger) Gendron of Montreal. Joe also leaves behind his children Denis, of Australia, Guy (Jocelyn) of Red Deer, Rene (Koralee) of Medicine Hat, Doris (Greg) of Medicine Hat, Claude of Calgary, Jules (Cindy) of Calgary, his sisters-in-law Muriel Wernicke of Swift Current, Irene (Eugene) Clermont of Assiniboia and Gilberte Caron of Swift Current. Also a source of great pride in Joe's life were his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom he enjoyed so much. 
Joe was predeceased by Marie in 1998, who he was married to for 47 years and together raised 7 children. Their oldest son Allain passed in 2007 followed by daughter-in-law Wanda in 2015, and grandson Landon in 2020. Joe was also predeceased by his parents Odilon and Annie, 5 brothers and 1 sister, Marie's parents Noe and Albertine as well as numerous brothers-and sisters-in-law. 
Joe and Marie took over the farm north of Ponteix in 1953 from his parents and enjoyed raising cattle pigs and chickens. They bought Marie's mother's land as well as a little more land as it came up for sale. They were never big farmers however always had more than enough to support and raise their family. While farming, Joe also was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed fishing, curling, bowling and playing cards. In 1986, Joe and Marie sold the farm and together moved to Ponteix to enjoy retirement. At the age of 61 Joe took up golfing and spent a lot of time chasing the little white ball. Like many of his friends, for many months each year his golf cart became his primary vehicle for moving around town. Joe was fortunate to get a hole in one and always commented it wasn't pretty but it fell into the hole. Joe enjoyed the sport for many years and between golfing, fishing and helping solve world problems in the coffee shop he stayed busy. As Joe's eyesight started to decline, he had to give up some of his hobbies but never complained of boredom. Dad spent many years pushing wheelchairs for residents of the Foyer to the chapel as a volunteer. So, it was fitting he would one day move in. In 2017 Dad moved into the Foyer under protest, but once settled, he loved it. After he willingly gave up his license, he spent many hours riding all around town on his scooter to explore and get fresh air when the weather was nice and frequently friends would join him on his scooter adventures too. Often as part of the route he would check in on Mom and other old friends. It is unlikely that anyone in Ponteix knew the cemetery better than he did. When Covid changed all our lives, Dad adjusted and could often be found walking the hallways and stopping at the nurse's station for peanuts and a kokanee. Old age did not slow Dad down much, he was a hard man to keep up too. 
Dad was diagnosed with Covid on February 2, and symptoms seemed non existent but Dad suddenly starting losing balance and falling but luckily not seriously injuring himself. However, on February 12 Dad took a turn for the worse. When the family was called in, Alice Perrault, who has been so good to Dad and always kept the family updated sat with him until we could arrive. We are so thankful, to her and the many people who were so good to Dad through the years. 
Joe lived his entire 97 years in the community, had a good life with many friends, and left the world peacefully. The care and compassion from the staff at the Foyer while Dad lived there and during his final days was amazing, and our family could not have hoped for a better home for him in his final years.  
Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life in Ponteix in late June or early July, date to be announced. As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the Foyer St. Joseph Nursing Home Box 450, Ponteix, SK S0N 1Z0. Lemieux's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 306-625-3925, or visit our website at www.lemieuxfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family on our tribute wall.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joe Dorval, please visit our floral store.