Joseph Garnet (Joe) Ivall

With sadness, the family announce the passing of Joseph Garnet (Joe) Ivall on June 26, 2002 at Port Arthur General surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Pearl and dear father of Allen (Ruth), Blaine (Pam), Gary (Donna), Marsha (Don) and David (Heidi). Also grieved by his grandchildren Earl (Stephanie), Mark (Shana), Shane (Crystal), Dawn, Neil, Michaela, Laurie and Matthew. Great grandchildren Dakota, Zachary, Skyler and Cameron. He is also mourned by his brothers Edward (Anne), Atikokan and Les (Lucy), Rainy River, his sister Meryle Evans of Toronto and sisters-in-law Margaret Hawthrone and Beatrice Olinyk both of Rainy River.
Also many nieces and nephews.
Joe was predeceased by his son Gary, parents Joseph and Anna Ivall, brothers Albert, James, Arthur and sisters Irene and Marion, brother-in-laws Elmer Hawthorne & Ken Hawthorne.
Joe was born January 20, 1920 in Fort Frances to parents Joseph and Anna Ivall. He was the grandson of pioneers Alexander and Sarah Ivall who were early residents of Beaver Mills. He lived in Rainy River Spohn Township and Blue Township during his life. He met and married the former Pearl Hawthorne and together raised their five children on the family farm in Spohn Township, moving to Rainy River in 1994.
This remarkable man was given a gift for life that spanned age and culture. His easy acceptance of people made him a well-loved man. His kindness and unconditional love, his laughter, wit and advice will always be remembered. We are grateful for his time with us.
Like his beloved grandmother, Joe was a natural storyteller and a repertoire drawn from his life. At different times he was a farmer, guide, trapper, school bus operator (35 years) and worked at McLeods. All of this was done despite having broken his neck at 20 years old and being told that he would never walk
again.
He loved all of nature and especially, fishing on his beloved Lake of the Woods. Until unable, he enjoyed the fall deer hunts with the guys. His family remembers the many times he would bring home a wounded animal to heal and set free. He took special delight in fly-in fishing with Don Jorgensen and his grandson Brad not that long ago. He fulfilled a dream when he and Pearl travelled extensively for many years. As he often said, “I’ve had a good life.’
Joe was active in his community. He served on the Spohn road board for 35 years, starting when roads were still being built in the community. He was a director for UCANO West. He was an active member of St. James Anglican Church, serving for many years on its vestry. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 54 and Rainy River Activity Depot.
How can we take in the loss of this bright light in our life? We take comfort in the belief that he is well loved by his Creator. There is a saying that simplicity of character is the result of profound thought. If so, this man was profound. He will live in our hearts forever.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Beller, the staff at Rainy River Health Care Facility and the ambulance members for all of the great care he received. Thank you to the doctors and staff at Port Arthur General Hospital who did everything they could to reverse the inevitable. Thank you for all the care and compassion.
Active Pallbearers were his grandsons Earl, Shane, Neil and Matthew Ivall, nephew Dan Shreiber and family friends Brian Heisel. Honourary Pallbearers were friends Ben Honke, Don Jorgenson, Don Budreau, Ross McLean, Fred Hartnell, Ken Mason granddaughters Dawn, Laurie, Michaela, and grandson Mark.
Funeral serves were conducted from St. James Anglican Church, Rainy River on Tuesday, July 2, 2002 at 2 p.m. Archdeacon Doug Greig and Reverend Ruth Ivall officiated. Lunch was held after the service at the Legion Hall. Viewing was held on Monday, July 1st at 7 p.m. at the Rainy River Funeral Home with the Royal Canadian Legion Honour Guard.
Internment has taken place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River. Donations may be made to the Rainy River Hospital or charity of choice.