It is with great sadness we announce the passing, at 73 years, of our beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend,
Joseph Xavier Wipfli
September 17, 1934 - April 7, 2008
Joe battled cancer bravely and passed
away at home in his cabin in Terrace,
with his family by is side ~ his wish.
He is predeceased by his son Joey, parents Paula and Severin Wipfli, and pet dog Para; survived by his loving family; daughters Marie, Heidi (Cliff), Tina (Mike), Laurie (Mark); ten grandchildren, Kendra, Kyle, Kobi, Mitchell, Megan, McKenna, Mya, Austin, Brendan and Regan; sister Kläry Gisler; brother Severin Wipfli; nephews and nieces of Altdorf, Switzerland.
Joseph was born in Altdorf, Switzerland, emigrated to Canada in September 1957 where he worked in a logging camp in Prince George; then to Kitimat at Alcan as a Blacksmith, his trade. In 1967 he worked at Kitimat Iron Works as a Welder, Blacksmith for many years.
Joe moved his family to Vancouver in 1972 where he dabbled in car sales and construction until his retirement, when he moved back to the Terrace/Kitimat area to be closer to the rest of his family and the bush.
Joe was a gifted artist, as is reflected in his paintings, carvings and ornamental iron work. He loved the outdoors and nature, respected God’s land; his passion was prospecting, climbing mountains with the mining equipment he built to ‘find that big nugget of gold’. He would take his family to their Swiss cabin on Claque Mountain; and when in Vancouver the family would pan for gold on the Fraser River ~ lovely memories.
We would like to thank Dr. Hoy and the Homecare Nurses, Baxter, Elaine and Jody of Terrace for their help and care of our Dad.
There will be no service, by request, we will spread his ashes in his many favourite places. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Kitimat Humane Society.
You Are Forever In Our Hearts, We Will Miss you Dad!