Obituary of Joseph Books

October 23rd was a cool day and the night was very dark. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Harold Books at the age of 71 at ARCH in Sault Ste Marie. Joe was the beloved husband and best friend of Ghislaine, devoted father of Jason (Jacquie) of Hamilton, Jennifer of Dinner Plain Australia, Ottawa, and Canmore Alberta, Jeffrey (Heidi) of Melbourne Australia and Canmore Alberta, Jonathan (Shannon ) of Sudbury; much loved "Papa Joe" to his grandchildren, Norah, Amelia, Carson, Eileen, Zahli and Lucas; predeceased by his parents, William John (Jack) Books and Marie (Larivée) Books; brother of Donna (Carl) Sachetti of Sault Ste Marie, Bill of Qualicum Beach B.C., Leslee (Peter) Rivet of Sault Ste Marie, John (Margaret Ann) of Grand Marais Minnesota, Winston (Meg) of Toronto and Tracey (Kathy) of Sault Ste Marie Michigan; special cousin of John (Margie) Erkkila of Ocala Florida; Uncle and Great uncle to many; son-in-law to Alberte Monette (Theodore), and cherished and respected brother-in-law of the Monette family. Joe and Ghislaine raised their four children in Sudbury where Joe worked as a firefighter until 1995. In 1998, he and Ghislaine moved to Hilton Beach, St. Joseph Island, where Joe continued his involvement in firefighting as the Chief of the Hilton Union Fire Department. Retirement permitted Joe to be adventurous, spending many great days skiing in the winter, kayaking and camping in the summer, meeting and making new friends wherever he went. Joe was an active member of the community, serving until his passing as Emergency Measures Co-ordinator for the region. He was also an esteemed partner & opponent at the Island's weekly Bridge games. One of the highlights of Joe's retired life was clearing land on the shores of Lake Huron, where he and Ghislaine built a rustic cabin and later their retirement home. This is a special place where he will live on forever, where Ghislaine will continue his legacy, and where his family can be with him, walking along the lakeshore or amongst the trees. Joe did not like fuss, and in honour of his desire for simplicity, we will come together on Tuesday October 27, at Joe and Ghislaine's homestead on St. Joe's, from 1:00 PM to enjoy some of his favorite things, a glass of wine with friends and family, egg salad sandwiches on white bread, and buttertarts. "It's all about Joe." Dress is casual; plaid and track pants are encouraged, good outdoor shoes required. For further information or directions, contact Jeff: 204-298-3905. Our heartfelt thanks to the health care professionals who treated him with compassion and gentleness. In lieu of flowers, a donation to ARCH (Algoma Regional Community Hospice) would be appreciated.