July 12, 1924-July 1, 2005
Joseph Blocha passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at Chilliwack General Hospital at the age of 80.
Joe is survived by his wife, Mary, of 54 years and his children, Doreen (Dewayne) Gysler of Turtle Lake, Sask.; Doug (Bev) Blocha of Hinton, AB; Greg (Bernadette) Blocha of Biggar, Sask.; Colleen (Laurie) Laventure of Biggar, Sask.; and Mona (Rick) Hollenbeck of Aldergrove, B.C. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and his sisters Helen, Elsie (Maurice) and Stella of Saskatoon, Sask.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joe was born in Rosthern and moved to Biggar, Sask. in 1946 where he worked for over 33 years as an Engineer for the CN Rail Road. Following his retirement in 1981, Joe and Mary moved to Aldergrove/Chilliwack where he enjoyed many visits from his children and grandchildren. Joe’s passion involved anything to do with carpentry and golf. He also enjoyed wildlife and birdwatching.
He was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus in Biggar, Sask. and Aldergrove, B.C.
Prayers were held from St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass followed at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2005 with Fr. Gary Gordon, Celebrant. A reception from St. Mary’s Parish Hall followed the Mass.
Should family and friends so desire, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.