Jose "Joe" Ignacio Iturraspe

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife of 25 years, Marilyn Cook, and his sons: Sean (Joanne), Len (Kim), Brian (Erin), and Mike (Sarah). He was also a proud and devoted grandfather to Summer, Wesley, Elspeth, Aveline, and Rachael, each of whom brought him great joy and who were, in turn, supported by his stories, his projects, and his view on life.

Born in Lekeitio, Spain, on December 16, 1944, Joe emigrated with his family to Brandon, Queensland, Australia, in 1949. A proud Basque of many passions and talents, Joe enjoyed playing rugby, fishing, and sharing a laugh. He became a certified millwright in 1970 and soon after embarked on a life-changing journey through Europe with three close friends. Those adventures gave him stories that he never tired of retelling, usually with just enough embellishment to keep his listeners entertained. Eventually, Joe settled in British Columbia, Canada, in 1971, where he built a new life grounded in hard work, family, and friendship.

Joe moved to Lantzville in 1980 and worked at Harmac until his retirement in 2006. Known for his strong work ethic, steady hands, support for the union, and ability to fix almost anything, Joe was the kind of colleague and friend everyone counted on. Retirement did not slow him down. More accurately, it gave him more time to enjoy the things he loved such as gardening, working in his shop, building additions to an already large house, and amassing a very large tool collection. He lived life fully and with joy, whether curling, fishing, gardening, camping, or tinkering endlessly around the house. His family fondly remembers that any broken power-washer or lawnmower was safe from being sent to the tip, as Joe’s determination to make it run would prevent it from being thrown away.

In later years, Joe and Marilyn travelled the world together, returning to Europe and Australia, and spending winters in Mesa, Arizona. These trips filled their lives with sunshine, friendship, and countless shared memories. Through it all, Joe remained a man who found happiness in simple pleasures: a good meal, a lively conversation, a cold bottle of red wine, time in the garden, and the laughter of family gathered around the table.

Joe’s generosity and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 25th, from 2:00–4:00 PM at the family home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory and in his honour to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia.