Joseph Joe (Joe) Alexander Coley

Joseph Alexander Coley was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Joe will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

      Joe was born on March 3, 1932 at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. Joe grew up in Montreal, Quebec.

      Joe was raised with one sibling, his sister Nancy Burke. Joe was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his sibling. He and his sibling experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

      As a young boy, Joe had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Joe was an active child who took part in basketball. He was a member of The Black Watch and The Salvation Army Youth Band. In his spare time he liked to play musical instruments. However, to Joe, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

      A typical teenager, Joe had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favourite subjects and teachers. His favourite class in high school was gym. He received a school letter for football and track & field.

      Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Joe enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. Later in life, he became friends with Alan Dailey.

      On April 11, 1953 Joe exchanged wedding vows with Dorothy (Doe) Ethel Burch at Montreal Citadel, Salvation Army in Montreal, Quebec. Empathic and loyal, Joe was committed to making his new family happy.

      Joe worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Joe was blessed with three children two sons Alan (Nancy) and Bruce (Karen) and one daughter Joanne (Brian). Another blessing for Joe was the gift of four grandchildren, David (Kimberly), Andrea (Steve), Beth (Pieter) and Brad (Beck).

      Fortunately, Joe enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Joe worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His primary occupation was a Manager. He was employed for36 years by Bell Canada. Joe always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Joe enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favourite pursuits were gardening, new car shopping and being a part of the Salvation Army Band. He was content to enjoy his favourite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Joe found pleasure in sports. In high school, Joe played basketball, football and track & field. Joe was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favourite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were hockey and baseball.

      Joe was a man who took pride in upholding his beliefs. So it is little wonder that he took an active role in his community, he was a member of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui - Kingston.

      Joe’s faith was important to him. He was a life long Salvationist. During that time, he was CSM at Montreal Citadel, Woodroffe Temple and Mississauga Temple.

      Though he never set out to gain individual recognition, Joe was given accolades for his many and varied accomplishments throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Paul Harris Fellowship.

      Joe enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favourite vacations included Old Orchard Beach, Maine.

      When Joe’s retirement finally arrived in December 1, 1985, he was well prepared. His new life involved relocating to Kingston where he started working for the Salvation Army. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being the President of the Kingston Senior's Centre. Even in retirement, Joe continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Joe was active in his new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered him.

      Joe passed away on April 20, 2015 at home. He is survived by his wife Doe, his children Alan (Nancy), Bruce (Karen) and Joanne (Brian), four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Services were held at The Salvation Army Oshawa Temple. Joe was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery.

      Simply stated, Joe was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Joe leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Joseph Alexander Coley.

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COLEY, Joseph (Joe) Alexander

Promoted to Glory on Monday April 20, 2015 at Lakeridge Health Oshawa at the age of 83. Beloved husband of Dorothy (Doe). Loving father of Alan Coley (Nancy), Bruce Coley (Karen) and Joanne Minaker (Brian). Lovingly remembered by 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Nancy Burke. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West, Oshawa (905-721-1234) on Friday April 24th from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. and then at THE SALVATION ARMY OSHAWA (570 Thornton Rd., N. Oshawa) on Saturday April 25th from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Joe’s life at 11:30 a.m. In memory of Joe, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army- Oshawa Temple YP Band.