Joseph Abbot D'Arcy

Irish to the core, Joe was the consummate host and storyteller. Guests at Joe and Colleen’s home could count on good food, warm camaraderie and lots of laughter. Born in Butte, Montana, Joe graduated from Boys Central High School in 1955. Electronics fascinated him throughout his life. As a young man, he worked as the chief engineer at KOPR radio station in Butte. 1960 was a big year for Joe. He probably had no idea that a sock hop in 1958 would change his life when he met Colleen Keenan. They married in 1960 in Anaconda, Montana. A month later Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army and served at the Yuma, Arizona, test station working on the Big John and Little John missiles.

After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Anaconda to work at the Anaconda Smelter as an electronic engineer. Eighteen years later, the Anaconda Company was purchased by ARCO British Petroleum and closed all Montana operations, devastating the small community.

While many former employees chose to stay there and collect unemployment, Joe knew he had to leave to support his family. He accepted an offer to work at the Boise Cascade paper mill in St. Helen’s, Oregon, where he worked until he retired in 2001.

The move wasn’t easy. When they left for Oregon, his teen-aged kids had to say good-bye to their friends and the only place they had ever known. But the close-knit family made it work and thrived in their new home.

Proud of their Irish heritage, Joe and Colleen, took three trips to Ireland to visit relatives in Clonmel, County Tipperary. They also visited France and England, where Joe became absorbed in London’s World War II history.

Joe’s long-time passion was ham radio (W7TYN). He was a member of the American Radio Relay League and communicated with other operators throughout the world. His broadcast “Ham Shack” was one of the best in the West. He also enjoyed jazz, entertaining and gardening.

Although Joe was a newcomer to gardening when he moved to Oregon, he became an expert, growing hybrid tomatoes, green beans, sugar snap peas, zucchini and more, which he generously shared with friends.

But none of his hobbies could hold a candle to his greatest passion: his family. Joe was a hands-on father and grandfather. The quintessential Family Man and a talented Mr. Fix-it, he was intensely interested in what his kids and grandkids had done and what they wanted to do in their lives. He delighted in their antics. Nothing made Poppa happier than visiting and cooking breakfast with them.

Joe is survived by his wife Colleen, his son Mark D’Arcy, daughter Erin D’Arcy (Shawn Blume), and his adored grandkids Patrick (Vickanda), Ryan (Annie) and Emily D’Arcy, Colin and Owen Blume. He is also survived by his sister Liane Gearhart and brother Larry D’Arcy. His parents, Joseph and Lenore D’Arcy, preceded him in death.

The family will hold a memorial celebration in 2026. Memorial donations can be made to Legacy Hospice, P.O. Box 3426, Portland OR 97028 or to any organization of their choice.

“Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Irish Blessing