Joseph Walter Shelton

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph (Joe, Joey) Walter Shelton announce his passing on October 8th, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. Joe was born on May 1st, 1948, in Eston, Saskatchewan, and was raised in Richlea, Saskatchewan. He attended elementary school in Richlea and completed his high school education in Eston. Following graduation, Joe moved to Saskatoon, where he obtained his Journeyman Plumber certification and worked in the trade. He later established and operated his own plumbing business for ten years before accepting a position with the City of Saskatoon, where he worked as a plumber for fifteen years. Following his time with the city, Joe joined Local UA 179 of the Saskatchewan Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, contributing to numerous projects throughout the province for twenty-five years until his retirement.

In January 1969, Joe met the love of his life, Elaine Kalinowski. They were married on October 10, 1970, in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, and shared a remarkable life together. In October 2025, they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.

Joe’s greatest pleasure was spending time at his paradise home – the cabin at Weyakwin Lake, which he built with his wife, Elaine. He spent countless hours enjoying the outdoors, fishing, hunting, quadding, and snowmobiling. These adventures were often followed by socializing with family and friends, with whom he created so many cherished memories. Joe could always be counted on to lend a hand to any of his friends at the lake with a project or repair, and, of course, they gladly reciprocated when he needed help with his own – something that is so often the case at Weyakwin.

In his younger years, Joe enjoyed curling and bowling and was a dedicated member of the Saskatoon Wildlife Federation. He also enjoyed travelling throughout the United States and Mexico, but his favourite destination was always his annual trip to Hawaii, where he and Elaine escaped the cold winters with their friends.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife of 56 years, Elaine Shelton; his sons, Cory (Christa-Lee) Shelton and Barry (Chantel) Shelton; and his very special grandchildren, Logan and Kyra Shelton, who he cherished dearly. He is also survived by his sister, Lucille Kononoff; his extended family, Jerome (Rose) Kalinowski, Jim (Dawn) Kalinowski, and Kathy (Dave) O'Neil; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Gladys Shelton; his brother, Don (Judy) Shelton; his brother-in-law, Val Kononoff; and his parents-in-law, Vincent and Gertrude Kalinowski.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff and caregivers at Porteous Lodge for the wonderful care, compassion, and support they provided to Joe throughout the last year of his life.

Joe will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for his hard work, kindness, sense of humor, dedication to family, and the friendships he built wherever life took him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. "Forever remembered, forever loved." ❤

Funeral Service followed by a luncheon to be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at Mourning Glory Acadia McKague's Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society.