Joe was born at Vancouver General Hospital on the 03rd of September, 1932. The son of Polish immigrant parents, he grew up on a small farm in Richmond during the uncertainty of the Great Depression and World War II. He spoke of this challenging time often, as it had instilled in him the importance of hard work, self-reliance and a love of family.
After High School, Joe worked at a sawmill before deciding on a career as a teacher, where he spent 35 years working for the Surrey School District. He started his career at a one room school on Barnston Island and finished as the Vice Principal of AHP Matthew Elementary. While at Normal School he met the love of his life Elaine, and they were married on the 26 December 1956. Joe earned a Bachelors Degree (B. Ed '62) from UBC, and a Masters Degree (M. Ed '66) from Western Washington. He was a man who liked to be involved in the community, and for many years he was active in the Surrey Teachers Association as well as a dedicated member and president of his townhouse Strata Council.
Joe had many interests such as gardening, collecting art and following the stock market. He had always made an effort to be present for his children’s activities: be it swimming, skating, hockey or martial arts lessons. Joe also enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Mayne Island where he worked hard and eventually turned it into a comfortable home. He loved to travel, and with Elaine they visited numerous places across Canada and around the World.
Joe is preceded in death by his father, Aleksander, mother Ewa and daughter Susan (Russ).
Joe is survived by his loving wife Elaine, son David (Pamela), and brother Raymond (Olga), one niece and two nephews.
The Jurczak family wishes to thank the staff at the Peace Arch Hospital, the Surrey Fire Department and the BC Ambulance Service for all their assistance in ensuring Joe remained comfortable.
A private memorial service will be held in September 2020. If friends so desire, donations may be made below:
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