A veteran of World War II, Dad served with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in Holland and Germany in 1944 and ‘45, including Allied Occupation of Germany following the war.
In December 1941, at 16, Dad began working at the Canadian National Railway (CNR), where he was employed for 49 years, retiring in 1990.
A strong and faithful Catholic man, Dad attended mass each week and believed in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He reminded us often to be honest, fair and kind to each other. He never wanted his children to argue.
First and foremost, Dad was a responsible and protective family man, who was completely devoted to providing for all of us.
He taught us the value of a dollar and to save our money because “when it rains, it pours” and he instilled in us a strong work ethic. Dad knew how to have fun too. He built a backyard rink every winter where we kids skated and played hockey.
Somewhat of a prankster, Dad had clever ways to teach us life lessons about patience and sharing. At the camp on summer days, he’d have Barry, Dave, and Sharon in the motor boat and let each have a chance to work the motor and to pass the driver’s test. Dad decided the winner. Some days, Barry or Dave would win. But, other times, little sister Sharon would win. Not winning grieved the boys. But dad would say, ‘You boys have to let your little sister drive because she had the best driving test today.’
He loved all his children and was very proud of us and our accomplishments. He loved and respected all animals and taught us to be kind to them and help them. He had animal friends everywhere he went: bunnies, cats, dogs, birds, spiders, you name it.
Dad enjoyed the outdoors, his backyard garden, and puttering around the camp. He loved music, comedy, and movies from the golden age of Hollywood. He loved listening to the radio. CFDR and Seaside-FM were his stations, and Candlelight and Wine was his program.
He enjoyed flea markets on Sundays, looking for bargains, and watching the flyers for sales.
He liked having a good feed of Kentucky Fried Chicken, a few times a year. And he had a wicked sweet tooth, always keeping a secret stash of chocolate hidden somewhere until Barry would find it.
He was a miracle man, at 95, still reading the newspaper from cover to cover every day, repairing gadgets, and possessing all his mental faculties. His mind, memory, and wit were always quick and razor sharp.
Dad had a dry Irish wit and we can only imagine how happy he was to be with our mother again and all his brothers for his first Saint Patrick’s Day in Heaven. We love you dad. Thank you for everything you taught us and for being a solid and wonderful father.
The Joyce family extends our sincere thanks to Dr. Elizabeth Burton and the medical staff of the QEII Hospital for everything they did for Dad. We appreciate your support.
Dad is survived by his sister, Margaret Boucher, Cape Breton, and; his children: Dr. Donald Joyce (Michelle) Moncton, Barry (Kathryn Lynch) Vancouver; David, Sharon, and Linda, all of Halifax. Dad is also survived by his grandchildren, Alisha, Katie, Patrick, and Alexandra; great-grandchildren, Jake and Carson, and; sisters-in-law Antoinette Cully, Margaret Chisholm, and Yvonne Winchcombe (Grant) and many nieces and nephews.
Dad was predeceased by Catherine Isabelle Joyce, his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, and their baby girl, Lynn Norma, who passed away in infancy in 1954. Predeceased by his parents Annie (nee Simmons) and Edward Cyril Joyce; and brothers (and wives): John “Jack”(Delphine), Walter “Andy” (Hazel), Edward “Eddie” (Frances), Allan (Beulah), and Laughlin “Lockie” (Carol). Brother-in-law Bill Ridgley.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Dad to: St. Theresa’s Church North Street in Halifax, or St. Mother Theresa Church on Normandy Drive in Halifax or a charity of your choice.
To attend Donald Joyce’s funeral mass at St. Theresa’s Church, please phone Cruikshank’s Funeral Home (902) 423-7295 to register. The list of names will be used at the church and later for contact tracing, if necessary. As per Covid-19 rules, please remember to wear a mask and remain six feet apart while in the church. No reception following the service due to Covid-19.
You may also attend the virtual funeral mass for Don by clicking on this Live Stream Link on Saturday morning at 10:30: Funeral of Donald Patrick Joyce - Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 10:30 am, St Theresa's Church Channel from St Theresa's Church.
The service will be recorded and remain online.
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