Joseph Bahige Skaf

“Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”

On July 27, 2024, at 3:43 am, at age 61, we lost our hero Joe to a well-fought battle with his illness. Even in his final moments, he fought to stay with us, but was called to heaven to be reunited with God and his many family members. We take comfort in knowing that his suffering has ended and he is at peace.

Beloved husband to Laura (nee. Saikaley) for 26 loving years; caring father to his wonderful children Bahige and Amira; loving son to Bahige (Nouhad) and the late Amira; brother of Nada (Dan), Boutros (Sheila), and Boulos (Daphne); son-in-law of Hafiz and Amal Saikaley; brother-in-law of Nemr (Paula), Salim, Amin (Asia), and his special girls Sarah and Saundra (Georges). He also leaves behind his best friends Charbel Abboud and George Saad and their families, as well as many nephews and niece. He will also be missed by family members in Canada, Lebanon, and Australia.

Joe's humor, compassion, and love for his garden brought joy to everyone around him. He was a dedicated fan of the Montreal Canadiens, a passion he shared with his family and friends.

The family would like to send out a special thank you to the medical team at the Ottawa General Hospital for the excellent care that Joe received.

The family will receive relatives and friends at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home and Chapel, 1411 Hunt Club (at Albion Road), on Wednesday, July 31st from 5 PM to 9 PM. The funeral service will take place on Thursday, August 1st at Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1161 N River Rd at 11 AM, followed by a burial at Dales Cemetery, 2960 Ch. Old Montreal Rd.

In loving memory of Joe, donations can be made to Saints Peter and Paul Church or to the charity of your choice.