Joseph R. Laurin

Joseph R. Laurin, age 97. Beloved husband of Joan (nee Belson); dear father of Paul; loving stepfather to Christine and Kagen; cherished brother of Jacques, Aline and Mirelle (deceased); gentle grandfather of five; teacher of thousands and devoted scholar. In lieu of flowers the family requests gifts to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (www.chla.org). Vigil followed by Funeral Mass on June 26, 2019 at 10 a.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 1234 Palm Avenue, Beaumont, CA followed by interment at 1 p.m. at Stewart Sunny Slope Cemetery, 40 S. Pennsylvania Avenue, Beaumont, CA.

After teaching at University of Ottawa, Joseph came to California in the early 1950s and taught at Los Angeles City College. He settled in Stockton, California in the early 1960’s and took a position as a teacher and then administrator at San Joaquin Delta College until 1976, where he served as Associate Dean of summer session and night programs. He was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and then travelled the globe, utilizing his multi-lingual skills to lead several instructional tours to Europe, Asia, the Far East and the South Pacific. His life-long passion for learning commenced with baccalaureate and graduate degrees from the University of Ottawa where he became a professor. He received his Ph. D. from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy, established by St. Ignatius of Loyola in the 16th Century and received highest honors for his doctoral dissertation.

He met and married Joan (Belson) on a world tour in the 1950’s, to whom he remained devoted all his years. They settled in Southern California in 1981.

His passion for scholarship was life long, including intensive study of Hellenic arts and culture which led to the publication of various historical commentaries throughout the last 25 years of his life. He taught scores of courses in various institutions and touched thousands of students. He passed peacefully on June 18, 2019.

He is survived by his son Paul of Los Angeles and his stepdaughter Christine of Salt Lake City.