Joseph James Skeir

SKEIR, JOSEPH JAMES (Joey) – 67, of Kingston, NS completed his earthly journey on October 11, 2011, at home surrounded with love, after a lengthy illness which became secondary to his recent cancer diagnosis. Born in Halifax, Joey was the son of Laura (Anderson) and the late Wendell Skeir. Joey was a son, husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, entertainer, former athlete and, most importantly, a bigger than life Gentle Man. Joey’s keen mind, indomitable spirit and inexhaustible wit served him well in living an extraordinary full life. At an early age he discovered his gift for singing, and his love for all sports, and both remained his two biggest passions throughout his life. During his teenage years he held the Canadian record, as a sprinter, for the 100-yard dash and became a star player on the Queen Elizabeth High School football team. As an entertainer, Joey began singing R & B, performed Dinner Theatre at Historic Feast, but his talent peaked when he discovered his love for singing the Blues. During the 1960’s he lived in Toronto working in sales for five years before returning to Halifax. Joey was a past employee of CN Railways, Casino Taxi, owner/operator of JOEY’S Fish and Chips on Gottingen St, and retired from NS Power in 2009. During his tenure with NS Power, he moved to the Annapolis Valley where he met and later married his beloved Mary Alice (Parker); he had finally found his Shangri-La, and his world was now complete. Besides his mother Laura, Joey is survived by his wife Mary Alice (Kingston); sons Dana, Leigh (Judith), Carl (Sarah), Halifax; Joey Jr. (Cherie), Shawn, Dean, Toronto; daughters Carla and Tracy (Toronto); stepchildren Starr, Halifax; Jillian, Calgary; Al and Sonya-Lee, Kingston; sister Patsy (Halifax); brothers Wendell (Velma) Skeir, Winston (Gracey) Brooks (Halifax); Clarie (Sharon) Anderson (Toronto); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and loyal friend, Mark Offman. Joey was predeceased by his father, Wendell, his sister Gwen, and both maternal and paternal grandparents. Throughout his lifetime, Joey touched and impacted many lives which became evident with the number of people who called and visited during his illness. Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all of you for your outpouring of love and support. Thanks also to staff at Valley Regional, especially to Dr. Dion Davidson for his excellent care and compassion and to Dr. Burgess and the VON Palliative Care Team. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Joey’s life will take place at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax (902) 455-0531 on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson. Family flowers only. Donations in Joey’s name may be made to either the Diabetes Association or the Canadian Cancer Society. GONE TOO SOON…FOREVER REMEMBERED.