Dear Sweet Joe,    Remember you used to say that as long as someone said one’s name they still lived?  I thought you should know that your name is fondly and regularly mentioned at meetings and your good work continues.  “Goodnight, sweet Prince, Goodnight.  May flights of angels keep you in your rest.”  RIP, my friend.

Hi Joe,  I’ve always believed that as long as someone says your name, you’re still here.  Well, my friend, I still hear your name often at the club and people still quote some of your more memorable sayings.  It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone two years and it’s so much easier to remember how you lived than how you died.  And now Jackie is there as well so I will see you both again before too terribly long, God willing, and we’ll laugh once again.  RIP

A year later and Joe’s memory still reverberates around the club; his name frequently mentioned, often with laughter over a great story.  I’m glad Joe isn’t suffering anymore; that had to have been just the worst for him.  I believe that the only thing in life that’s true is love and love is eternal.  RIP, my friend.

Joe touched so many lives in very profound ways.  From 1999 on Joe was a staple in my spiritual life and rebirth.  Joe was steady, precise and consistent.  His friendship -loving, his guidance-true, his example -impeccable.   Joe's message of hope is priceless and lives on in all of us.  

Joe and I met in 1972 at Tarleton State.  We became fast friends in more ways than not.  He ended up being the driving force in my life and at a time so needed.   Joe convinced me to enroll in Texas A & M with him.  We became roommates, studied engineering and he even taught me foosball.  Never would have happened if I had not met him.  I miss Joe, those times and all the experiences we had together.  There was no one like him.  Joe was so funny, intelligent, compassionate insightful and down to earth even at that young age.  I really lost out not seeing Joe these past 26 years and not knowing he was sober. Joe that is quite an  accomplishment.  You will forever be my inspiration to be more  like you.  Adios amigo and Gig'Em in heaven until I see you again.

Dearest sweet Joe!  

Always so humble and kind.  

Joe and Jackie and I laughed about our names many times!  He said he hardly told anyone his real first name!  I felt special that he shared it with me!  

Joe may be gone from our sight but he will never be gone from our hearts.  

Joe,
May you touch dragonflies and stars, dance with fairies,  and talk to the moon!

Joe was my great uncle. When I developed a drug/alcohol issue he was my guiding light & example of the power of AA. Now I’ve been sober over 6 years. My life would look very different if he hadn’t guided me. Thank you Joe!

Joe was a true gem in the rooms. It was an honor to know him and to be able to call him my friend. I will always remember his stoic nature as he sat in his chair, listening intently and speaking of his experience, strength, and hope. I feel grateful that I get to carry many of his quotes in my heart as I trudge along. I will dearly miss feeling that hand on my shoulder and that voice of encouragement. His spirit will always live on in those rooms while being greatly missed by all. 

Joe was a constant in my life journey and companion in my recovery for many years. He was always available to share greetings around a table or quiet conversation over coffee one to  one.  Joe had a way with words  to speak  the truth. He could cut to the heart of a complex topic with a simple sentence. His gentle spirit drew me to him. I think I felt a kinship to him because we both were born and grew up on the Texas great plains—-big sky and land stretching as far as our eyes could see.

I quoted Joe in a meeting this morning, “ if you want to increase your self-esteem, do esteemable  things.“ Joe was a big influence for good in my early sobriety. He always had a great quote for any situation.  He was a fixture at Northland and an influential “old timer.”

I can guess why Joe never told a soul that his first name was Val, but Joe was an enigma;  a deeply human man who fought most of his battles alone at the same time as he helped others find their own path through life.  He was a real presence among us.  “Good night, sweet Prince, Goodnight;  May flights of angels attend thee to thy rest.”

Joe was an important person in my, and many others, lives. He will be greatly missed. Peace my friend.

OBITUARY

Val Joe Linder

July 29, 1954 – August 15, 2021

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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