Joseph Gabriel Goshen

92 years, of Halifax Nova Scotia, loving husband of Jeanette Francis, dedicated father of Margaret (Camille), Anthony and Leslie, and adoring grandfather of Antony and Sergio, passed away peacefully at home, with his loving family at his side.

Joseph was born in Diman, North Lebanon, in 1933, to the late Gabriel and Yasmine Ghosn. He was the youngest sibling of the late Jacob (of Halifax), Wakim (of Diman), Houdith (of Diman) and Marguerite (of Halifax). Joseph had many first cousins who lived predominantly in the United States. He was the youngest and last surviving grandchild of his family.

Joseph braved the skies over the Atlantic and immigrated to Canada with his brother Jacob in 1958. He married Jeanette Francis in May of 1964, and spent his life selflessly, working hard at multiple jobs per week, to provide for his family. For many years, Joseph worked the night shift at the dockyards, for CP Express, while growing a successful real estate business with his family, during the day. In later years, when Anthony took over the day to day management, Joseph continued to go to the construction site daily, and was a supportive mentor to Anthony, with whom he had a very special bond.

Joseph was an avid player of backgammon, who strategized like a philosopher, and had all the tricks of the trade to win. He dealt cards with the grace of a gentleman. He loved spending time in his vast garden with his wife Jeanette, and together they harvested many herbs, fruits and vegetables. He also enjoyed spending his time with his grandsons Antony and Sergio, at his cottage in Boutlier’s Point, where they enjoyed many Sunday barbecues.

Joseph’s faith was the cornerstone of his existence, the unseen foundation upon which he built his life and raised his family. He was a man of the soil and the seasons, who carried the warmth of the Mediterranean in his heart. The fruits of his labour, both at work and in the hearts of those he loved, stand as a testament to a life lived with dedication, purpose and passion.

At the age of 76, Joseph began construction of a home for his family in Diman, becoming the oldest person to accomplish such an incredible feat, determined to maintain a legacy for his family, in his home village in the mountains of Lebanon, which he held dearly in his heart his entire life.

He was a beacon of kindness, his wisdom a guiding light to all who knew him. His family is comforted by the assurance that he now rests in the eternal garden of the Lord. Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love in his wife and partner, Jeanette, for sixty-one years. He will be remembered by his daughter Margaret, a reflection of his gentle spirit; his son Anthony, a bearer of strength; his daughter Leslie, a carrier of his wisdom; and his grandsons Antony and Sergio, who will walk in the footsteps of his kindness.

Joseph had a vision for his family. He wanted them to live a good life, and through his hard work and guidance, he was able to provide that for them even till his last breath.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1st from 5:00PM to 9:00PM at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Wednesday July 2nd at Our Lady of Lebanon Parish, 111 Clayton Park Dr, Halifax. Interment will follow at St John’s Cemetery, 6 Bedford Highway in Halifax.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Lebanon Church.