February 8, 1954 – August 14, 2016

Joe Gatien passed away suddenly on August 14 at the age of 62, while enjoying a beautiful afternoon of biking with one of his closest friends.

Joseph Andrew Gatien was born on February 8, 1954 in Kamloops to Mary (Kassiones) and Harold Gatien and was the youngest of three children. Mary Lynn had a caring bond with her baby brother, and would often push baby Joe around in a carriage from their family home to next door and across the alleyway where both sets of their grandparents lived in downtown Kamloops. Joe’s older brother Bert, was perhaps a contributing partner in Joe’s sarcasm, and love of teasing: Bert and Joe, although competitive (Bert would often make his little brother Joey eat grass), enjoyed many activities together: They loved water sports, and spent many days at Paul Lake and Shuswap, as well as skiing at Tod Mountain. Both the Kassiones and Gatien families have deep Kamloops roots. The family business of running the original Commodore Café played a huge part in his young life. When being disciplined by his parents a typical punishment would involve peeling potatoes in the basement of the restaurant. After selling the business, the Commodore changed names several times over the years. When it finally opened as the current Commodore Café it pleased Joe to see his family legacy live on in name.

Joe met the love of his life Pammie in the summer of 68′ in Riverside Park when they were 14 years old. Joe loved to tease, but would only ever tease those he loved and cared for so it was fitting that during Pam and Joe’s first interaction Joe bit off a piece of Pam’s popsicle and tossed her into the river. This was the start of a long and loving relationship. Joe graduated with top marks from UBC with a commerce degree in 78′, got engaged in April, and married on September 23rd of that same year. They later enjoyed a honeymoon road tripping along the Oregon Coast, a place that held such fond memories for the young couple, they later revisited years later with their four children. Pam and Joe bought their family home in 1980, where Joe began his journey of never ending renovations. Joe was a do-it-yourself, and do-it-right kind of man. He was a self-taught handyman and took pride in his hard work. Joe would never pay someone for a job he could do himself and there wasn’t much he couldn’t accomplish.

Children soon followed after with the birth of their son Beau, and daughters Jamie, Elise, and Bria. Joe was a patient and gentle father, who always knew the value of little moments. Joe had a talent for braiding his daughters hair (usually in the Bento’s Day Lodge at the ski hill), and enjoyed sharing many hikes including backpacking the West Coast Trail with his only son Beau. Joe was always involved in his children’s many activities, and his striking blue eyes would light up with love and pride every time he looked at or spoke of his family.

Joe had a deep love for nature and adventure. He had many passions including hiking, mountain biking, fishing and kayaking, but skiing was the embodiment of Joe’s life. No one escaped a ski lesson from Joe, his wife, children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many other friends and family members were the lucky recipients of Joe’s expertise. Joe spent countless hours coaching and volunteering for the Tod Mountain/Sun Peaks Alpine Ski Club, as well as being a part of the Whistler Weasel Workers, volunteering for world cup events, and his biggest thrill being involved in the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

Passing on his love of skiing to his grandchildren brought both Joe and his three little racers immeasurable joy. Joe was a hands on Poppa, who took the time to build tree forts, pick strawberries from his backyard garden, dig in the dirt and to simply sit and enjoy the delight his grandchildren brought to his life. Dylan, Austin and Dawsyn have so many fond memories and adventures to remember their Poppa by, and skiing will no doubt always be the place they will feel him closest to their hearts.

Joe worked for BC Assessment for 28 years. He was a hard worker and a well-respected member of their team.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife Pam, son Beau (Austin), daughter’s Jamie Lockwood (Blair, Dylan and Dawsyn), Elise (Stuart), Bria (Corey), mother-in-law Joan Kenny, sister Mary-Lynn Fornelli (Jim), brother Bert (Denise), nieces, nephews as well as many friends and relatives.

The family will be honouring Joe’s wish for a small, private Celebration of Life. Should family and friends desire, donations may be made to the Sun Peaks Alpine Ski Club in honour of Joe’s memory and his love for the sport. http://sunpeaksracers.ca
 

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

• Date : 2016-08-14
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.