March 26, 1944 – August 14, 2022

We are saddened to announce the passing of Joseph Francis DeLeeuw who passed away peacefully on August 14, 2022.

He leaves behind his loving wife Barb, his children James and Jerry (Melody), grandchildren Jeremy (Chelsea) and Jaimee-Lyn, step-children Karla and Stacy (Dustin), step-grandchildren Kaedance and Jack. Sister Darlene (Joe) and brothers Mike (Kim) and Pat. Step-sister Esther (Lee), sisters-in-law Lyn (Doug) and Roberta (Perry) and step-mother Jean. Joe also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Joe was predeceased by his parents Ethel (1999) and Hilbert (2000), brothers John (2004) and Dave (2013).

Joe was born in Kamloops on March 26, 1944 at Royal Inland Hospital, to Hilbert and Ethel DeLeeuw. He attended Rosehill School and then St. Ann’s Academy.

Joe was well respected in the ranching and logging industry and made longtime friends. Just like his dad, Joe loved the ranching life. In his early 20’s Joe became a partner in the ranch and worked alongside his dad. His brother John became a partner and the three of them worked together running a successful cow/calf operation. Upon the passing of his brother John, the DeLeeuw Ranch has operated as a yearling operation under the direction of Joe, Lyn and Jerry. In 1989 Joe and his son Jerry started DeLeeuw Logging Ltd, with James joining them working in various parts of the province.

Joe was a member of the BC Livestock Coop, BC Cattlemen’s Association and the Kamloops Exhibition Association (KXA). He was also very involved in BC Politics. Joe was co-founder of the BC Cattlemen’s Golf Tournament that was held yearly at the Quilchena Golf Course.

Joe and Barb loved to travel and took many trips, including Italy, Greece and Mexico. But his most favourite place was their yearly trip to Hawaii to golf, swim in the ocean and spend countless hours with the good friends they met throughout the years. Another highlight of their travel was to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

We would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cribb for her extraordinary care of Joe, she went above and beyond to make sure he had the best medical care. Also a special thank you to Sara Ludtke of Interior Health for your special attention to Joe’s needs.

The family would like to thank the Knutsford community, friends and family that provided support over the past year. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends that knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2T1.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 9, 2022, commencing at 11:00 AM at the Oasis Church, 1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops, BC

Expressions of condolence may be sent to the family at Schoening Funeral Service.

• Date : 2022-08-14
• Location : Kamloops