August 14, 1934 – October 15, 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Raymond Laviolette on Monday October 15, 2018 in Kamloops BC

Survived by his children Lonnie (Les), Linda (Gordie), Lisa, Darrell (Cathi), Grandchildren Lindsay, Stephanie, Brett, Taylor, Tanner, Brandon, Nicolette, Sheridan, Tarrin, Great grandchildren Madison & Peyton.

Joe was born in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan and grew up on a small farm where he and his cousins would play and hunt. He rode to school on horseback until he was old enough to work. At that time he moved to Churchill Manitoba to work for a while. Later he moved west to Edmonton and then Vancouver. It was in Vancouver where he took up boxing to earn money. Eventually, he made his way to Kamloops to reunite with his mother. It was there he met and married Alice; they had four children together.

For over 40 years Joe happily drove truck for Van-Kam Freightways . Even though he drove for a living, he always took his family on vacations where he would again drive for miles. Most trips included a stop at one of the many dams within Western Canada or the USA before anyone could visit family, friends or get to any event such as the 74 Worlds Fair in Spokane, Calgary Stampede, Disneyland, and San Francisco-where he thought it alright to drive the family van and tent trailer down Lombard street.

Joe loved taking part in anything sports related and wanted to encourage others as well. He was a softball coach and hockey coach for many teams over the years. He especially loved snow skiing at Tod Mountain (Sun Peaks ), water skiing at Shuswap lake, golfing -often walking 36 holes in a day, curling, bowling and softball. He was proud of making it to the senior softball World Series in Arizona in 1990.

When he took time to relax, Joe would enjoy fishing and camping with his best buddy “Henry” his very small dog with a huge personality. Most of all, Joe enjoyed being with all of his friends and acquaintances whether it was early morning coffee, going for breakfast or happy hour at the local watering hole which he looked forward to every day.

He will be missed.

A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed at www.drakecremation.com

• Date : 2018-10-23
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.