Joe was born January 18, 1942 in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan. He died suddenly at home at the age of 67.
He is survived by his wife, Carole; son, Marcial (Pam) and grandsons, Kiefer and Darien.
He was predeceased by his mother, Mary (Burtynski) Didier; his father, Marcial Antoine Didier; sister, Jeanice Marie (Didier) Hart and brother-in-law, Ken Hart.
Very recently retired, Joe and Carole were involved in the retail industry for 40 years with multiple stores in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Their corporation, Indigo Developments Ltd., developed and operated 8 different stores at Hillside Shopping Centre during the 35 years as a tenant there.
Joe spent many fun filled and rewarding years as a member of the Sales and Marketing Executives of Victoria. He was elected as President of the local chapter in 1986 and then went on to serve on the International Board. Many lifelong friendships were developed while a member of this vibrant group.
Joe was a talented public speaker and received multiple awards during the time he attended Toastmasters.
Although the Didier family moved from Regina to Victoria in 1974, Joe remained a dedicated Rider fan and celebrated Grey Cup for 32 consecutive years with the same group of loyal friends, most particularly Ed and Suzanne Sjostrand.
He travelled extensively with his wife Carole and her parents, Roy and Alice Whitely but his favorite spot to visit was Tofino. He would drive there several times a year accompanied by his friend, Pat Bolen. The two of them loved to spend time sitting on the beach, roasting hot dogs, and solving the problems of the world. He also enjoyed going to Bellingham and meeting up with Al Ruskin where they would spend the weekend dining at fine restaurants and discussing business.
A Memorial Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Friday, July 24, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
“Joe, your death has created a very large void in the lives of your friends, business colleagues and especially the members of your immediate and extended family. You accomplished the goals you set for yourself as a very young man. You will remain an example for your son and grandsons to follow.”
-
Sandra Kurvers (Smollett)
-
Elaina and David Konoby SInclair Dear Carole and family,
Our love and support continues in this time of great change.
Though Joe is gone from his physical body, he remains in our hearts and in a much greater dimension.
Our memories of our times with the two of you are of fun, food, and laughter, simulating world dialogue and of prairie talk.
You as a couple, were great friends, role models in our community, role models in relationship, of service, of caring, of kindness, of personal responsibility and leaders that inspired us.
Joe is remembered as a proud father and grandfather, a great gentleman, kind, direct, respectful and responsible who modeled Gandhi “be the change that you want to see in the world”
Carole we are here for you today and tomorrow, with much love
Elaina and David
Vancouver
-
Barb and Gary Lewis Remembering my friend Joe,
Joe, you were a special friend, the kind of guy who you don’t see for a long time but when we got together, it was like we had never been apart.
You had a way of saying, “Mr. Pennock, Mr. Mickelberry, everyone was Mr. this or Mr. that. You gave the word “Mr.” new meaning.
I’ll never forget the parties you and Carole had, always a politician in attendance, always one of your old friends from some place far away, always lots of people, lots of good food, lots of fun and ALWAYS a game to play.
I recall the SME conferences at the Alderbrook Resort on the Hood Canal, at Bend OR, Eugene, or how about the year we hosted the summer conference in Victoria, all made more special by you being there.
I remember the Ralph Palmer conference that you and I booked. We thought it made such good sense, even though Al Pennock thought we had lost our minds, but we did make money!
I’ll never forget the time you and Carole and Barb and I flew down to a conference in Monterey CA in the Cessna 177. I was playing with the fuel tank selector, didn’t have it properly set and about 75 miles outside of Reno the engine quit at 7,000 feet, only the sound of the wind. All I could hear besides the silence and the wind was your heart beating and a loud gurgling sound as you downed a straight shot of Stolly. It wasn’t until I turned the fuel switch to the “on” position and the engine started again that you actually began breathing.
The memories will last forever my friend; it’s too bad you had to leave us so soon. You were special Joe, and Barb and I and all your friends will always remember the great times we had together.
Thank you for being a part of our lives
Your friends, Gary and Barb, Hemet, Ca
(As read by Elaina at the service)
-
Sharon & Jacques Belley Hello Carole…Jacques and I were so very sorry to hear about Joe. Although we met him only twice, we did have such a delightful tme that we have never forgotten him…he was truly a person that left an impression. I have not stopped thinking about you. Let me just say that if you ever just need to get away from the familiar, you will always be welcome to come and visit us. Our very sincere condolences to you and your family and friends.
Sharon
-
Bob and Dorothy Tubman It is with such saddness, Carole and Marcial, that we read of the death of Jo. It came as quite a shock. He was such a vibrant personality and fun to know. Although those Parkside days are far in the past now, it seems like not that long ago when we all were forging ahead in careers and parenting and the future seemed unending.
We wish for you a tight circle of family and friends to support you at this time.
-
Don Marshall & family We are very sorry for your loss. Everyone will miss seeing and speaking with Joe at the rink. Our thoughts are with you .
-
Nancy Rosin - Grant Thornton Chartered Accts Carol and family:
I returned to the office today and heard the astounding news about Joe. I am so sorry and extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
From reading the many many condolence messages it certainly appears that Joe was alot of fun and had many friends and some great memories. Something to hold on to.
I will talk to you soon Carol. Take Care.
-
Dale Hansen Sorry for your loss Marcial…….all the best.
-
Dianne and Gordon Rhodes Carol,Marcial,And Family
Our thoughts & prayers are with you,at this difficult time
Rembering the good times we had ,when we lived in Victoria.Dianne Rhodes
-
Jacquie Gudmundsen I’m so sorry to learn of your husband’s death. Pete Bober sent me an email. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and that Joe may rest in peace with all of God’s blessings.
Jaquie Gudmundsen
-
Stuart and Ada Drummond Dear Carole
We felt great sadness after hearing of the passing of your dear Joe.
Lorna and Earle Anthony called us last night with the news.
We have some good memories of our time spent in Victoria with you and your friends. Had some good parties.
We’ll be in touch.
Ada and Stuart
-
Doug & Lucy Denham Carol and Family
We send our thoughts with you…still talk about the dinner at your home a few months ago. We were pleased to finally get to know you more. Then Joe coming up our driveway last month to check out our new car…
Our thoughts and condolences are with you
Doug & Lucy Denham
-
Bev and Doug Provost Dear Carole and Family,
We were so sorry and shocked to learn of your loss. I was so pleased to be able to attend the lovely tribute to Joe today. So brave of Marcial and Kiefer, they both did so well, Joe was so very proud of them, there can be no doubt about that!. Sorry Bev could not come as she was looking after our little Granddaughter.
Pat Bolen paid tribute to his dear friend so very beautifully.Our love and thoughts
Bev and Doug Provost
-
Pete Bober Hello Carole,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Although, I did not know Joe, it is easy to tell by the testimony of others that he was a great guy. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Pete Bober
-
Jan Noble Grewar Carol:
I was so sorry to hear about Joe’s sudden passing. Joe was a wonderful role model for me at Sales & Marketing Executives, professional and always with a twinkle in his eye. Over the years it was a great pleasure working with both of you at your stores in Hillside Mall.
Jan Noble Grewar
-
Phil Edney Carole
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. He was an inspiration to me and everyone else at Communicators toastmasters. He was also a Mentor and friend during my days with SME. I always enjoyed his warm hellos as we passed in the halls of the Hillside Mall. Your retirement together should not have started ( or ended) like this and I am am truly sorry for your loss.
Phil and Erica Edney
-
Graham Newberry My mother called me today to tell me this sad news. My heart goes out to you Marcial, Carole and all family members. I have fond memories of Joe and knew him to be a great father to my good buddy Marcial, a good neighbor and great community member. Thanks for the memories.
Graham Newberry
-
Lynda Spence Dear Carole,
I was shocked and saddened to see the news of Joe in the paper. Your friends at Peninsula Singers send their love and condolences at this sad time. May you share many beautiful memories together as you remember him.
Lynda Spence
-
Paula Sjostrand Grolle My father Ed Sjostrand moved to Victoria from Regina in the fall of 1973. In 1974 , the Didiers moved out too. It was the beginning of the Regina Group and other couples were added as the years progressed. What a group they are!
Joe was my fathers Best Man and I was Suzanne’s Maid of Honour at their wedding. During the preparations Joe let slip the name of the hotel they were staying at as Ed and Suzanne were very tight lipped about it. My girlfriend and I only left a note on their car in the parking lot saying “We know where you are” It was a few years before I told them who had slipped up! Joe was quite chagrined when he found out.
Joe also gave a eulogy at my Dad’s funeral which helped Suzanne and I through a sad time in our lives.
Joe was a great friend and I am sorry that I won’t be able to attend the service. I’ll miss you Joe. God bless.Paula, Frank and Sir Alex
-
Al and LaRaine Ruskin Dear Carole and family,
Our deepest sympathies in your great loss. I an still in disbelief that Joe is no longer with us. Without question Joe was my closest friend. I will miss him dearly. I will always remember our get togethers where we would do little but talk, relax and enjoy good restaurants. I remember the time we almost missed our plane in Moscow. ( the rest of our group were not exactly thrilled with us) Somehow Joe, I think you will be reading this, I know you are now in a much finer place and are completely happy. You are probably checking out interesting things and places in your new world. Joe, you will be missed and remembered.
Love, Al and LaRaine
-
Wayne and Audrey Carole our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
-
Joan E Knapp Carole,
My heart goes out to you in this very difficult time on the death of your beloved husband. Although I didn’t know him personally, from his obituary, he was a very wonderful and loved man by many. Please accept my condolences. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers.
Joan E. Knapp
-
Gary & Lynn Lunden Dear Carole, family and friends,
In 1982, I was fortunate to join a great organization of business leaders, Sales and Marketing Executives International, Victoria Chapter. It was to be a pivotal moment in my life. That is how I met Joe, Carole, my closest friends for life, and eventually my partner and Past SME President of Seattle, Lynn. We are grateful that Carole and Joe attended our wedding in 1994.
Many times, we reflect on that period and find great interest in the current web site of SME Victoria listing all its Past Presidents. The site quotes Tom Peters: “Leaders don’t create followers-they create more leaders.” Joe was a great mentor and leader. Many of you know Joe’s succinct way of getting a point across and his passion for fiscal responsibility. He inspired us to be the best that we could be as leaders and as an organization. He “passed the torch” with grace, caring, and a lot of class! We know his spirit will continue to do that for us, and those of his current realm.
We all mourn the loss of Joe and celebrate the wonderful gifts that he shared so freely with us.
Blessings to all,…………………..Gary and Lynn Lunden, Walla Walla, WA
-
Ken Worth Carole, Marcial……
I was shocked and quite saddened to learn of Joey`s death.
The gang at the Cadillac Ski School here at Shawnigan as well as myself, have a ton of great memories of Joe and yourselves having a good time and mixing it up with everyone throughout the years. Carole, Joe and yourself were key figures at our annual “Parent`s Day” where Joey was always ready for a good laugh and a good story with the group..Joe`s generosity was well known of course, a prime example being the donation of his pool table and Bicentennial cue to a group of his son Marcial`s friends, as they moved into a large home back in the late 80`s. We were, and still are grateful to Joey for that, as his generosity spawned some great stories and long friendships. That is just one of many good memories i have of Joey.
Carole, ….life is really about making the good memories as we go along, and Joe definitely made those memories happen for myself and many others. I know that you will miss him dearly.
Marcial,…we always felt your Dad was like one of the boys and he will be really missed…he made his mark on us. You can be proud of him that`s for sure.
Carole, Marcial…please accept my condolences and i do hope to speak with you at the service. Regards….Ken Worth
-
Leta Best My dearest Carole and family, how very sad for you all. My thoughts and love will be with you all on Friday. I have very many fond memories of being in Joe’s and your company and will treasure them always.
Unfortunately, I will not be in Victoria Friday but will be thinking of you.
Love Leta
-
Sam Rochman I just heard the news about Joe.
Words can’t express how shocked and sorry we are.
You and Joe were always the highlight of our market week
appoinments. I will miss our dinners at Centre Street Deli.
He was a wondeful man and his honesty and integrity
will always be remembered.
Elaine and I will always remember our times together.
We will try to touch base with you shortly.
May he rest in peace and he will always be remembered by those
whose path he crossed.
With our best wishes
Elaine and Sam Rochman
Havana Tex Inc.
-
dave and shirley horner prayers and thoughts are with you carol and marceil and family take care dave and shirley horner
-
Marion & Dan Gallant Hi Carole.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on Joe’s sudden passing. May your many personal and business friends be support for you during these sorrowful times and beyond.
Our very best regards.
Marion & Dan Gallant
-
Randy and Anne Silver A 30 year connection that will be sorely missed. I sent Carole some
of my thoughts regarding the myriad things we did and what a joy
it was each time we got together.It was wonderful seeing the interaction between you, Carole and
Marcel and how Ed and Suzanne, Pat Bolen, Al Ruskin and Roy
and Alice enjoyed your company.Your passing leaves a BIG hole in my heart.
Randy and Anne Silver
-
Marlene Felton I am extremely shocked and saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a wonderful person, always there for a coffee and chat.
One thing that cannot be taken away from you, Carol, is your memories, which are many. Hold onto them, cherish them, he will always live on in your heart.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your family.Marlene.
-
Glorie & Don Brailsford Our heartfelt sympathy, thoughts & prayers go out to you Carol and your family! We were so saddened to have heard that Joe passed away. We always enjoyed the visits we shared with you and Joe.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your bereavement.Glorie & Don Brailsford
-
Jim & Rita Brailsford Hi Carole & Marcial & Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sorrowful time.
Our memories of Joe will be in our hearts forever, we had such good times together. Sorry we can’t make it out to the service but we will be at the service in Conquest.
Love Jim & Rita
Dear Carole – I’m so very sorry for your loss. Joe was such a friendly, personable man. A pleasure to chat with when I’d see him in the Mall. You have my deepest sympathy.
Sandra Kurvers (Smollett)