From: H.W. Wallace Cremation & Burial Centre

H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Wendy Butterfield

I’m sorry for your loss Cindy and family. Such a hard time. Xo

From: Wendy Butterfield

I’m sorry for your loss Cindy and family. Such a hard time. Xo

From: John and Lynn Tyler
Relation: Friends of Holly and Dave

Sad to hear of Joe’s passing. We enjoyed being with you, Pauline and Joe on the South Pacific cruise. John enjoyed hiking the hills with you folks and we enjoyed the visits on board.

From: Bob and Kristi Bridgeman and family
Relation: Through work and friendship

Recollections of Joe Balmer:

I first met Joe and his family while Joe was the senior Lighthouse Keeper at Estevan Point. What a wonderful natural setting for one of the most interesting light stations on the coast. We did some difficult jobs there one of which was building a new engine room inside the old one. We flew in about sixty tons of material – Joe saved us daily by driving the tractor and cart so that we could clear the helicopter pad. Joe was alongside and in the midst of a lengthy construction project. If you were ever sagging at the end of a long day Joe was there at your side jostling your elbow for some of the weight. I bet if the roof leaked we would have heard about it. However, nothing at that light station leaked and there was never one hair out of place – look as hard as you wanted. Joe was neat and his work was wholesome, recognized and applauded by his peers.

What a splendid place and what a family! Kids home schooled and more civilized than the city run-of-the- mill bunch. It was obvious that there was a strong and healthy family bond. If you had to pick a place for a difficult job Estevan Point was the place. Outstanding meals – the very best made long days go by quickly. We lauded the treatment that we were given while working there. Joe shared a lot of his time with us during work and after – always a smile and many many good stories. After months we must have been a pain for the family – we did our best to make life easy and no one ever made life difficult for any of us.

When the family moved to Victoria and Joe went to work at the base our families renewed and deepened the friendship. We spent a lot of time together and I learned a deep respect for Joe. He was a fountain of practical wisdom with a let’s get at it and do it right attitude. I really enjoyed his company and I am deeply sorry he had to go. What is the value of a man: that his friends and family loved him and will remember him? will use him as an example to live by.