Joseph Rene "Joe" Tardif

1950 - 2018

BORN

1950

DIED

2018

Joseph Tardif Obituary

Name: Service for Joseph Rene "Joe" Tardif
Start: 2018-06-08T18:00:00.000Z
Location: St. Joseph Parish

Joseph "Joe" Rene Tardif

Joseph "Joe" Rene Tardif was born June 13, 1950 in Ephrata, WA and died April 23, 2018 at the University of Washington Hospital after having suffered a stroke.

The youngest son, and 4th born into a family of five, Joe moved to Queen Anne Hill in Seattle with his family at age two. He attended high school at Seattle Prep and graduated from Queen Anne High, working various jobs over the years including a stint at Frederick and Nelson's operating the elevators and worked in commercial maintenance for many years. He lived most of his life in Seattle, until moving to Bainbridge Island in 2015.

"Uncle Joe" was always ready to lend a hand, with an uncanny ability to fix what was broken, making use of whatever material was readily available. No matter the project, Joe would build something never yet seen and always with great determination and steadiness of hand. He loved planning and executing new ideas or discovering new ways to solve problems. An avid fan of Boeing Surplus over many years, Joe collected and used all sorts of rare materials to invent everything from water walking shoes to his recent vision of a collapsible hard-sided boat.

Reading the daily newspaper and keeping current on local and world affairs was very important to Joe, as were his weekly Saturday morning breakfasts with his brother, John. Most of all, he always came ready to dive in and help, share a cuppa, talk politics or tell a good story --and with a warm voice and smile to put anyone at ease. And always sporting his signature white hat. He was an uncle who knew how to play, delighting his nieces and nephews with his joyful engagement with them, genuine interest in their pursuits and great love for them.

Preceded in death by his parents Ernest Joseph Tardif, MD and Edith Marie Madsen Tardif, Seattle WA. He is survived by his siblings, Anina (Bob) McCormic of Bainbridge Island, WA, Yvonne (Bob) Ringgenberg of Mercer Island, WA, John (Debi) Tardif of Seattle, WA, and Catherine (David) Tardif-Douglin of Bethesda, MD, and six nieces, three nephews, three grand nephews and two grand nieces,

He will be remembered with affection and sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

A service will be held for Joe at St. Joseph Parish, 732 18th Avenue E, Seattle on Friday, June 8th at 11:00 am.

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Published by The Seattle Times from May 31 to Jun. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Tardif

Sponsored by The Family.

7 Entries

February 11, 2019

My name is Mike McBride, I was a high school buddy and we were friends in constant contact until I moved away in the late 70's. We talked on the phone and when My father passed we kept in touch for a few years on the Phone. I had not heard from him and was shocked when another friend from high school saw in the QA. his Passing.

I want your family to know he will be deeply missed by me. I have met you all from time to time at your home on magnolia overlooking the waterway onto marina.

I remember your parents and your family was always kind to me.
I know your caring people and his loss is great. My condolences sincerely.

Bruce Jensen

June 7, 2018

My condolences to the Tardif family with your loss. Met Joe about 1965 when they summered at Lofall on Hood Canal. Their cabin was next to the Nielsen families. Our house just on other side of Lofall also on the water. Spent lots of time in our boats traveling the canal and many games of golf at Wing Point Golf Club. Missed not connecting with Joe as adults.

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

June 6, 2018

Dear Yvonne and Family,
We wish to send each of you our supportive prayers as Joe enters his eternal life. May you know his nearness always.

Rylan North

June 5, 2018

Sad to hear about Joe's passing. I enjoyed talking with him about his inventions over a pint. What a laugh! He will be missed.

June 4, 2018

"Joe-the-Hat" as he was affectionately known at our local Irish Pub in Ballard, was a lovely man who had a lovely soul.
Over the years we shared our connection to QAHS and growing up "on-the-hill" which led to some wonderful conversations (over a pint or two), some serious and some not so much.
Joe had a quiet tone to his voice but his actions spoke larger than any of his words as he would always be there for a friend in need.
Gone too soon but will never be forgotten.
Sending my sincere condolences go to his family and dear friends.
All the best,
-Dan Shiels

June 4, 2018

"Joe-the-hat," as he was known at our local Irish pub in Ballard, was a lovely man with a lovely soul. We shared our connection with QAHS and growing up "on-the-hill." I'll warmly remember many of those conversations we had over a pint or two, some serious, some not so much.
Joe always had a quiet but caring tone to his voice. His actions always spoke larger than his words as he'd be first to help a brother in need.
Gone too soon but will never be forgotten.
I send my sincere condolences to the family.
All the best,

-Dan Shiels

June 1, 2018

I'm sorry for your loss. It is comforting to know that God has given us a promise to see our loved ones again and he longs for the day to be able to reunite us with our loved ones. Hosea 13:14

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