JOSEPH BEHSE

JOSEPH HENRY BEHSE September 20th, 1952 - October 16th, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joe Behse with family by his side at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Loving and supportive dad to Joey (Katie), Emily (Mike), and Jake (Alison); Papa Joe to his two grandchildren Jonathan and Aliya; brother to Bill, Pamela (Larry), Kelly (Jeff), and Jon (Cathy); and uncle to many nieces and nephews. Good friend, motorcycle riding buddy, and respected mentor, colleague, and physician to many within the medical community. Joe will be deeply missed by so many.

Joe was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and at a young age he moved to Lansing, Michigan before relocating to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Here, his love of football began, playing on the high school football team and becoming a lifelong fan of the Detroit Lions, along with his love for music, singing in the Madrigals (where he convinced his football teammates to join alongside him). After moving to St. Catherines, Ontario, he continued playing high school football and completed Grade 13 before attending McMaster University for both his Undergraduate Degree and Doctor of Medicine. Shortly after, he moved to Thunder Bay where he practiced at the hospital and in a number of different clinics, including Fort William Clinic, Lakehead Family Medicine, and private practice on Van Norman Street before retiring from Harbourview Family Health Team in 2022. During his full career, he remained a dedicated and loving father, present for all the important events in his children's lives, and was often found at the hockey rink attending practices and games for Joey, Emily, and Jake. He loved travelling with his children and later on his grandchildren, skiing the slopes, checking out local restaurants, and if you were within earshot to Joe you could often overhear him retelling endless funny anecdotes and offering sage words of advice. Joe's sense of humour, take on life, and warm and approachable demeanour impacted so many in such a positive way, not only within the family, but amongst the medical field, hockey community, and his motorcycling friends.

For Joe, there were many great loves in his life. First and foremost, his family - his three children and two grandchildren. He always made them a priority, and for that we are forever grateful. His love of music, often found with a guitar nearby, learning a new chord or hosting impromptu jam sessions with family. And his animals, the dogs and cats throughout the years whom he adored. Time spent out at Oliver Lake, summers on the pontoon boat, and winters travelling or in the hockey rink were the norm. Motorcycle trips throughout the years with friends and family were highlights of his, in addition to his always looked forward to Friday night hangouts with the motorcycle crew.

The family wants to extend a sincere thank you to all who have reached out and offered support. A Celebration of Life will be held for Joe - with details to be announced at a later date.

On line condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca