Joseph Desaulniers

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Joseph Lucien Desaulniers announces his passing on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at the McCausland Hospital in Terrace Bay, Ontario. "Action Joe" was 81 years old at the time of his passing. Joseph was born in Rainy River, Ontario on June 10, 1930 and spent his early years growing up in the small town of Pinewood, Ontario. Joseph was too young to go to war and at the age of 15, was granted an early driver's license so he could drive around to the local farms collecting scrap metal for the war effort. It was in those early years driving around in his father's Diamond T truck that Joe nurtured his skill for operating and maintaining machinery. It was common knowledge that if you ever lent Joe a piece of equipment you received it back in better condition. At the age of 18, Joseph hopped a train and rode the rails east to the site of a new town, Terrace Bay. It was there where Joseph would meet his wife Lorrain and raise their family of seven children. Joseph would take on extra work to provide for his family and many of the homes in Terrace Bay were built with cement blocks made by Joseph in the evenings after working a full day of constructing the new pulp mill. Joseph worked many years for Kimberly-Clarke until his retirement in 1986. Joseph enjoyed many outdoor activities and spent much time snowmobiling and breaking trails to new fishing holes, camping at the Slate Islands, and hunting and fishing with friends. After his retirement Joseph bought a remote trappers camp, bulldozer and dump truck and proceeded to build a road into the camp. Direct access to the camp was such a welcome addition that Joseph ended up building more roads for other campers on the lake. Joseph spent many happy years with family and friends at camp. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his children: Trent (Johanne), Antoinette (Pierre), Dawn (Theo), Lorrelie (Mike) and Jim (Narci); Grandchildren: Billy-Joe, Katie, Deanna, Trent Jr., Laura, Danny, Amy, Shawn, Christine, Kevin, Leslie; Sisters: Gladys Payne and Elizabeth Saley and his brother Denis. Joe is also survived by nine great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife Lorrain; sons Brian and Joe; his parents Christopher and Bridget, his brother Doug; Sister-in-law Sharon; and brother-in-laws Mike and Les. Joe was known for being naturally smart and his wit and wisdom will be forever missed. A Memorial Mass for Joseph will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012 when family and friends will gather at 11:00 a.m. in St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church in Terrace Bay. Internment will follow at the Terrace Bay Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Wilkes Terrace Long Term Care Unit at McCausland Hospital. Rest in Peace"