Joseph Samuel Christopher Dobush

Joseph Samuel Christopher Dobush of Terrace Bay stepped into Eternity on Thursday, September 5, 2024 in the Wilson Memorial Hospital in Marathon. 'Joe' was born December 15, 1954 to Michael and Mary Dobush in Terrace Bay at the original McCausland Hospital. He is a 'Dr. Mike Baby.'

Predeceased by his parents he is survived by his wife Marlene (Upson) daughter Jody (BC), son Dewayne (AB), granddaughter Savannah Rose (AB), sisters Elizabeth (Nesbitt) Lorraine (Steve Chapman) and Sharon. Also survived by nephew Dylan Chapman, niece Jorie Gionet and great niece Lily Barry.

Joe graduated Ryerson University with a degree in Architecture. His love for Terrace Bay and the great outdoors here led him to change careers and become an electrician through Kimberly Clark's trade program. He finally pulled the plug and retired after a long career and many changes of ownership of the pulp mill. In 42 years of service he never had a sick day.

From childhood Joe could be found at his desk, drawing. His 4 years at Ryerson honed and perfected his talent. In his adult years, in the winter months he would spend hundreds of hours on paintings from a Spacecraft over Hydro Bay to paintings related to his fishing experiences. But his passion was fishing. If there is such a thing as a 'fish whisperer', he was it. It was amazing how he caught fish while others with him using the same bait and lure were unsuccessful. It a gift he worked at all his life, learning how to catch different types of fish. He expended much energy to find the fishing spots that were not common knowledge.

Joe was a trailblazer. He made networks of great walking trails that sadly were eliminated in 2005 when Neenah paper cut all the forests along Hays Lake and the Aguasabon River. He hacked trails out of the bush. In fact, he cut a trail from Highway 17 down to Kelly Harbor that is popular today.

Joe was also a man of 'good eats'. He loved Marlene's Honey Garlic wings and his garden was renowned for peas. He loved eating raw sweet peas. He made excellent pickles, beef jerky and canned rainbow.

Joe lived to fish and be out in the bush. As he said "Fishing is my passion". He loved his family, provided well for them. He walked away from the road not taken to come home to the life he really wanted to live. He truly was a home town boy.

We wish to thank all the staff of Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, McCausland Hospital for their professional and compassionate care of Joe and the ambulance folks with him on his 'road trips' between hospitals. Thanks to all the friends reaching out to us. We will have a send off of food and friends at a later date. We want to hear your stories of Joe. Thank you all for your love and support at this hard time.

Joe will be missed by everyone he knew except perhaps the fish.