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BORN
1956
DIED
2021
Joel Kerr Obituary
Joel was a proud lifelong Hamiltonian, born to parents Ben and Wanda (nee Muirhead) Kerr in June of 1956. He attended Sherwood High School before moving away to have a fantastic time (and occasionally study) at Queen's University - which according to Joel, was the "only University worth attending." He was very proud of his two daughters, who both graduated from Queens.
Joel graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. In 1982 he opened his own law office in Hamilton, becoming a respected general practice lawyer in Real Estate, Family and Criminal law, Estates, and Legal Aid. After 36 years of dedicated legal service, he was regarded as fair and philanthropic in his practice and retired in 2019 after receiving the Patricia Wallace Community Service Award from the Hamilton Law Association.
Joel was an avid reader, and loved nothing more than sitting in the sun at his cottage on Lake Erie with a thick biography or history book - except maybe reading to his grandson. His love of history and Hamilton led him to publish a local history book, "Caught! The Travels and Travails of John W. Kerr Fisheries Overseer 1812 – 1888" in March 2021 – a biography of his ancestor who led a storied life in Ontario. The Kerr family roots run deep in Hamilton and Joel dedicated many hours to family history research.
His loved ones will be left with many happy memories like camping with 'the gang', summer BBQs, vacations with friends and family, holiday dinners, the products of his woodworking and antiquing hobbies, and his vast book and music collections. We will remember his quiet, intelligent nature, his generosity, and his dry wit.
Thank you to the staff at Juravinski Hospital who helped Joel through his many treatments, especially to Cancer Specialists Dr. I. Walker and Dr. S. Voruganti. We are grateful for the countless blood donors who are crucial for the care of many patients with cancer. We also thank the 5 West staff at the Ottawa General Hospital for their compassionate care. Finally, we wish to thank our special 'gang' of friends, many of whom have known Joel since childhood, for their support over the years.
Joel will be greatly missed. We are very proud of him, and wish we had more time together. Cremation has taken place and a small family gathering will be held. A celebration of life for all his family and friends will be planned once public health restrictions ease.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Kerr
28 Entries
Stacy
November 1, 2024
Wow I just found out in 2024 Joel helped bring my daughter home from ccas in what seemed like a hopeless case he was always positive and a smile on his face he used to get fish and chips at a spot my house at the time he will be missed my prayers to friends and family -S.G.
Michele Crouse
March 13, 2023
I was saddened to hear today, about Joels passing. He was a fine lawyer who was knowledgeable and compassionate.
I met Joel through my ex-husband and Joel was our lawyer for the sale and purchases of our two homes.
May his family find comfort and peace in their many memories.
Patricia López de Vloothuis
February 25, 2023
Mr Kerr represented us in a court case. His advice and intervention was deterrent in the positive outcome of our matter. We are eternally grateful for his boldness, his priceless advice, his savvy and calm and confident demeanor. We are eternally grateful to him, and we are deeply saddened by his death. We were among the last cases he took before retiring. We are eternally indebted to him. May he rest in peace, a good man, a bold man.
The Vloothuis Family
Ken New
January 31, 2023
So sad to find out this news so long after Joel has passed. My heart goes out to the family, specifically Debbie, my old school pal. I can't imagine what you must have gone through the last couple of years. I hope your memories of Joel have given you some comfort. I think it's important to keep sharing these memories and keep his spirit alive in you. I know it's been a long time since we saw each other last, but I am around to lend an ear if you want to share. God bless.
Karen Smith
July 9, 2021
My condolences to family and friends. I only knew Joel through legal representation. But I had great respect for the man who helped so much in times that were so stressful. Sincerest sympathies
Kristine Connell
June 5, 2021
I just heard that Joel passed away, and I am so sorry to his family. Genuine and seemingly quiet man, but I didn't know him super well. I worked for him one summer as a receptionist, and my Mom Lynn was one of his secretary's for years (she also babysat him when he was a boy).
Again, I'm very sorry. Please accept my condolences.
Tina (Takach) Leith
May 17, 2021
Twenty eight years ago I need a lawyer, I made a phone call and asked for the name of the three best lawyers in town. Out of those three names I chose Mr Joel Kerr. I don’t believe in coincidence. Over the many years that Mr. Kerr helped me he was always the most awesome professional person. From going through my separation to buying my first home and helping me with what needs to be done when my mother passed. How fortunate I was to have known Mr. Joel Kerr. I always recommended him to my friends. I always remember calling him Mr. Kerr and he would say call me Joel. Rest in eternal peace Joel. Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joel.
Dan Gismondi
May 17, 2021
Dear Deb I am very saddened to read of Joel’s passing. He was a wonderful person and friend! His professionalism and calm demeanour as a Lawyer was always reassuring! It was a privilege to know Joel in our younger years and as an adult! I know he loved you and the girls very much! Thinking and praying for you and family! Dan
Sharon Curran
May 14, 2021
He was a very kind and thoughtful friend/lawyer. And I worked with deb for many years at Big V. He will be thought of often.
Jessica Claus
May 13, 2021
Joel helped us through some difficult family law matters. He was always kind and patient, making sure we understood everything. He was a great support through a challenging time. Very sorry to hear that he is gone.
Susan Andrews
May 12, 2021
A great friend that will be greatly missed. Deb, Jasmine and Kristen, may all the wonderful memories of your husband/father comfort you during your hard days. Sending hugs and lots of love to the family. Love David, Susan, Mike/Lauren and Richard/Stephanie.
Sylvia & Tony Filice
May 11, 2021
Joel was our lawyer for about 15 years, through real estate and also will planning, power of attorney. He was a very gentle and kind individual who we had great respect for and I also worked for CIBC and Joel would come in on a regular basis to do his weekly deposits.
His advice and guidance always helped us to feel at ease with any property purchase, or other legal matters. You are truly missed. Rest In Peace. Sylvia and Tony Filice
Ray Khanna
May 10, 2021
We (Kingsway Investments Ltd.) worked with Joel on many occasions over the years.
Joel was the "go to lawyer" for several of our mortgage clients.
Given his strong work ethic, knowledge, kindness and cheerful disposition, it is no wonder he will be greatly missed by not only his family but by the many, many people who called him their friend.
We extend our most sincere condolences.
Ray Khanna, Robbie Khanna, Nancy Barker
Pam michor
May 9, 2021
After high school I rarely ran into Joel except summers at the cottage. My most profound memory came years later when Joel saw me at the court house and always came to sit with me. He was a much needed friend in a very difficult time. My deepest sympathies Deb to you and the girls
Heather Boylan-Cruise
May 8, 2021
I have known Joel for many years through his attendance at Consent and Capacity Board tribunals. As a court reporter to the proceedings it was always a delight to spend time chatting with Joel. My sincere condolences to all his family at this time.
Belle Fiamelli
May 8, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Joel. I worked at the Land Registry Office and saw Joel often when he closed Real Estate deals. He always kind and respectful. My deepest condolences to his family.
Nick Mol
May 8, 2021
My condolences to the family. Joel handled my real estate needs and my will. Joel went out of his way to see my mother in her nursing home to tend to some of her matters. I'm not sure I ever met a man in that profession who went that far in his duties.
We also had a interest in the railway as I worked on the TH&B and he used to say he could see the trains from his office. I did pass on a couple of collector plates and a sketch of the Old Stoney Creek station. RIP Joel.
Dermot Nolan
May 8, 2021
I was shocked and saddened today read of Joel's death. I was not aware that he had been ill. I had been delighted to re-connect with him in recent weeks when he informed me of the publication of his important book about his distinguished ancestor who served as Fisheries Overseer. I was quick to purchase it, and although I have not yet finished reading it, I am impressed by the story, the man and, most of all, Joe's thorough research and exceptional writing ability. Joel was a very fine counsel and a good man. I was privileged to know him and litigate with him. A gentleman and indeed a scholar, whose contribution the the history of the community he loved is now, like him, eternal. We have lost a good colleague and citizen. My condolences to his family.
- Dermot Nolan
Judy setchell (nee Kerr)
May 8, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
As cousins we both lived on Upper Gage and enjoyed skating at concession street park. I have always remember when Joel took the time to teach me how to skate backwards. He also processed 2 of our home purchases. Our thought and condolences to your family.
Jack Roach
May 8, 2021
I was truly shocked by the news. Joel was my 1st cousin and I remember our trips to Hamilton to meet his mom and dad as well as grandma and grandpa. Recently, I have been working with Joel on the Kerr family tree as we uncovered more mysteries about the Kerr family. I will miss Joel dearly.
Robert Muirhead
May 8, 2021
May 8 th
He was my cousin and we did a few things as little kids. Clam bakes, Watkin Glen, he sang a Beatles song on uncle Bill’s tape recorder.
Later he lawyered me through a lot.His fluency in English wisdom and judgment made him a great man.
He will be sadly missed .God Bless.
Robert Muirhead
Brian Lord
May 8, 2021
Joel is my second cousin and we shared a lot of information on our Kerr Family Tree. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Jeff Sonoda
May 8, 2021
My sincere condolences to you Deb and the Kerr family.
Joel and I attended Highview Public and Sherwood together, our history goes back a long time.
I do recall riding my bike in my younger years to his family home enjoying the many treats offered.
Joel and I did stay in touch through the years as he represented our family for our legal matters.
Rest in peace my friend.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sonoda
Bob&bonnie
May 8, 2021
Going to miss him at our xmas parties and countless hockey games we went to
Meghan Harper
May 8, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I love you all and I’m so sorry for your guys loss my thoughts and prayers are with all of you hope to see everyone one day be safe love you
Rob Wasserman
May 8, 2021
Joel and I practised family law for many many years and our offices were in the same building.Nearly every day we would meet coming or going I said J K. and he replied R W. and this went on for years Joel was a great lawyer skilled with wit and sarcasm. If I could not take a case for some reason Joel was my first choice When he retired I felt a loss and now it’s 10 fold He was a good man so proud of his family For me he will always be in my thoughts when I enter or leave my office hoping to see. JK Always remembered Robert Wasserman
Peter Swire
May 8, 2021
I am sadden to learn on Joel's passing.
I met Joel many years ago at Sherwood and do have fond memories of his zest for life and his humour.
Like Joel, I too went to Queen's albeit it in a different program. I did run across him from time to time on campus. Queen's was a great place to meet people, to party but above all to learn.
My condolences to the family.
Kind regards,
Peter Swire, BComm (Hons), CPA, CMA, ON
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