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Joseph Edward STONEHOUSE

1950 - 2021

Joseph Edward STONEHOUSE obituary, 1950-2021, North Vancouver, BC

BORN

1950

DIED

2021

Joseph STONEHOUSE Obituary

STONEHOUSE, Joseph Edward July 22, 1950 - November 4, 2021 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Edward Stonehouse on November 4, 2021. Born July 22, 1950 to Eleanor (Bainbridge-Young) and Joseph Stonehouse Sr. "Joey Junior" was followed by four siblings: Rick, Wendy, Jim, and Cindy. The family lived in North Vancouver, and the children all attended Capilano Elementary, Hamilton Junior High and Carson Graham Secondary. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in October 2020, and then stage four pancreatic cancer this past January, Joe fought courageously and with little respite. October 12th his oncologist said they could no longer do anything to help Joe fight his cancer. Immediately, Joe decided to proceed with MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying). For our family, Joe's choice was by far the hardest thing we have ever gone through together. Joe, brave and stoic to the end, needed to take control of his body and end his pain and suffering. His end of life was incredibly peaceful. Joe was in a deep meditative state when he was given medication to aid him on his journey. Our home has a wonderful view, and it was a typical pouring rainy day. However, when he passed at 5:26 pm, the sky opened up and a brilliant sun burst through the clouds, highlighting the raindrops making them look like crystals falling from the sky. Within minutes, we learned that a huge double rainbow could be seen from all over the Lower Mainland and appeared to be above our house! People in the streets stood still for just a minute to stare into the sky. Talk about going out with a bang! We're at peace with Joe, who we feel all around us, and are happy he could choose his own destiny. Anytime we see a rainbow, we will be thinking of Joe. In 1970 Joe, who was a skilled carpenter, met Linda Iversen, also a lifelong North Van resident. They married in 1973 and moved into a tiny cabin on Hollyburn Mountain. True to the 70's era, their first child Terra, was born in 1974 at the Clarke family log home up Hollyburn Mountain. When second baby Riley was on the way in 1976, the couple bought their first house and moved to New Westminster. In 1978 with their third baby Brody arriving soon, Joe and Linda reclaimed Joe's childhood home and moved back to North Van. Our family lived happily in that home for 40 years. In 2018, Joe and Linda moved and renovated their current home in North Van, where Joe's favourite pastime was watching the view and listening to music, which he enjoyed until the end. Joe had a very successful career in the general insurance industry that spanned 5 decades. He started as a young broker in 1974, and went on to partner in multiple agencies. He was a trailblazer in the industry, starting new programs and initiatives to help fellow brokers succeed. He served his clients with the highest level of integrity and mentored countless brokers along the way. Joe was a loving, caring, generous, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin. He was always there to lend a kind, patient and understanding ear for his family, and hundreds of friends and colleagues. He will be sorely missed and has left us far too young. Joe will be forever remembered as a role model, a lover of music, art, wood carving and classic cars. We all have numerous CD's and playlists, which he loved to make and give away with great pleasure. He was a huge supporter of local BC carvers, and his own carved ladybugs can be found in so many of our homes. In 2005 Joe and Linda bought acreage in Oliver, BC and started Stonehouse Vineyard. This became Joe's favourite place to relax. He would spend hours in the vineyard, learning about the grapes and winemaking, puttering with lawnmowers and irrigation, or laying in his hammock under the walnut trees for a quick nap, but we think the thing he loved most was sharing it with others. He would sit back in his adirondack chair and watch everyone play, swim or enjoy the pickleball court as he sipped his wine and found a new playlist. We could go on and on. There has been a flood of emails, texts, cards, and letters sharing stories, photos and thoughts about Joe. There is no doubt he was loved by all who knew him. We love them, keep them coming, we will share them with his grandchildren and keep his memory alive. Next year we will host a Celebration of Joe's Life. If anyone wants to show their support, please make a donation to BC Cancer directed to pancreatic cancer research in memory of our hero Joe Stonehouse eCards can be sent to [email protected].

Published by North Shore News from Nov. 16 to Dec. 24, 2021.

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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph STONEHOUSE

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21 Entries

My heart goes out to the family of a truly remarkable human being. I was lucky enough in my teens to be welcomed into Joe's circle of friends. He was a joy to be around - funny, kind, generous at a time in our lives when many of us were conflicted about the future. Joe always knew what to say and when to say it. I truly believe the break in the sky and the rainbow arrived to let you know his new journey had just begun. Love to you all.

Patricia Wheeler (formerly Patti McKenzie)

Friend

December 16, 2021

Joe was our first business contact almost 20years ago. That relationship quickly became a friendship. Joe always had an curiosity about coffee and would make a point to come to our roaster once a year. We will miss his professional yet gentle approach to business/life. We will especially miss our "coffee chats". From the entire Moja Coffee staff, our heartfelt condolences to the Stonehouse family and friends of Joe.

Doug Finley, Andrew Wentzel

Work

December 10, 2021

Lived next door to the Stonehouse's in the early sixties on Glennaire drive. Great family, nice to see Joe did so well with his life.
My condolences

Greg Sahaydak

December 2, 2021

Thank you for your kindness, Joe. You will allways have a place in our mind. Our condolenses go to Linda, Terra, Broady, Riley, and their families.

Jan Arne Johansen

November 29, 2021

Dear Linda, Riley, Terra, Brody & families, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Joe, alongside Linda, created an incredible life for himself and his family. Joe's level of kindness, and love for family, is a beacon for all. To be in his presence was soothing. Our physical world lost a great man. Joe's legacy is one that is beautiful, dignified, and powerful.
Our thoughts are with you all at this tender time. Love Lisa & Bill

Lisa and Bill Earle

November 26, 2021

Where do you start when you don't expect a connection to suddenly end. 10 years ago I made a change in within my career to go from management to helping build a new auto product within our office. I was eager to learn and had a small book of business which started to grow. After a few years I made a very scary leap into Commercial Producing. I was TERRIFIED, I had been in Commercial before but never on commission. I was bringing in mid-sized accounts slowly through referrals and friends and family and then Joe started passing me business to manage. Not just leads but accounts Joe had worked on for over 30 years. I had big shoes to fill, clients that had built these significant loyal relationships with Joe. I quickly realized why he had these accounts thought. Joe is knowledgeable, approachable, professional and understanding. Joe said hello every morning and his door was rarely ever closed. A simple knock at the door with a question I felt may have been scoffed at by others was always greeted with a smile and a nod knowingly he was more than happy to give you advice and provide an answer or assistance. My confidence in what I know today and who I am to my clients and Joe's comes from the plain and simple fact that no questions were bad questions and well...we simply cannot know everything. I have had great pleasure working alongside Joe and getting to know his family. I will dearly miss our chats about insurance or his younger years going to crazy concerts and parties. Joe was all about insurance but Joe was fun. He had a cheeky glimmer in his eye and made us all laugh. Thank you for every moment you donated to my career, I am so grateful for your mentorship and support.

Chelsey Whitaker

Work

November 24, 2021

I remember first meeting Joe when I went to Wendy's home when we were in elementary school. Joe was always so quiet! I confess to developing a crush on him during junior high school. Having lost my best friend Wendy in our early thirties I wasn't up to date with the family for many years. She loved Joe so very much. Joe eventually became my insurance agent so I met with him at least once a year until I moved to the Sunshine Coast. Thankfully I have kept up with Stonehouse shenanigans via Facebook and felt closer to Wendy because of it. But as always, one regrets not making an effort to see people more often. I loved Joe's smile. Thanks for keeping us connected Linda. May you be blessed with peace and good memories.

Sandy Donald Cunningham

November 24, 2021

This sweet gentle man was an inspiration to everyone who crossed paths with him. I can remember hanging out with you guys, Linda spinning cartwheels, and Joe always so calm and kind. He will be sorely missed. The rainbow was a beautiful, fitting send off, a magical beginning to his next journey. My thought are with your lovely family, sending big hugs from afar (in Baja right now!) lots of love! Margot AKA "Apple"

Margot Meacham

Friend

November 24, 2021

I´m so extremely sad that Joe has left this world. To soon & to young.
Love & condolences to all the family. Especially to my lovely friend Linda.

Beverly Oksanen

Friend

November 24, 2021

I count it a great privilege to have worked with and worked for Joe. He taught me, mentored me and inspired me to always better myself. He knew how to work hard, but also to play hard as well. Some of us got to enjoy Stonehouse Estates as a group and will never forget the many great memories. It´s so sad to lose such a great man. His ethics and integrity will never be forgotten. Rest easy dear Joe. Linda and kids, big hugs to you all.

Sandra Lewis

November 24, 2021

I guess I begin with love and admiration. The dynamic couple never ceased to amaze us with their generosity and go for it attitude. My first dinner party with them was just a causal affair with 30 people! Fill the house and feed us was the motto. When in Oliver I loved the relationship Joe had with the land, trees, vines and tools. He looked every bit the gentleman farmer. On a professional level he was so kind and informative. From day one he said if something happens here is my cell....no one will understand this building. (understatement..we have an artists building!) When it was renewal time he would come and have a sit down with us if something really odd was going on so he could explain it to us. His dear brother Rick introduced Joe to all of us in Strathcona with really old funky houses but out of that we got to be friends with both Joe and Linda. We are sad and miss him and hope we can offer love and care for our dear Linda.

Valerie and Arnt Arntzen

Friend

November 24, 2021

Cheers to a wonderful man, we are raising a glass to you Joe! Sending love to the Stonehouse family, I will never forget seeing the double rainbow that day!

Lesley Finlay

Friend

November 24, 2021

This was a terrible shock to our family. As related by the many comments, Joe was a one of a kinder. Truly a special man.

Although we have lost touch we fondly remember our many good times of days gone by, houseboats, the Ranch, parties, especially Linda's 40th, fishing, and on and on.

We are so sorry for your loss but feel comforted by the many life's he touched in such a positive way.

The Donaldsons

John and Denise

November 23, 2021

With the greatest respect for the incredible peace you walked with, sending my love and wishes for your safe journey.

Thea

Friend

November 21, 2021

To all the Stonehouse family, Toni and I are sending you our sincere condolences and tons of love while trying to navigate life without this magical man! He is one of a kind and truly one of the coolest guys I’ve ever met and yes we have many of his cd’s that he shared with us and as you said, with so many others. We too saw the sun come out that day and saw the rainbows here in Sechelt and wished Joe a safe and peaceful journey! He will always be in our memory as a fun neighbour, those crazy parties and our last golf game! You Joe are simply the best and are loved and will be missed by so many! We’ll see you on the other side!

Bev Davies

Friend

November 21, 2021

For more than 50 years I have known Joe, seeing him first riding atop a multi-ton Zamboni ice-resurfacing machine at Capilano Winter Club - circa 1967. As much as we skaters and hockey-players tried to mess up the ice, Joe would dutifully go about his role to return the surface to its previous pristine condition. Meeting Joe for the first time, I thought his deep, rich voice could have landed him in broadcasting. Alas, becoming a focused and purposeful, integrity-based insurance agent and adept businessman was a career path made for a man with Joe’s character.
Joe was my insurance agent for more than 3 decades and to whom I would refer anyone who asked. All were happy to deal with a trustworthy man, who also volunteered helpful guidance when asked; more than what was required of him.
When I became a fellow insurance professional two decades+ ago, in the ‘financial arena’, Joe and I formed an even tighter bond that has stood the test of time.
We have all lost a great friend, but the world is a much better place for Joe having been in it. Thank you for the friendship and memories, Joe.

Barry Soper

Friend

November 19, 2021

We are so sorry to hear the news of Joe's passing. Joe was our insurance provider for many decades and was always professional and a pleasure to work with. He was a lovely, kind man and we appreciated all his care and attention to ensure our business was always protected. I enjoyed speaking with Joe about his family, grandchildren, his hobbies and especially learning about his grapes. He will be dearly missed by all. Our sincere condolences for your loss. Sending our love and support to the Stonehouse family.

Louise Graham on behalf of the Graham Family and Oceanfood

Work

November 18, 2021

Joe made this world a better place!

Judy Crooks

Friend

November 17, 2021

May the love of friends and family help carry you through your grief.

Sherry Williamson

Friend

November 16, 2021

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I didn't know Joe that well, even though I'm also a born-and-bred North Van boy of the same vintage, but we shared many mutual friends. And I was nevertheless deeply moved by the remarkable openness and generosity of Joe and Linda and the family in sharing their final journey with Joe in the last few months through the "Lightning for Joe" Facebook page. I hope you know what a unique and beautiful thing it was for all of us who participated to have the opportunity to send "lightning bolts" to Joe every Sunday morning. It was a truly remarkable communal experience and I hope it gives you all comfort in the days and years ahead to remember the outpouring of love and support for Joe delivered via lightning from hundreds of appreciative followers.

Stuart Colcleugh

Acquaintance

November 16, 2021

The most wonderful father a son could ask for. Thank you for mentoring me in my career and life. Your legacy lives on in me and I promise to make you proud.

Brody Stonehouse

Son

November 16, 2021

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