Joseph Xavier Mead

Joseph Xavier Mead

12/16/1953 ~ 7/3/2014

Joe's great big heart finally gave out Thursday afternoon, as we surrounded him with our love. His passing took from us the center of our family because he was the exactly in the middle: four older siblings and four younger. Joey was the last child born in St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma, but less than a year later our family moved to Seattle where the final four babies wore the Providence label. Joey was also in the center of the baby boomers, the center of his young life at St. Joseph School and Church, and even more important, the center of his Capitol Hill entourage.

Joe [not Joey anymore] attended Seattle Prep along with his six brothers where Dad taught Math which Joe artfully avoided. Our two sisters were Holy Names students. After Prep, Joe enlisted in the US Army (Honorable Discharge) at the tail end of the Vietnam War. He tested the educational waters at Shoreline CC and decided to join the work force. He wasted no time getting hired. Joe's late cousin Bill Olwell introduced him to the Teamsters Union where he worked swing shift at ONC. Five years later, around 1980, Joe caught the attention of Mike Drobka, a supervisor and, ultimately, a dear friend at Samson Tug and Barge. Joe distinguished himself at Samson for eighteen years and decided his brother John needed to join him in the Alaska cargo trade.

In 1998, Joe moved to Northland Services and never looked back. He quickly became indispensable at Northland where he lived on barges during the summer seasons in Alaska. He was responsible for the sometimes difficult task of off-loading containers and all manner of heavy equipment and vehicles anchored off shore where he directed the tugs and dockworkers along the western coast. Joe was a very hard and smart worker in those waters. He was also loyal to his company: his last day of work was his last day of life.

Joe's parents, George Mead and Cathleen Hanley Mead died in 2007 and 2008. Joe's other life was working on the Whidbey Island farm that Mom and Dad bought in 1974. All of the kids did some work on the farm, but Joe found his ultimate destination and vocation working alongside Dad every chance he could steal. Joe's countless hours on Meadowlane Farm inspired Dad to bequeath the management of the farm to him. A faithful Islander friend, Roy Hagglund worked alongside Dad and Joe for many years and continues to help to this day. Because of Joe's meticulous care, expertise and supervision, it has never looked better.

Joe's survivors include George [Cheryl], Mary Mead-Smith [Smithy], Stephan [Nancy], David [Mary Beth], Mark, Theresa Forrest [Ward], Casey [Franny] and John. His extended family includes numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Joe also leaves behind his long-time love, Liz Olson. They met during high school and, later in life found each other again. Liz was with Joe when he uttered his last words: "I'm okay." Liz was instrumental in calling the paramedics and helped Joe's brothers and sisters gather around his bedside. Liz and the rest of us stayed till Joe left this earth.

In addition to his many close friends and relatives, Joe was seldom without his beloved dogs, especially Rocky – some of his dogs belonged to his brothers and sisters but they seemed happiest with Joe on Whidbey.

Finally, it should be mentioned that almost none of his family or friends realized until today what a generous contributor Joe was to his favorite causes. In lieu of flowers kindly consider Joe's charity The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy.

Our Celebration of Joe's Life will take place on Saturday afternoon beginning at noon.

Here are the details and directions:

DATE: July 12, 2014

TIME: Noon

PLACE: MV Skansonia
www.skansonia.com/
205 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 545-9109

PARKING: We have approximately 30 spaces adjacent to the Skansonia. Please let the older and disabled friends of Joe use those spaces.

DIRECTIONS FROM I-5 (NORTH & SOUTH):

? From I-5 take exit 169 (NE 45th St.)
? Head east one block toward UW
? Turn right on 8th Ave. NE
? Turn right on NE 42nd St.
? Turn Left on 7th Ave. NE
? Turn left on 6th Ave. NE
? Through the stoplight onto Northlake
? The Skansonia is one block West of IVAR's, across the street from DUNN LUMBER
? * Ok to drop off guests in private cul-de-sac parking lot, at the top of the ramp which leads down to the ferryboat.
? **No stairs or steps from parking lot to the boat. All major activities are on the main level where there are no steps or stairs.
Ample Street parking

Hoffner Fisher & Harvey
Guestbook at harveyfuneral.com