Joseph James ARVAY

1949-2020 It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Joe Arvay on December 7, 2020 at the age of 71 from a heart attack. Joe was a high profile lawyer in B.C. for decades and a leading constitutional litigator. Joe was born and raised in Welland, Ontario and attended St Kevin's School and Notre Dame High School. He is the holder of law degrees from the University of Western Ontario and Harvard University. Joe was predeceased by his parents James and Laura Arvay and father and mother-in-law Frank and Eleanor Addario. He is survived by his loving wife Connie Addario and children, Emily, Louigi, Hannah, Carmen, Gina and six grandchildren, who adored him. He is also survived by his two sisters, Maryjane Cruise and Jeanne Pender. Joe was one of the finest constitutional lawyers in Canada appearing in over 70 cases at the Supreme Court of Canada. He was a tireless advocate for human rights, indigenous peoples and countless other marginalized or disadvantage groups. He donated thousands of hours of his time to defend the rights of people and he did so to make our country a better and more equal place. He helped bring about sweeping legal changes to Canada, including same sex marriage and the right to a medically assisted death. Joe was a recipient of many awards and honors. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from York University, Osgood Hall Law School and the University of Victoria. In 2017, he became an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of Canada's most prestigious civilian and in 2018 was awarded the order of British Columbia, the highest form of recognition the province can extend to its citizens. He was also an avid athlete, enjoyed cycling, fishing, sailing and skiing. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and remembered for his sense of humor, intelligence, charm, wit and love of family. Donations in honor of Joe's memory can be made to the Hope Centre in Welland, Ontario. www.thehopecentre.net