Joel Canales Obituary

JOEL CANALES

Joel Canales, of Fresno, lost his battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 30, 2005. He was 39 years old. Joel lived life to the fullest. He had a magnetic personality and never missed an opportunity to make a new friend. Joel was a warm, loving and happy soul, who made those around him feel good. He would often make silly, quirky facial expressions to invoke a laugh. After graduating from Tulare Union High School, Joel moved to Fresno where he attended California State University, Fresno. Joel was a member of Sigma Chi and traveled extensively with a close group of fraternity brothers. In 1991, he graduated with a degree in Psychology. Joel's true love was his family. In 1994, he married Cathy Andrade. He was happiest taking trips to the coast with his wife, building sandcastles with "Princess" (Carissa) and chasing after "Pingo" (Christian). Joel worked with children at group homes before opening his own successful insurance company. He owned and operated Insurance Outlet for nine years. Joel was eternally grateful to his loving sister Miriam who in 2002 served as a bone marrow donor. Her act of love allowed Joel a few more years with his family and friends. Joel leaves behind his loving wife, Cathy Canales; and two beautiful children, Carissa, age seven, and Christian, age four. Raised in Tulare, Joel was born to Ruben and Wilma Canales, who will remember their beloved son as a strong, courageous man with a wonderful sense of humor. Joel is also survived by his sister and her husband, Miriam and Tony Singleton of Fresno; brother and his wife, Ruben and Monica Canales of Tulare; five nieces and nephews and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns and Blair Chapel on Friday, May 6, 2005, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Peoples Church Ground Zero on Saturday, May 7, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. Remembrances may be made to the Carissa and Christian Canales Education Fund, 7010 N. Marks Suite 103, Box #253, Fresno, CA 93711.

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Published by Fresno Bee on May 5, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Canales

9 Entries

Eric Chavez

May 11, 2005

The last time I had contact with Joel was at our 20 year class reunion where he was still his cool well mannered self. It seemed that we had a deeper then usual conversation that night and now maybe it was for a good reason.Joel, you are on my mind,in my heart, and in my prayers.We will all see you again someday.

Karen Hightower (Nanamura)

May 10, 2005

I went to high school with Joel at Tulare Union. We had alot of fun during those years. Joel was the sweetest and cutest guy in our class. I was so glad he was able to make it to our 20 year class reunion in 2003. He looked good and it was so nice to see him. I will always remember him.

Debbie Tenhet-Arnold

May 10, 2005

I was a high school classmate of Joels. I remember him to be a very humble and caring person. He was popular and handsome, but somehow unaware of how well he was liked. He was always funny. I am saddened by our loss and send my deepest sympathy to his family. My prayers are with you. Please know that he is at the foot of our Lord now and his pain and suffering are gone forever. We'll see him again! The Tulare Union Class of 1983 will always remember him when we get together.

Esther Gonzalez-Cantu

May 7, 2005

I am honored to have met such a wonderful, caring man. He was an inspiration. Our condolences go out to his wife Cathy, his two children, and all his family. Joel will be missed, but his spirit lives on in our minds and our hearts. The Gonzalez family wishes to Thank Joel for being a strong influence and inspiration in our lives and for those who met him through the Danny Gonzalez Foundation. We thank him for the years of support and for his contribution in the awarenss of cancer prevention. Our prayers are with the Canales family. Always remember, that Joel is an Angel by your side. A prayer for Joel; Eternal Heavenly Father, we pray that your faithful departed son rest in Peace.

Dave Gonzalez

May 6, 2005

Those who knew Joel will mis him dearly - remembering the good he brought all of us and the many laughs he provided through his joyful spirit. I, as well as the entire Gonzalez Family will find comfort in knowing he is at true peace in heaven. Peace - DG & DG

Sherrie Ramirez

May 5, 2005

I have worked in the car business for many years and my husband now runs our own business in Madera, Ca. He worked with Joel quite often. Joel was an Honest and Hard working person. I personally could depend on Joel to help me finalize my car deals. With his help I was able to succeed in a "Man's world" and become successful in my possition. I will be forever greatfull to him. I'm sorry for this terrible loss and I send my prayers out to his family and children for I also lost my Father at a very young age. Through prayers and tears I was always able to talk to my Father and I hope Joel's children will be able to talk to their Father and find comfort in the fact that he will suffer no more.

I pray

"God, keep your Angel Joel next to your side and watch over his Children and his family, for he will be truly missed, "Amen"

Sherrie

JESSE ESPARZA

May 5, 2005

Thank you, for all your hard work.

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