Joseph James SOUTHALL

Marilyn, I met you only once (in Halifax many years ago) and it was entirely my pleasure. Please accept my late but sincere condolences for your loss.

Joe, however, I met on several occasions during my career with the Fish Inspection Branch; most frequently when we worked together on a team tasked with rewriting the Fish Inspection Regulations between 1991 & 1993.

Joe was an interesting guy to work with. We didn't always agree (who does?) but you always knew, whatever view Joe took on a topic, that view was backed up with facts, examples, considerable thought and even more determination. If you chose to debate a point with Joe, you'd best come very well prepared.

I'm saddened to learn Joe left us at such a young age...and a bit disturbed that I'm 2 years late in offering my condolences. I sincerely hope time has dulled the sharp edge of loss, that your memories of Joe are sweet, frequent & fond. Our very best wishes to you.

Glen & Janis Parrott

My Dear Marilyn. When one looks back a year is really such a short period of time and yet as we progress through a time of mourning each day seems like an eternity. I have thought of Joe often and know that he is in a better place. As a man of strong faith I believe he is still with us. Whether it be in a joke shared among colleagues or a special way he held a pen, read a book or drank a cup of coffee. On his anniversary I will think of him in a special way. Be safe and be happy Marilyn.

We're both saddened upon hearing of Joe's passing. I enjoyed the time that I worked under Joe at DFO, here in Halifax and also in Ottawa. He was always a kind, thoughtful and a fun person to work with. He'll always be remembered. Besides being a well read person, he was also an accomplished house painter. He worked with my husband, Demos, on Joe's house for a day. Although Demos was younger than Joe and he was working as a maintenance person, Joe proved to be way quicker than him and being a perfection on house painter than my husband. We'll miss his baby face, tasteful jokes, his people skills and especially broad smile. Thanks Joe for the opportunity to work with you in Ottawa. One of my best experiences working for the public service.

Myrna Gillis and Demos Niavis

Thinking of you Marilyn at this sad time,sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way!

I first met Joe over thirty years ago on an interview board and our paths crossed many times. His kind eyes, direct talk, intellect, and dedication to his work will be remembered by all who worked with him at DFO and CFIA.

At DFO, Joe took exceptional efforts to support the DFO front line Inspectors and lab staff, sometimes by organizing large events which played a huge part in making staff feel valued and engaged in their work. Joe made others feel appreciated and this contributed to a culture of workplace family that many were fortunate to experience. At CFIA, he was a founding father on many important files and he was always willing to make time for others and share advice and guidance.

Joe, you were one-of-a-kind and you will be remembered.

Shelley (Bray Taylor) Ippolito

We have many happy memories of shared holiday occasions with Joe. He always had the wisdom to take the time enjoy the company of friends, colleagues and family. He always did his best to make day to day life better for all who knew him.
Gary and Geri Briggs

Dear Marilyn and family,
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing and for your loss. I worked with Joe at CFIA. His personality was larger than life and he will be greatly missed by many. He always took care of those on his team. Kind regards, Heather Gordon

Andrew and I send our sincerest condolences to you and your family, Marilyn.
Thank you for welcoming us into yours and Joe's home as you did so often. You always made me happy when you'd tell me how much you loved Joe. What a lucky man he was!
Joe was a kind and challenging boss. We put in many, many miles and many, many meetings together. And many, many meals! During the time, I gained a better understanding and appreciation for our human differences, similarities and vulnerabilities. May he be at peace. Which in my writer's mind looks like: Joe comfortably seated in his great, big, old black leather swivel office chair, with a little white dog or two on his lap, reading a good, old thick historic novel.
Much love to you, Marilyn. You did great!

Joe was one of a kind. If you knew Joe, or spent time with him, his quick wit, charisma, and instincts for leadership and sound decision making shone through. He was a master story teller with a rare sense of humor.

He gave me my first job in the Public Service and for that I will be forever grateful to him. My time with him was brief at the CFIA but the truth his that I knew him my whole life because of his connections with my father. He was the kind of Public Servant you don't run into very often anymore. I learned a lot from him. For that I will be appreciative for the rest of my days.

My sincere condolences to Marylyn and the rest of the family. You will be in our prayers.

Dear Marilyn
I'm saddened to hear of Joe's passing. As you know I worked for Joe during our DFO Inspection days in Halifax and he mentors me during my years with him. I had great respect for him. He was not afraid to forge through business and taught me many skills that I kept with me throughout my career. We shared many stories, thoughts and many drives home after hours of overtime. You were always the priority for Joe.
I thought of him often during my career and He left me with many good memories. God bless you and your family during this time of loss.

Regards. Trudy (Hart) Betts

Sad news about the lost of a kind person. I worked and travelled with him on occasion with DFO on communications products. I will remember him as a knowledgeable and an expert with fisheries matters. I offer my condolences to all his family.

Dearest Marilyn; Words alone cannot describe the pain I share with you. Joe was a good friend and colleague and we shared many long and enjoyable conversations over the years. You have shown the grace and compassion of a loving wife and partner and I know Joe is truly thankful for your devotion. Please keep me informed as to when and where the memorial service will be held. Goodbye my friend!!

Dear Marilyn, So sorry to learn that Joe has passed. We worked together for many years at DFO and CFIA. His personality was larger than life. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Connie Abbott

Joe was my cousin (Clive was my uncle) but we hadn't communicated for decades. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time

I worked with Joe at CFIA as part of a Task force. He was always willing to offer advice to us young guys about how to grow not only as individuals but public servants as well. "Take my advice and a dollar and it'll buy you a cup of coffee anywhere in Ottawa!" one of my favourite Joe quotes. Rest peacefully Joe. My sincere thoughts and prayers to Marilyn and family.

Mrs. Southall,

I had the pleasure of working with Joe at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Joe's dedication and commitment to his work and Canadians were evident and he always had such interesting stories to tell... My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Marilyn, I am so, so sorry to hear about Joe's passing. He was a great friend and colleague and I have many fond memories of our time together both professionally and socially. He was as good a friend as you could want and his advice and guidance were always on target. I know this loss of your soulmate will be hard but you have so many wonderful memories of this incredible man.

Marilyn, my sympathy and prayers are with you and your family as you mourn the loss of Joe. He had a work energy beyond comparison and was a true star in the Canadian public service. It was a pleasure to have worked with him both in Nova Scotia and in Ottawa for 30 plus years. Take care and may fond memories give you comfort during this trying period....Bill

Dearest Marilyn, our loving thoughts and prayers are with you and your little canine companions at this difficult time.