Joseph Charles Moss

I played for Joe moss at the University of Ottawa in 1982....he was a hard working tough man with a big heart....and iron fist with a velvet touch......and he made men out of many of us boys that year....and he influenced many of us on how we lead our lives later on......great man ..big loss

To Nancy, Joseph II, and families, I offer my sincere condolences on your father´s passing.

I was a player at the University of Ottawa in 1982 when I was fortunate enough to have been coached by Joe. He was tough on all of us but he also had a kind and congenial side that couldn´t be overlooked. He demanded effort and perfection and was quick to let us know when we were not up to standard. He stressed the importance of doing one´s job, being fit and demonstrating toughness on the field. He also demanded that we play as a cohesive unit.

I always though that Joe was fair. He had no favourites and treated us all the same way. As a player, I had my best results under Joe´s leadership and I respected him immensely. After being drafted by the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1984, then returning to Ottawa U for my final year, Joe brought me back to camp in 1985 when he became the Rough Riders head coach. He gave me an honest chance to make the team. In this, he was generous and fair, and he gave me the opportunity to play in a game against Montreal, ultimately allowing me to fulfill a childhood dream. He knew how crushed I was to be cut, and he spoke with me kindly and gently, and I so appreciated that.

I have searched unsuccessfully many times over the years for his contact information so that I could tell him in his living years how much he meant to me. It saddens me that I never spoke with him again.

Joe was a great man who positively influenced many young men to strive to be the best they could be. And when you did, Joe would tell you, and you knew it was true.

Thank you Joe. You will remain a positive influence in my life forever.

And to the family, I hope that memories of happier times with bring comfort to your heart and a smile to your face.

Sincerely,
Barry Armstrong
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada