Joe Walter Marier, 1913-2008

Joe Walter Marier, resident of Falher passed away on May 23, 2008 in McLennan at the Sacred Heart Hospital at the age of 76. Joe was born on December 29, 1931 at Smoky Lake Alberta. He arrived in the early 1940’s to join his mother and his adoptive father Lionel in Whitemud Creek Alberta. Joey attended schools in Edgehill, (near Guy AB.) Smithreade School in Whitemud Creek and later at the Grouard Mission. In 1954 Joey joined the army and spent the next 3 years stationed on various bases in B.C, Alberta and Manitoba. Upon his discharge from the military, Joey returned to the farm in Whitemud Creek where he helped his father, Lionel, on the farm with spring seeding and fall harvesting. During the winter months Joey worked at Parks Brothers’ Sawmill or on seismic crews in the area. In the 70’s Joey worked for Alarco Farms and later for Falher Alfalfa. Upon retirement, he became involved with the seniors at Club Alouette. Joey developed a passion for gardening and shared with his neighbours his abundant crops of tomatoes, cucumbers etc. Joey also became especially passionate with fishing especially ice fishing in the winter months. He also canned a lot of his catch which was excellent. As a young man, Joey had a very strong musical talent. He taught himself to play the violin, guitar, mandolin and Hawaiian guitar. Joe was predeceased by his father Lionel in 1981 and his mother Mina in 2000. He is survived by: sister, Janet (Guy) Maisonneuve, sister, Rose (Leonce) Pelletier, niece Nicole (Rick) Hunting, and great nephew Tristan, nephew Marc Pelletier and great nephew Kaylem, sister, Betty (Mike) O’Sullivan, niece Shaunna (Craig), niece, Joanne (Terry) White, great nephew Noah and niece Lori (Josh). Funeral services for the late Joe Marier were held May 31, 2008 at Falher from the Ste. Anne Church with Deacon Reg Bouchard and Father Boniface officiating. Organist and soloist was Ginette Aubin. Urn bearer was Nicole Hunting, Joey’s eldest niece. Interment followed at the Falher Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories, Peace River.