JOHN (JOE) JOSEPH PERDUE

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JOHN (JOE) JOSEPH PERDUE John (Joe) Joseph Perdue, aged 88, with family at his side, peacefully passed away on Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Health Sciences Centre. Born February 9, 1923 in Windsor, ON, John had five siblings: Michael, Jerry, Madeline (predeceased) Evelyn and Martin. As a young man, he and his brother Mike, joined the Canadian Navy where he proudly served during the Second World War aboard the HMCS Uganda. He never forgot his time in the Navy and in latter life became a member of the legion and volunteered at the Naval Museum. After the war John began his civilian life in Kingston, ON. There he met a nursing student named Laura Elizabeth Shaver. They married in 1954 and began a caring, loving relationship that lasted for 57 years. John then set his sights on the grocery store business and with his usual focused determination and exemplary work ethic was driven to move up the corporate ladder which he did. With his career on track, a family life followed. Five children were brought into this loving couple's life; John Joseph Jr., Michael Allan, Gordon Andrew, Marie Elizabeth and Lori Diane. John (Joe) loved life, people and above all, his family. After retiring from a corporate life, Joe decided to take a position with the Commissionaires at the Winnipeg Airport. This was a perfect retirement job, as Joe was a very charismatic, charming man who loved to interact with people. Even in retirement, his excellent work ethic resulted in a promotion to Sergeant in the Commissionaires. He enjoyed a busy life which included his passions of camping, travelling to Hawaii with his wife every year and golfing with his children. He shot his first hole-in-one at the age of 80. He took great pride and enjoyment with his eight grandchildren: Faith and Darci Perdue, Ben and Christopher Holmes, Liam and Aidan Kratschmar and Sophie and Simone Perdue. Joe set an example to all as to how to live a life filled will love, integrity and loyalty. Joe touched many lives and was very much loved. This love was returned to him by the great care he received from his loving, dedicated wife Betty and by all his children, but in particular his eldest son John who made sure that his mother and father lived an exceptional life of travel and camping adventures while remaining in the comforts of their own home throughout their later years. Joe will be lovingly missed by his wife Betty of 57 years; sons, John, Michael, Gordon (daughter-in-law Holly); daughters, Marie (son-in-law Erik) and Lori (son-in-law Ron); and grandchildren: Faith, Darci, Sophie, Simone, Ben, Christopher, Liam, Aidan; and siblings, Mike, Jerry, Evelyn and Martin. We would like to thank Nurse Marlene Pomarenski for her wonderful homecare over the last few years. We would also like to thank the nursing staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their care and compassion. We would also like to thank Dr. Zoheir Bshouty for his kind and continuous care throughout the years and a very special thanks to Dr. Justin Wong for his exemplary care and compassion that is beyond description. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Naval Museum. Services will be held Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 11:00 a.m., St. John Brebeuf Roman Catholic Parish, 1707 John Brebeuf Pl. Viewing will be one half hour prior to service. Our hearts are very sad, we miss you very much Dad and we will forever remember and follow in your footsteps and always try to live up to the greatness that you have shown to us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 11, 2011