HALSTENSON, Joseph Howard July 31, 1937 – August 30, 2021 Rode into Heaven at 2 a.m., Chemainus, BC.
Thank you to all staff and Dr. G. Wensel-Smith at Cowichan Valley Hospital making his last days comfortable.
Parents Earl and Marguerite Halstenson (deceased) raised Joe in Calgary, AB. Survived by his son, Earl John Halstenson, daughter, Sandi-Jo Ayers (John) grand-daughters, Ashleigh and Courtney, first wife Doreen (MacQuarrie), partner of last 28 years Gail Hocevar and her family, Eric Barney (Sylvia), Laura Normand (Pete), step-granddaughters, Paige and Belle. Sister, Rosemary Baxter (John), Cousin Carole Melvill and many other cousins.
Born at Misericordia Hospital Edmonton, AB raised in Calgary. Extremely athletic, playing football in College, gymnastics and skiing were just natural talents he had. Joe was on the National Ski Team, taught skiing at Mt. Norquay and Sunshine Village.
The love of outdoors and bears Joe was hired for his life calling as a Park Warden with Banff National Park March 1961-1978. Joe loved the “cowboy” lifestyle living in warden cabins and patrolling the back-country on horseback.
Met his first wife Doreen in Banff and she was willing to live the back country lifestyle, raise two kids in small warden cabins for the summers and wintered in Banff at the Buffalo Paddock.
Mountain climbing was a talent he had and he helped many climbers off the side of mountains. Slinging under a helicopter or hanging off mountain, he loved every minute of it. He had great stories about Jim Davies as the helicopter pilot.
Talented on the ice. Joe loved playing hockey and coaching too. He spent many hours at the Banff arena playing for the Eagles as a defenceman, with his best friend Larry Gilmar in goal. The Glen Sather Hockey School is where he met many other hockey legends Bobby Orr and Eddie Shack who he took out fishing – stories Joe loved to tell about those trips. Coached his son Earl’s hockey teams throughout the 1970’s. Taught his love of skiing and skating to both children. Joe continued playing for old timers hockey in Victoria with the Saanich Old Chiefs and played many hockey tournaments with this team.
A singing cowboy of many musical talents playing the piano, guitar and banjo. Always entertaining at Warden parties and family events.
Joe could always be found on the dance floor at any event with music. He loved to live life to its fullest.
1978 moved the family to Victoria BC and worked for BC Parks part time until he retired. He met his partner Gail through a mutual friend. The past 28 years living in Chemainus BC together on a small acreage, gardening, puttering and pursuing various hobbies. He even built a replica of his favourite warden cabin “Cyclone” which is a testimony to his outdoor life in Banff National Park. In his later years Joe loved to travel to Mexico and continued to enjoy his love of woodworking.
Mind stayed sharp but the years of rodeos and active lifestyle took its toil on his body. His sense of humour was always there. A man of few words but a big heart was always apparent.
Proud Father, Grandfather, Father-in-law and Friend – Joe will be missed immensely.
Happy Trails Dad – we know you are riding on the Outskirts of Heaven. We love you and Thank God for every day we had with you.
Celebration of life to be held at a later date.
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