It is with deep sadness that the family of Joseph Allan Heppner, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Nakusp, BC, announces his passing on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the QEII Hospital at the age of 59 years.

Joe was born on August 14, 1961, in Nakusp to Lillian and George Heppner. As a child growing up in Nakusp, he loved his Raliegh 10 speed and was always racing the bus to school. In high school, he enjoyed metal shop class and learned valuable skills which came in handy throughout his life. He lived in Nakusp until he moved to Grande Prairie in May of 1980 to look for work and adventure.

Joe was a very memorable character and everyone who ever met him has a great story to tell. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered. He loved drag racing and anything car related. There was no Mopar that Joe didn’t love and want to pull wrench on. For Joe, it was Mopar or no car.

Joe started paving in the spring of 1980, in Grande Prairie and never looked back. He spent his winters seismic drilling and trucking, just waiting to get back to paving. His job as a mainline paver took him all over Alberta and up to the Yukon, NWT, even going to Tacoma, Washington to tour the screed manufacturing plant in 2008. Joe had many nicknames over the years but his passion for paving truly made him “Paver Joe”. If anyone had a paver problem, Joe would have the answers. As he would say, “I live my life two augers at a time” and “I have asphalt running through my veins!”

Joe will be sadly missed by his brothers: Art (Judy) Heppner, Len (Shannon) Heppner, Ron (Betty) Heppner, Jack Heppner, and Pat (Jenna) Tear, as well as all of their respective children; his closest friends who considered him family, and his special companion Coyotee.

Joe was predeceased by his father George Heppner; mother Lillian Heppner; step-father Robert (RIP) Tear; as well as special friend Mary Ann Sieben.

At Joe’s request, he will be cremated and a private gathering will be held at a later date.

Memorial Donations may be made to Bandaged Paws Animal Rescue Association (12220 104 Ave., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 8A8).