Joseph James Steele, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on November 21, 2022, at the Grande Prairie Care Centre, at the age of 90 years old.

Joe was born September 30, 1932, in Morell, PEI. He was the only boy with four sisters. He was raised by his mother, who was a nurse and a teacher, and his grandmother. In his late teens, he went to Prince of Wales College for his Teaching Methods training. From 1951 to 1953, he taught school in one room schools in Bangor and St. Peter’s Harbour, PEI.

In 1953, Joe headed west to Ontario, working at Hamilton Hydro for a short time. He then headed further west, as he had a goal of seeing the 1954 British Empire Games in Vancouver, BC. He watched Roger Bannister beat John Landry running the four-minute mile. This was a big highlight in Joe’s life, as he was an avid track and field athlete, excelling in high-jump, himself.

While Joe was in Vancouver, he began his thirty-five years of work with Indian Affairs as teacher, principal, and counsellor. His education career started in Fort Babine, BC. He then moved to Alberta where he resided at Standoff, Boyer River, Cluny, Meander River, Alexis, and High Level, throughout his education career. During this time frame, Joe spent two years going to the University of Calgary, where he received a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Diploma in Administration.

While Joe was teaching at Standoff, he met and married Carol Marshall. Joe and Carol had 3 children, Jimmy, who passed just before his first birthday, and Ginny and Colleen. Joe enjoyed travelling and would take the family camping on summer vacations anywhere from the Rocky Mountains to the farm in northern Alberta. One year he drove the family, including the dog and cat, from Calgary to PEI, then back across Canada to Vancouver, before heading home. It was an incredible trip with many great memories.

Joe and Carol were also homesteaders and worked their section of land, just outside of High Level in Rocky Lane. Joe and Carol farmed the land and, after retirement, moved out to the homestead, fulfilling his dream of living on the farm.

In 1991, Joe and Carol retired from farming and moved to Grande Prairie. They enjoyed being “snowbirds” by spending one winter in Arizona. In 1994, Carol passed away after a year long fight with cancer.

Joe remarried in 1997, to Eleanor, and moved back to Morell, PEI, his childhood hometown. Joe and Eleanor were married until Eleanor passed away in late 2002. Joe stayed on the Island until 2006, when he returned to Grande Prairie to be closer to Ginny, Colleen, and the grandchildren. For the past 5 years, Joe had lived at the Grande Prairie Care Center. By this time, dementia had set in. He received wonderful care at his final home.

Joe leaves behind his daughters Ginny and Colleen (Mark); grandchildren: Sabrina, Breanne (Gerald), Jenelle (Josh), and Jared; great-grandchildren: Aidan, Jenaya, Jaxx, Brielle, Joni, Brynnae, and Jane; his sister Kay; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his first wife Carol and their son Jimmy; his second wife Eleanor; his sisters and brothers in-law: Joan (Terry), Juel (Jim), Ginny (Ernie), and Clem, as well as his parents Maude and Ambrose.

The family would like to thank all the staff at both the Grande Prairie Care Centre and The Emerald Gardens, for all the care they provided to Joe over the years of his time in Grande Prairie. It has been greatly appreciated.

A Viewing and Prayer Service for Joe Steele will be held on Thursday, December 15, at 7:00pm, at Oliver's Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 - 107 Ave.).

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 10:00am, at St Joseph's Catholic Church at 10404 - 102 street. Luncheon and fellowship to follow.