SAXTON, Joseph Patrick - 84, Truro. It is with profound sadness the Saxton family announces the sudden death of their beloved father, Joseph, at the Colchester Hospital on December 27, 2010. Born in Halifax, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Annie (Campbell) Saxton. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John; sister, Theresa; wife, Mary Jean (Surrette) and infant son, Shawn. He leaves behind sons, Michael (Kathryn), Truro; Patrick (Linda), Oxford; Terrance (Doris), Tatamagouche; Shaun (Karen), Squamish; Timothy (Elizabeth), Truro; Kevin (Kim), Barrie; daughters, Catherine (Dave), Squamish; Mary (Greg), Squamish; Jennifer (Don), Brandon; 29 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and another on the way. Joe served as a gunner with the Royal Canadian navy during WWII. Following that he began a long fire-fighting career, starting in Halifax in 1946 and ending as Deputy Chief, CFB Halifax in 1989. Throughout the years, he worked tirelessly in the Legion, organizing flea markets in support of the Burn Unit at the IWK, starting and running the yearly Poppy Campaign in Truro and chairing committees too numerous to mention. Despite all of this, he still found time to organize and coach minor baseball. His devotion and pride in his family is evidenced by an insertion in his resume that reads "certificate for outstanding Grandpa, presented by Grandkids on Father's Day 1995". He will be deeply missed by his family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Joe's family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m., Thursday, December 30, 2010. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, will conduct a legion tribute service at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, followed by another visitation from 7-9 p.m. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 26, Poppy Fund. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the "Guest Book" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com