MacPHERSON, JOHN JOSEPH "JOE" - On Tuesday, January 22, 2013, John Joseph “Joe” MacPherson, 70, of Fredericton, courageously finished his battle and passed away peacefully surrounded by love of family at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital. Joe was born in Caledonia Mills, Antigonish Co., NS on April 28, 1942, a son of the late Cornellus and Margaret (Morrissey) MacPherson. Joe retired from the Canadian Armed Forces after 23 years of service and completed three overseas Peace Keeping Missions (Germany). He was a member of the RCL Branch No.4, Fredericton. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish and especially enjoyed spending quality time with his buddies at the camp. He was a prolific reader and a skilled craftsman whether on a large scale or just crafting something special for a family member or friend. He always took great pride in his carpentry projects. Joe’s greatest joy in life was time spent with the “love of his life” and devoted companion for 26 years, Sharon (Steeves). Together they lived life to the fullest, travelling to different destinations, doing different things and simply taking in and loving every moment spent together. It was an amazing journey for both of them and every memory has now become “a treasure” in Sharon’s heart. His first wife Colleen always remained close to Joe. Joe was the last surviving member of his immediate family and besides Sharon he leaves behind a step-sister Dorothy Robinson, two half-sisters, Karen Wong and Glenda Taylor, a number of nieces, nephews and his faithful canine companion “Benji”. A very special part of Joe’s life was Sharon’s family, Bonnie Maston (Wayne), Brenda LeBlanc (John), Gary Steeves and especially Sharon’s mother, Annie Steeves. His parents, a son Scott Michael and siblings Lauchi, Michael and Ann, also a half-sister Doris all predeceased him.
Although there will be no formal visitation hours, family and friends will gather for a memorial service to be held Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 3:00 PM and will be held from Christian Community Church, 819 Pleasant Dr., Minto, NB with Pastor David Williston officiating. Interment will be held at a later date. For those who choose to remember Joe through a memorial contribution, The Chalmers Hospital Foundation (Palliative Care Unit) has been suggested by the family. Bishop’s Funeral Home (458-1885) have been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.