It is with sadness the family of Joseph Leonard John Thompson, age 71, of Nauwigewauk, NB, announces his passing, which occurred on Thursday, October 8, 2015 in Palm Springs, California. Joe was born on August 22, 1944 to Leonard and Theresa Thompson, and baptized on September 17, 1944 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rothesay, NB. He was predeceased by his parents, and his infant brother, Michael Edgar. Joe is survived by his wife of 48 years, Wanda M. Theresa (Rogers) Thompson; his daughter, Mary Beth (Lorne) Buchanan of St. Peter’s, Cape Breton, NS; sons, Peter (Kelly McGee) Thompson of Vancouver, BC; and Darren (Stephanie Brennan) of Leduc, Alberta. PapaJoe will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Tavish and Declan Buchanan, Ethan and Elise Thompson, Reid, Noah and Seth Thompson. He was so very loved as Uncle Joe by Mary Theresa (Gordon) Ferris, Joshua Ferris, Chelsea (Brett) and Mason Langis. Joe’s brothers and sisters, Anne (Ross) Titus, of Gorham’s Bluff, Ronald Thompson of Nauwigewauk, Gerald (Beth) Thompson of Quispamsis, Marlene Thompson of Quispamsis, and Paul Thompson of Quispamsis, miss their "first born" brother dearly. Husband, Dad, Papa, Teacher, Administrator, Writer, Environmentalist, Bird Watcher, Outdoor Education Enthusiast, Traveler, Litter Picker, Facilitator, Musician, and "wannabe" Farmer. Most of all, he was "Joe". Walking into any room, it was never long before all were involved in somehow meeting and introducing themselves to each other, because Joe made sure of it. Joe’s enthusiasm for life, smiling and laughter was contagious, and his wonder of this marvelous world made others enjoy it alongside him. The home of Leonard and Theresa Thompson was a busy one, and often filled with extended family and friends. Joe proudly served as an Altar Server and Lector for many years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Rothesay. His faith and roots of service grew strong. He and Wanda met in 1961 while Joe was delivering Gates’ Store groceries to Claire and Emmy Duffley’s home in Quispamsis. After attempting to "give Wanda up for Lent", he couldn’t. His life was far richer with her in it. He proposed, and they married on July 1, 1967. The date selection for their wedding was to be their Centennial Project, and of course, a date that Joe would not be able to forget. Their first wedding anniversary...he forgot. Mary Beth arrived in 1969, Peter followed in 1970 and Darren was born in 1975. Joe grew up in Model Farm (Quispamsis). He was shaped by his rural environment, close extended family ties, and 8 years of attendance at the one room Model Farm School. He was a graduate of Rothesay Regional High School, St. Thomas University 1966 (BA); UNB 1968 (B.Ed and M.Ed) and University of Florida 1979 (Sp. ED) while on sabbatical leave. Education was his passion as a well known classroom teacher at the former Hampton Consolidated School, and KVHS, the last principal of HCS, and district administrator, primarily that as secondary school supervisor in District 18 and 19, later District 6. Joe counted his students and colleagues as his friends. He and Doug Crowley, were responsible for a well known teacher staff development program, informally and affectionately known as "The Doug and Joe Show" for several years. Joe was active in his community. He was President of Quispamsis Recreational Council ,a member of Nauwigewauk Community Club executive,and the fair committee for several years. He was for many years a cub and scout leader in Chatham, Quispamsis and Rothesay. Joe was a founding member of the New Brunswick Heart Surgery Support Group and a long time member of its executive, including presidency. He was a long time board member of the Dr Snow Center, as well as the NB Provincial Nursing Home Board of Directors. Joe was the Chair of the "Save Nauwigewauk" Committee when the divided highway project began. In leaving for California this fall, he was excited to know that the federal election campaign in Fundy Royal was in good stewardship with Jennifer MacKenzie and provincially with Bev Harrison. As a long time member of the federal and provincial NDP parties, his efforts in campaigning for change for his country was exciting for him to see and to share with others. As a parishioner of St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, his godchildren, and all those he sponsored in their journey of faith know of Joe’s great love of his church, and the faith community he served. Joe was involved in many ministries: music; lector; parish council; catechist; focus presenter; intercessions coordinator and composer; and member or facilitator of several parish committees. The significance of his faith community in his life is impossible to calculate, and unimaginable without him. Joe played his Martin guitar, Gwendolyn, every chance he could for years as a music minister at St. Alphonsus, at kitchen parties, birthday parties, family gatherings, anywhere! His favourite "gigs" were with his friend Ken Garey entertaining at nursing homes for many years in Sussex and Quispamsis, and with his daughter Mary Beth at various events in Cape Breton. A highlight for him every summer was attending the Kitchen Racket Ceilidh and Workshops in St Peter’s, learning from wonderful folk music teachers and musicians. His banjo, BJ, proved to be a more challenging instrument, but Joe was learning to master traditional "pickin". Attending local jam sessions in Saint John, Florida and California earned Joe new friends and fellow musicians wherever he went. He loved learning from them all, and was thrilled when they would celebrate his new accomplishments. Joe loved how music would move people, and encouraged them to participate, no matter their skill level. He would remind them that he would always identify himself as a Beginner too. As a musical encourager and leader, he was Master Class. Joe entertained, and nothing made him happier when those he entertained enjoyed the gift of music he presented to them. Joe’s early life was filled with memories of working on his Uncle John’s (Higgins) farm. As a "wannabe" farmer, Joe managed to really look the part his tractors Handy Andy, Eaton, Big-but-really-little-Red, Sow’s Ear, and Charlotte completed the look. After all, how can you be a farmer without a tractor? Joe loved spending time in the "Barnage" (barn/garage) caring for his animals: Tony the pony, Willow the Donkey, Rosie the Hereford (and each of her 13 calves), Monica, Nicole and Ellie the sheep (and each of Monica’s 5 lambs), and Sorrel Pinto Miniature Horse Sedona BelleBelle co-owned by PapaJoe and Elise. Joe’s animals were the excuse for the tractor collection, and were truly sources of joy for him. Opening the dining room window every morning would have Willow running up the field, braying as loudly as she could and Joe would let her know he was on the way with her favourite grain. His beloved English Setter dog Annie, was never far from his side in the fields. His favourite farming crop was potatoes, and as an environmentalist, refused to spray for potato bugs. Many an evening with the grandchildren was spent squishing the bugs! Joe kept a garden until the deer began enjoying his work as much as he did. Joe enjoyed 27 years of a healthy, active life following a triple bypass. With great care from his family physician, Jim Collins and cardiologist, Dr. Bewick, Joe walked 6kms every single day, and enjoyed swimming exercises at Fred and Betty’s pool this summer. It was a source of pride for Joe to take his daily calorie counts and glucose readings to his diabetic clinic appointments, and always receive a sticker for a job well done! In retirement Joe was and Executive Consultant and facilitator and involved in business ventures with his children, the latest being GOwithHIPPO Travel. He was always proud to pass out business cards, and proclaim:"Everywhere You GO, GOwithHIPPO!" Joe and Wanda traveled extensively, and for the last several years, spent winters in both Florida and California. Countless trips to Disney with the grandchildren, cruises, Europe, Hawaii, picnics, museums, maps and cross Canada adventures in the Hammer Nutrition Big Rig, all made Joe happy. Never driving the same road twice was the foundation for any of our family trips, and always making sure we had lots of egg salad sandwiches for whatever adventure was next were the priorities. When someone would ask if Joe wanted to go, his response was always, "BOOK IT!" Some of the greatest inspirations of Joe’s life were the teachings of Ivan Ilich, a Jesuit priest and his enlightened view of education; Arthur Combs and Humanistic Education, later called Invitational Education; Madeline Hunter and Ted Forte and Mastery Teaching; Model Farm School; Leonard and Theresa, his parents; and Wanda’s love and courage. "Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant", our love goes with you, Joe/Dad/Papa/Uncle Joe, on your next and greatest exploration <3 Joe is resting at Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, NB with visitation on Sunday, October 18 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8pm, and Monday 2 to 4pm. Funeral Vigil will be held on Monday at 8:00pm from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, all are welcome to attend. The Mass of Christian burial, celebrated by Father Kevin Barry, and Father Don Breen, will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 11:00am from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, followed by a reception downstairs. Both Funeral Vigil and Mass of Christian Burial can be viewed at ReidsFH.com/obituaries/JoeThompson two hours following the start times. Memorials in memory of Joe may be made to The Joe Thompson Memorial Foundation Scholarship, The Hampton Food Basket or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through ReidsFH.com.