Joseph Isador Nayanokeeshik
It is with profound sadness that we are announcing the passing of Joseph “Indian Joe” Nayanokeeshik , dad started his journey to the spirit world on 04/23/2024. Joe passed away peacefully with his son Gord, and daughter Diane by his side at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Center in Port Hope Ontario after a courageous and hard-fought battle with lymphatic cancer. Joe was born in Armstrong Ontario April 11, 1945, to Alex and Alexandra Nayanookeesic being the eldest of 15 children. Moving to Ombabika, then Auden Ontario is where dad grew up in his younger years before moving away for work and to chase his dreams. Family was always in his heart, and no matter where he was, the family always came first before himself. Dads working career started CNR, Abitibi Camp 40, numerous small truck driving jobs in and around Thunder Bay. Moving westward dad worked for a few construction companies around Dryden Ontario, then switched to hauling pulp wood for Reed Paper out of Snake Bay, and numerous camps in the area. That was not dads true calling, he was meant to do long haul truck driving, all over Canada and into the United States. Dad worked for Rollins Trucking, Porter, and Shadow Lines before making the switch to Transx in which he worked for the company for 44 years before his retirement. Wherever dad was hauling, you could bet there was practical jokes, and sore ribs from laughing as he was a great comedian and entertainer and pulled the best practical jokes on his trucking buddies. Dad pulled hard, was away from home days, weeks, and sometimes months to support his family and make sure they had the best lives they could. Joe’s life revolved around his children Daniel, Diane, Gillian and Gordon which he loved and cared for unconditionally. When dad was home, he spent all the time he could with us, be it fishing, hunting, camping, going on the road with him, or just teaching us how to navigate life as we grew older. He always was goofing around, pulling fast ones on us, and keeping us in stitches growing up and into adulthood. It did not matter, dad always had our backs when needed, straightened us out when we were going down a wrong path, and helped us become the persons we are today in which we will be forever grateful for. Dad, you were the best, and ultimate father, and friend we could have asked for. Later in life dad found and married the love of his life and soulmate Sandra (Sandy). They were together for four years before their marriage on July 29th, 1996, and loved each other unconditionally until Sandy’s death on March 21st, 2016. During the 26 years together, with the blended family in which they created, they travelled together and made memories with all the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Dad and Sandy doted on one another and passed that onto all their seven children and their partners to carry on. We are all grateful for the family they became, when they united in marriage and brought us all together. Joe was predeceased by his parents Alex and Alexandra, brothers Henry, Harry, Gary, James and also by his sisters Irene and Elizabeth. Sadly, dad was predeceased by his eldest son Daniel, which was his Danny Boy. Dad was survived in life by brothers George (Tuulikki), Harvey (Sherri), John (June), and sisters Mary and Susan. Children Diane (Ron), Gillian, Gordon (Robbin Lee), Dino (Clara), Melanie (Dave) and Darcy (Kimberley). Dad loved and adored each and every of his nine grandchildren, and six great grandchildren which he was so proud of. Numerous nieces, great nieces, and nephews, great nephews
were also in dad’s life, in which he loved them all dearly. Joe was also survived by his partner Peggy McGuinn and pupper’s Andy for the remainder of his days.
Cremation has taken place, a celebration of life and internment in the Wabigoon cemetery will be held at a later date which will be announced. The family would like to send out a huge heartfelt thank you to Dad’s medical team Dr. Essak and Dr. Cunningham for the top notch care they gave to dad. All the nurse’s in the Cobourgh Hospital, and all the staff at Ed’s Hospice House for the care and compassion shown towards our father, brother and friend. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made
by cheque to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Humane Society.
