Obituary of Joseph Basque

It is with heavy hearts that his family announces the death of Joseph Athanase Basque, of Fredericton, NB, at the Veterans Health Unit, Fredericton, NB on Monday, August 13, 2018. Joe was born on May 19, 1929 in Sheila, Tracadie, NB. He was the son of the late Edouard Basque and Marie-Agnes (Brideau) Basque. Joe is survived by his four children, Dianne Brewer (Edison), Ronald (Debbie), Joanne Manuel (Brent) and Brenda Basque-Ludvik (Robert); his sister, Linda (Sylvain Robichaud); grandchildren, Leticia Brewer, Jessica Smith (Bruce) & Alexander Brewer, Christopher (Chelsie) & Jeremy Basque (Elizabeth), Chelsey (Nick) & Kristen Manuel (Craig), Jacob & Benjamin Basque; great-grandchildren Kayden Basque & Thomas and Clara Smith; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Doralice Basque (January 21, 2017) and their middle child, Joseph Roger Basque (May 18, 1967). He was also pre-deceased by all of his brothers; Lucien, Rheal, Ludger, Jean-Paul and George. Joe enlisted in the Army at a young age. A little later in life, after all his children were born, he drove the School bus full time, for 27 years. For 12 of those years, he also drove the Fredericton City Transit. Joe was very good at wood-working, in fact, he was self-taught all the trades and always worked with precision and perfection. He wouldn’t settle for anything less. Joe and his wife, Doralice, were devoted members of the St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Church. They were married for over 62 years. They spent their retired years camping and enjoying blue-grass music festivals with friends and family. Dad loved to play the guitar, which he learned by ear and he loved singing as well. His favourite singer and idol was Hank Snow when he was young. He was an honest, caring and kind man; teaching values by setting good examples for his family. He was a very hard worker. We will remember him laughing and smiling, as he always had a good sense of humour. He was shy and reserved at times too, but always had a good heart. A very special thank you to the nurses and staff at the Veterans Health Unit. The care and compassion given was so much appreciated. There will be a visitation held at York Funeral Home, 302 Brookside Drive, Fredericton, NB on Wednesday, August 15, 2018 from 7 to 9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated from St. Dunstan’s Parish on Thursday, August 16, 2018 at 11 am with Father Bill Brennan as celebrant. A reception will follow the funeral. Interment will take place at Hermitage Cemetery, Fredericton, NB. Remembrances may be made by donations to the Alzheimer’s Society. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com