Obituary of Joseph Wendell Blades

Age 58, Fredericton, NB, passed away April 22, 2020. Joe was the son of Wendell and Phyllis (Pieroway) Blades. He is survived by his mother and sisters Carol and Ruth (Mike Daye), and was predeceased by his father, just one month ago. He was born in Halifax, NS and was based in Fredericton, NB, since 1990. He grew up in Elmsdale and Dartmouth, NS, and also lived, studied, and/or worked in Delhaven, Halifax, and Port Hawksbury, NS; Toronto, ON; Montréal, QC; Banff, AB; New York, NY; Dumfries, Scotland; Senta, Serbia; and Pale, Republik Srpska. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Art (1988) from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, a Certificate in Film and Television (2008) from the New Brunswick Filmmakers’ Co-operative, and a Master of Education (2012) from the University of New Brunswick. Joe was a writer, artist, and publisher–president of independent literary publishing houses. He travelled extensively throughout Canada and Europe conducting poetry readings and creative writing workshops and took great joy from working with children and instilling in them a love of art and creativity through words. Joe will be sadly missed by family and friends across Canada and around the world. In honour of his memory, donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Writers Federation or the charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place; a celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com