Joseph Steele

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved father, grand-father and great-grandfather, Joseph Steele at the home of David and Lois Wilson in Sheffield Mills N.S. Dad passed peacefully to his heavenly home surrounded by the love of his daughters, Michele, Betty Ann, Lois and son-in-law, David. He was born on January 1, 1917 in Glace Bay N.S. and was the 13th child of Michael and Isabel Steele. He was predeceased in death in 2004 by his beloved wife of 64 years, Lydia Blanche Sweet.

When the 13th child was born in the Steele household at less that 2lbs, he was not expected to live. Hence one short name, Joseph and he was placed in a shoe box and in the warming oven! Little did they know that he would live till he was almost 99 and be a man of over 6"3' tall! He grew up in Glace Bay during difficult mining times. Our childhoods were engrossed with stories of the miner's lives, flower gardens down in the mines, the Big Strike of the miners and of course the love and care of the Pit Ponies. Dad's father, Michael Steele, was a miner and from an early age Dad knew that he wanted his life to take a different direction. He choose to be a teacher and many students both in Nova Scotia and Quebec had the enjoyment of his teaching methods. Dad loved being a teacher and it brought him great joy and satisfaction.

Dad was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and began his teaching career in Glace Bay. He started at St. John's Elementary School and later went on to become the principal of St. Michael's High School. He spent many happy years there with both his staff and students. Dad's memory was amazing and up until his death he would recall stories of the students that attended knowing who they were, their parents and siblings. In the early 60's, he moved his family to Quebec and continued his teaching career in a number of different places. His heart was always in Cape Breton and when he was offered the position of Superintendent of Schools for the County of Cape Breton, he returned to Sydney. He spent many years in this position till his retirement in 1977.

There were many advances during Dad's time as Superintendent of Schools but the one that stands out was his traveling to the rural homes and knowledge of so many children who were not able to be part of a regular classroom situation because of a physical or challenging handicap. Dad was a very strong advocate that every child deserved and should have an education and that's when the "Joseph Steele Education Centre" was born. This was a small school in Sydney River with specialized teachers and speech therapists that assisted the education of many children with special needs in the county. A heart attack in 1977 forced him to retire and even though the classroom was a place where he thrived, he found a new love in his gardens and time in Irish Cove. In the later years, he and Mom returned to their home town, Glace Bay and spent many happy years there.

Dad will be sadly missed by his " family" on Myrman Dr. in Glace Bay. You were all so wonderful and caring neighbors and he loved each of you. We as a family would like to thank one who always went beyond with her friendship and love for Dad, Beulah King. You were a joy and delight in dad's life and he loved you dearly! Your care for our father was so very much appreciated and you will always be part of our family!

Dad had a very deep pride and love of his grandchildren. He celebrated their many accomplishments and never held back in telling them or anyone within ear shot about his pride in them. After his wife Lydia passed away, he spent a great deal of time in Yarmouth with his daughter and her family. One of Dad's greatest joys in his later years was time that he spent with his grand-daughter Katelyn. This stage in Dad's life brought him back in the middle of wonderful groups of teenagers who simply adored him. It wasn't long after Dad's arrival that the word spread that " Poppa" had arrived and the teens and cars came soon after. Laughter, stories, and lots of teasing filled the house and the teens soaked up every word! He knew each by name and always asked about details of their lives and how they were doing. His love for them was genuine and they knew it!

There were many people that came and went in Dad's life but there was one very important person to him, one that Dad loved dearly, and that was his son-in-law Dave Wilson. So many evenings were spent together bantering back and forth with laughter and joking and many times Dad would remind Dave that there was a "$20" that had been borrowed and not returned! Dad actually used that line with almost everyone he met! Dad's life would never have had the richness it did without the love and support that his son-in-law gave him. There was nothing Dave wouldn't do for his father-in-law and there was a very strong love and respect on both sides. Thank you so very much for all you did for our Dad.

Mourning his loss are his daughters, Michele Mason, Lois Wilson, Betty Ann MacDonald, Joan Santiago; son, Charles (Pam) and son-in-law, David Wilson. He was an awesome grandfather and his grandchildren are left with wonderful memories of his stories and sense of humor. Dad was very proud of each of his grandchildren and his passing has left a big hole in their hearts. His grandchildren are Ryan Mason, Jennifer Wilson (Katy), Christine Gobien (Brent), Michael Wilson (Keri), Katelyn Wilson, Bradley MacDonald, Beth MacDonald (P.J. Rochon). Dad's grandchildren in British Columbia are Regan Steele (Janine and great granddaughter, Keira), Tara Steele, Brendan Steele and Michaela Steele.

One of Dad's greatest joys the last few years were his two great grandsons Jordan and Nolan Gobien. His eyes would light up when they would visit him and one of Dad's last moments was with his great grandson Nolan. We treasure this memory.

Cremation has been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home in Kentville N.S. There will be no service at this time but an announcement will be made for a celebration of the life of our Dad, Joseph Steele, in Glace Bay this coming summer. The family would like to thank Dr. Noel Baker (Barrington Passage), Dr. Marni Goodman and Dr. Karen Burch (Kentville) and the VON for all the wonderful support and love that was shown to our Dad. He loved his daily visits and we want you to know that each of you were a blessing in his life and ours. Donations in Dad's memory may be made to the VON Canada.

Dad was an incredible man. We will miss his great sense of humor, his storytelling that entertained us for hours, his charm, and his presence in our lives. Our hearts are hurting and we will miss him very much.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com or www.vjmcgillivray.ca