We Remember
DRISCOLL, Joseph Dean
April 10, 1979 — November 12, 2022
Joe Driscoll tragically passed away November 12, 2022, at the young age of 43. Although gone far too soon, he left behind a blazing trail of laughter and light to keep his memories around for the rest of time.
Joe was born April 10, 1979, in Yellowknife, NT to Patrick Driscoll- and to this day is still dubbed as Pat’s favourite kid. Joe and Pat were a package deal, and they always have been. Joe grew up in Yellowknife, where he made lifelong friends, most of whom lived on or near Dagenais Drive. His group of friends seemed to inevitably get in some sort of trouble, often resulting in at least one parent answering the phone with “they did what?”. Like the one New Year’s Eve, Joe and his friends decided to steal all the Vodka and switch it with water, and all the parents are sitting around trying to figure out why nobody was getting tipsy. Joe was smart and could outwit almost anyone, just ask any teacher at St. Pats high school who tried to push him to finish school. He was the king of excuses and once told his high school teacher his dad took him on “too many damn vacations” to possibly finish grade 12. To the relief of all Joe’s teachers, he went on to finish school and became a talented red sealed electrician. He worked at many mining sites around Canada – most of which he worked side by side with his dad, where the duo was referred to as the “Driscoll Boys”.
Joe loved hockey (Go Oilers!), snowboarding, golfing, and boating, and so naturally he chose to make the Okanagan his forever home. He would ultimately become Lombardy’s loudest neighbour, with the biggest truck on the block, but made sure to lose some games with his poker buddies on poker nights.
Joe had one fur baby, a Border Collie/ Blue Heeler cross named Donkey, whom he shares with his good friend Jaycee. Proving that co-parenting really can be civil. Donkey was Joe’s confidant and best friend – knocking his dad into spot number two.
Joe would tell you that he was far from perfect, but he never wanted to be. He was an example of hard work and appreciated the hard times in his life because it built his character, his grit, and his determination.
Joe had a deep love for his family and friends, and he cherished simple moments of gathering in his home or at his own little paradise he built at Shuswap Falls. Those that had the privilege to meet Joe, to know Joe, and to love Joe will forever be impacted by his infectious laugh, his generosity, and zest for life. Joe was someone that instantly made you feel important or heard, from his quirky sense of humour to his ability to drop anything and help. Joe lived, he lived life at 100 miles per hour and had the red hair to prove it (or we’ll say “had”).
Joe is survived by Shari; Pat, his father (or “Pops” as he would say); his sisters Emma (Dani), Billi-Rai (Andrew); his nephew Leo, and niece Remi; his dog Donkey; and many other friends who he considered family.
A Celebration of Life will take place on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
Joe will forever be in our hearts. He was cherished and loved by so many across the world. Please continue to share stories, photos, and memories of Joe.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2023, at 1:00 PM (PST)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
So sorry for your loss
Deepest sympathies on the tragic loss of Joe. Joe was like a shooting star in the night sky, he dazzled us with his brilliance and lit our way. God bless him on the next leg of his journey and may our Lord bring peace and offer guidance to his family as they strive to move forward from this profound loss. Thank you Joe for the positive impact that you have had on those around you, including me.
We met in Kamano on the T2 Tunnel project . My sincere condolences to the family. Joe was a great person we had talked about getting together and going out on the water . Rest easy my friend
I can’t begin to put into words the loss your family and friends have suffered Joe. You were a beacon of light and always had a smile even though you went through your own struggles.
The last message you wrote to me was on nov 5th. You said how proud of me you were for my clean time. That meant more to me then you would have ever known. I personally knew you for over 10 years. I was torn up about the news of you being a missing person and sadly you didn’t make it home.
Rest in paridise my friend you are missed!
Joe was and always be an amazing spirt in the room.
Pat and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was one of a kind and he will be missed by famiky and friends across Canada.
Sending condolences to Pat & his family, family/friends of Joseph Dean, may God comfort each and everyone of you during this difficult time.. At times we may be at a loss for words, losing a loved one is hard to grasp the reality, we can only cherish the memories made. God Bless *& keep safe!
Sending condolences from Yellowknife. Rest in Peace
RIP my friend. Gone too soon! It was a pleasure to work with you in Kemano. Will be remembered for ever and ever
I will always remember Joe for his outgoing personality. I had the pleasure of going to high school with Joe as well as playing hockey with him for a few years. I recall a trip to one of the communities where Joes Dad was our coach. I always got a kick outta how he seemed to push his Dads buttons in a fun loving way. Joe and I were not the best of friends and not overly close but he made an impression and simply put he was always nice to me as I was a grade below and relatively new to St Pats and Yellowknife at the time. Joe was always a pleasure to be around in his own way and well you always knew when he was around. His laugh and personality left an impression on many and I consider myself to be lucky to have known him. I send sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.
I am not sure why this memory stands out so much but I remember that same year Joes Dad coached us Joe went on to win D man of the year. I don’t recall Joe winning a lot of awards and perhaps this is why it’s so memorable. I believe this memory is lasting for me because I was so happy for him. He had that effect on people. He was loved and appreciated by so many, many I’m sure he wasn’t aware of to what extent.
Please find the best picture I could get of Joe’s name on the plaque at the arena in Yellowknife.
Condolences.
I’m very sorry about Joe
To the family, I was Joe’s dental hygienist. I am deeply saddened by this. Joe was such an amazing guy! Just an absolute GEM of a human. I’ve known him for 7 years now and he will be missed. We always had lots of good laughs together while I was cleaning his teeth. And I ran into him at an oilers game once! He was so genuine and generous and kind. Sending hugs to all.
Rest easy my friend . You are sadly missed . I will cherish the times we shared together. You will forever live in my heart and mind .
Pat, we are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Our deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort during this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss Rest Easy Joe you will be greatly missed.
Joe you were a great man you and my son Curtis came to Souris Manitoba and wired my house i will never forget it. And when we went to vancover for us to play ringette you and Curtis were full of your self Curtis Chambers and i will miss texting you. You were a good person and full of love
Rest in peace dearest Joe. We were to meet again and so we shall when the time is right. Love and blessings to all who loved him.
Very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was my nephew and we used to see him at my parents (Bob and Dorothy Williams) in various places in BC when we went down there for holidays from Yellowknife! He was always helpful to them which made me very proud of him! I didn’t see him for years after that but we always knew where he was working etc. Such a sad happening and rest in peace Joe. I can’t make it to your funeral but I will be thinking of you Joe!
My sincerest condolences for you at this time. Joe was an amazing soul. He was kind, loving, funny, and put others first. I got the chance to hang out with Joe in Kelowna last summer. He took us boating and did everything in his power to make us feel welcome. It was a time I will cherish and remember forever. Joe will be missed. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Pat and family
We are sorry for the loss of Joe, he touched the life’s of many people and will be remembered for his big smile and wit. Joe was one of those people you never forget. Sad that he left us at such a young age. A lesson for us all to cherish the time we have with family and friends.
Bob Shea and Caroline
My sincere condolences to you Pat Shari and family. My kids spent many hours at your home. We lived accross the street from each other at one point. RIp Joey. You were such a kind soul. You went on to achieve a great career, and touched many lives…. ❤️❤️. So sorry for your loss Driscoll family.
Sending our heartfelt condolences to Joe’s family and loved ones at this most difficult time. We met Joe at his Shuswap vacation spot as he was our neighbour. Although we didn’t know him long he left a big impression. Always full of energy and very generous with offers to take us out boating etc. He loved his spot at the river to share with friends and family and was excited for next season. I am so sad to learn of his passing. May you rest in peace Joe.
We are saddened to hear of your tragic loss. We remember Joe from the hockey arena our first winter in Yellowknife in 1989. Our oldest son, Mark played on the same team as Joe with Pat as coach. Later we became neighbours when the Driscoll family moved next door on Dagenais. No doubt Joe and our boys were up to shenanigans on that street. Sending much love your way.
I met Joe on the job more than four years ago. We started as co-workers, but am proud to say we became friends. We both went on to a new project together and I was looking forward to working along side him again Your laughter, listening ear and helpfulness will be sorely missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
Our hearts are broken. Our deepest condolences Pat,Shari, Emma and Billi-Rae. He has left such a huge hole in our hearts. RIP Joey knowing how much you were loved.
My deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Joe
Joe was my first cousin from my father’s side my aunt Jacqui Reber is his mother and he also has siblings Cole, Garret and Drew on that side of the family I was sad to see they were not mentioned
Thinking of you all during this difficult time
Fly high Joe love from the Williams family
Joe and I were very close friends in high school, we shared the same birthday which is a day that I always think of him, we had so many good times and I wanted to send my condolences to the family. Joe was the type of person who cared about his friends and family with his whole heart. I have many memories I’ll keep close with me. Joe I’m so sorry and will miss you, thinking of you today💚
A beautiful celebration of Joe’s life. It’s very obvious that he and his father had a special bond and is loved by his family and many friends. My deepest condolences to you all.
Bernice (Tricia’s mom)
Joe will be missed I really wish I could of been there he was such a huge part in my life through the good times and the hard times I use to take of Joe’s lawn while he was a way at work he was such a huge part of my life I will for ever miss him
Well I’m a complete mess over this and have been for quite some time. Joe was a person who was in my circle, I grew up with Joe. Sometimes I’ll look out in my driveway waiting for him to pull up in his truck to come visit. There’s big hole missing in my life since he’s been gone. He mentored me, gave me strength when all seem lost in life. Joe it’s been hard without here. I’ll see you one day buddy, miss you a million. Your boy forever Walker.