July 21, 1965 – May 8, 2020

It is with our deepest sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Joseph Matthew DeJong on May the 8th 2020 at St. Boniface Hospital.  

There are no words to describe the sorrow that is felt amongst his family and friends, both here and across the world.  Knowing the type of person that Joey was, he wouldn’t want the focus to be on his death but rather on his life and all of the joy and laughter it was filled with.  There was not a single person who met Joey that he couldn’t make laugh or touch with his child-like personality and outlook on life.  He often stated that although he didn’t always feel it physically, he felt that he was still only twenty-five in his mind.  Forever a kid at heart and full of passion, Joey was always happiest and most excited when he was doing something that he cared about.  Whether it was watching planes, looking at or tinkering with cars, visiting the cottage at Malachi Lake, eating ice cream, cheering for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, listening to music, playing guitar, cooking and cleaning, or being surrounded by those whom he loved, he was always smiling the biggest, laughing the most often, or screaming the loudest. He never did anything only part way and that was especially true when it came to loving those around him.  Joe had a special way of showing that affection in that it was expressed both verbally and nonverbally because one could feel they were in the presence of a soul that cared so deeply and in a unique way from most.  If there was one thing that Joe would want for all of us, as he goes on his way, is to keep hold of all of those special things that he made sure every single person felt. Keep his laugh in your ears, his smile in your mind, and his love in your heart.

If it is so desired, donations in Joe’s honour can be given to the Bruce Oake Recovery Centre or Sara Riel.  Although Joey did not have any direct connections to these organizations, they are both focused on helping those with mental health challenges and addictions.  Also, due to the unprecedented times that we are living in, there will be a service in Joey’s honour at a later time and when it is safe for friends and family to all gather and celebrate his life.

Arrangements entrusted to Interlake Cremation and Memorial Services