April 7, 1960 – February 11, 2025
After being diagnosed with cancer on his 64th birthday, Joel was determined to face his medical issues on his own terms. He listened to directives given by his medical team in hopes of making decisions to optimize his strength and maintain his independence. Joel slipped away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre with a caring team of health professionals by his side.
Joel was born and raised in the Westwood area of Winnipeg. Cherished friendships made during his school years were remembered with fondness throughout his life.
Music was a lifelong passion of Joel’s. At a young age he taught himself how to play the drums. Eventually his passion was fulfilled when he moved to B.C. and recorded with the band “Mad Apple.” He also worked on the oyster boats in Fanny Bay, B.C. This experience gave him a strong connection with himself and nature. Joel returned to Winnipeg wrapping up his working years as a shipper/receiver in the manufacturing sector.
Mourning Joel’s passing are his daughter Keegan Walker, his sister and brother-in-law Susan & Ken Stobbs and their family, Luke, Melissa & Paxtin Stobbs, Samantha, Ashley, Grace & Felix Fulton, his helpful cousin Barb Muzik, dedicated friends Chyanne Webb and Sue Walker, numerous cousins, extended family & acquaintances. All family and friends that predeceased Joel are remembered with love and respect even if they have not been named individually.
Gone but never forgotten are his father Bill (1984), mother Joyce (2001), brother Neil (2016), brother Terry (1988), sister Brenda (2022), nephew Nolan (2024), grandpa Adams (1982), grandma Adams (1977), Daddad Coy (1963), Mammam Coy (1971) and his loyal companion Tiger.
Thank you to each staff member at Riverview Health Centre 3E including Nancy & dog Penny. To each and every individual who listened, offered prayer, shared a loving hug, extended a gentle touch or walked an extra mile, may blessings be with you.
Donations in Joel’s memory if one wishes, can be made to either: Riverview Health Centre Foundation, 1 Morley Ave. Wpg. R3L 2P4 OR Never Alone Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 51064, RPO Tyndall, Wpg. R2X 3C6.
Interment of Joel’s ashes will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Cemetery, 4000 Portage Avenue, Wpg.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Joel’s memorial page by using the comment field below.
Really enjoyed getting to know Joel the past few years. We had lots of great conversation about politics religion life after death. I know you are playing drums in heaven and skating again playing hockey. Have fun my friend.
Beautiful words Chy. Joe was incredibly fortunate to have you there for educated discussions and such. Your BIG heart gave him purpose to set goals. ♥️ Thank you Chy. 🤗
Beautiful words Chy. Joe was incredibly fortunate to have you there for educated discussions and such. Your BIG heart gave him purpose to set goals. ♥️ Thank you Chy. 🤗
For the short time I knew Joel, he made an impact on me. As Chyanne previously said, Joel was always up for a conversation. “Just one more story,” he would say. I’m privileged to have spent the time I did. Going into his followup appointment, I wasn’t aware of the severity and progression of his diagnosis.
Holding space, for someone just finding out that they only have a limited amount of time, is something I’ll never forget. In some ways, I wish there was more, that could have been done, and sooner, I forever grateful to have been where I needed to be, to get Joel the support, he needed.
Joel will be a beacon, for myself, and a constant reminder of the work the Never Alone Cancer Foundation does. Rest well, Joel. Have tons of conversations, and beat them drums!
Joel and I used to hang out a lot here in Vancouver many years ago when we both worked at Sam The Record Man and for a number of years after that before he moved to the Island. He was a great guy and hilarious as well. 🙂
Something told me to google him just now and unfortunately, I saw that he had passed. Very sad to hear. I met a lot of cool people through Joel, including a great singer Kevin Ayers and an iconic character (a drummer also) who lived with Joel way back. His name was Moto. I’ll leave a quote that only a few people will understand from Moto: “Joel, give me 5 bucks, I’ll give it back to you in 5 minutes”.
Let’s just say, he used to say that to Joel a lot back then. He never did get the 5 bucks back. 🙂
Lots of great memories! So sad to hear he passed so young. All the best to everyone in his family. He was an awesome guy. A big part of one of the many chapters of my life!