— from Reed Goodrich —

Joe was a visionary type, a leader and teacher in his own right. He single handedly revived the Odd Fellows Lodge #88 in 1988. He was a prolific inventor of utilitarian and recreational contraptions.

True to his Norse blood he was always ready to take to the sea which he often did through out his life. The boat coffin was perfect for Joe and deeply appreciated by the family.

It can be said unequivocally that Joe was an example of what a good human being can be. I am the only person still on the planet who has known Joe the longest and from my earliest memories he was always easy going, thoughtful and kind. He was a great brother and family man.

Generous with his time and love. Always helpful, always cheerful, rarely angry and ready to laugh and dance at any moment.

I hope  that Joe has responded to a higher calling in order to help all of us who are left behind to navigate the evil waters that lie ahead.

One of the main principals of the Bahai  faith, which Joe subscribed to, is that ” Death is the messenger of joy.” What greater conclusion and reward can be expected from a life well lived on a planet distraught with human frailty and imperfection.

Without a doubt Joe is in a happy and pain free place surrounded by friends and family who have transitioned before him.

The only thing he can be reprimanded for is the wake of sadness we all feel due to his absence. He will be sorely and profoundly missed.

“Deal with him, O Thou Who forgivest the sins of men and concealest their faults, as beseemeth the heaven of Thy bounty and the ocean of Thy grace. Grant him admission within the precincts of Thy transcendent mercy that was before the foundation of earth and heaven. There is no God but Thee, the Ever – Forgiving, the Most Generous.”  (Bahaullah)

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