Joseph Spence

Joseph Spence

December 2, 1954 to November 14, 2020

It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Joseph (Joey) Frank Tusky Spence.. Joey was born in Hornepayne Ontario to Gabriel and Hilda Spence.  Joey always considered Stevens as his childhood home with many wonderful memories of living there.  Joey was a residential school survivor.  He attended St. Joseph’s Residential School until grade 5 then attended elementary school in Stevens, Caramat and Longlac.  Joey graduated from Lakeview High School where he attended from 1970-1974.  During his high school years Joey played jr. hockey and was active with the Thunderbird Friendship Centre.  Upon graduation Joey found himself moving back to Longlac when he was hired by Kimberly Clark of Canada.  It was at this time that he met his future wife, Anne.  After a five year courtship they were married and had his pride and joy and only child Darryl.  Joey was an active hockey player who enjoyed pulling his famous, “ how’s she go”  move on his opposing goalie.  Joey coached minor hockey was an avid curler, golfer and enjoyed his Saturday night card games with his poker buddies.   During his employment with Kimberly Clark Joey was a class A mechanic in the gas shop for 17 years until he bought his pulp truck in 1993 until 2006.  He loved driving and loved owning his own truck.  He was always eager to go to work and put in all the extra hours he could. Joey went on the road delivering camper trailers from the USA all over Canada.  He then went plowing the highways for several years then returned to hauling logs again.   Joey loved  life and karoke.. mostly remembered for his Elvis tunes and “sweet Caroline”.  During Joey’s lifetime he owned 30 vehicles in total.  Not counting the bicycle built for 3 that he along with his brother, Roger and Michael Caruk built in Stevens.  Joey is survived by his wife, Anne, son Darryl, (Desiree), grandsons, Jari and Miikka.  Sisters, Lillian (Bill), Doreen and Sharon (Yvon).  Brothers in law, Tuomo (Gina) and Charlie, nephews and nieces and many cousins.   Predeceased by father, Gabriel Spence, mother, Hilda Spence, brothers, Ernest and Roger.  If friends so desire donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Cancer Care would be greatly appreciated.

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