Oct 11, 1939 - May 26, 2023
Passed away in Bruyere Hospice, Ottawa, ON, Friday, May 26, 2023, at the age of 83. Joe was born in Toronto ON, to Stanley and Yvonne (Stuart) Daws-Knowles.
He grew up in Longueuil and Beacons field, QC, and joined the RCN in October 1958, as a Pay Writer In his 34 years in the Navy, he had 18 postings between ships and shore. According to him, his most interesting were HMCS BONAVENTURE-VS880 Squadron as their Pay Writer; HMCS HOCHELAGA, Montreal, QC, during the FLQ crisis; and to the Canadian Defense Liaison Ship (CDLS) London, UK; (1967 to 1970). Then it was back to sea for the next nine years. 1979-1987 he was at National Defense Medical Centre (NDMC); Canadian Forces Publication Depot as Comptroller from 1982-1985; New Ship borne Aircraft Project until June of 1987. Then he was posted to CFB SHILO as Commanding Officer of the Finance Company and Base Internal Audit Officer.
He spent three years here as Sergeant Major in Naval uniform with, as he called it, “a funny stick”. His debut as a Sergeant Major included a base parade-he took one look at the assembled troops, forgot his appropriate order, reverted to Basic Naval training, and yelled “DIVISIONS HO” and they all came to attention! He never took another parade!!! Retiring in August 1992 he became very active in his community of Ottawa a mentor for AA; very active in Masonry, reaching to Past Master of his Lodge and then becoming a Shriner (Tunis Temple). Joe was predeceased by his parents; his beloved wife, Rosalyn (Lynn) (Cordell) and his younger brother, Christopher (06 Jan 2023). He is survived by his sister, LCDR (ret’d) Sherry Richardson; daughter, Audra (Tim Brooke), London UK; son, Stuart {Gretta Hildebrandt), Salt Spring Island, BC; and three grandchildren, Cypress, Ezra and Sam.
He will be sadly and sorely missed by all who knew him and especially Julie, Lloyd and Jacques and many others who supported him in his final years, and the members of his “adopted” parish of French Village, NS. According to his wishes there will be no funeral or celebration of life. Cremation has been carried out through First Memorial Funeral Home, Ottawa,ON. Burial at sea on Battle of Atlantic Sunday-first Sunday in May 2024 when he and Lynn will be ‘Committed to the Deep’.
Donations in his memory may be made to Cancer Research Society; or Shear water Aviation Museum Foundation, Box 99000 STN Forces; Halifax, NS B3K 5X5 or your charity of choice. Condolence messages may be sent to Sherry Richardson: tagus@ns.sympatico.ca
On behalf of the Cancer Research Society, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
– Manon Pepin, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cancer Research Society