Obituary of Joseph "Joe" Marsh, Reserve Mines

Joseph “Joe” Marsh Reserve Mines It is with overwhelming sadness that we, the family of Joseph (Joe) Marsh, age 89, announce his passing on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney, NS, where he was surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Reserve Mines, the son of the late Henry and Mary-Jane (Kanary) Marsh. Joe was the youngest of 19 children. He was happily married to his wife, Phyllis Marsh (Wadden) for 48 years and together they raised 2 daughters. Joe had many accomplishments in life, one being a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had attended McGill University and St. Francis Xavier University in preparation for the Priesthood and became ordained in 1950. Later in life, Joe was employed as a Parole Officer in Scarborough, Ontario and a Parole Officer at the Springhill Institution, Springhill, NS. Joe and his family made it back to Cape Breton and he filled the Manager position at Cher Radio. He then acquired his real estate license, sold real estate in Canada and the United States, and eventually took a position as a Staffing Officer in charge of hiring at the Cape Breton Development Corporation. Joe stayed busy after retirement. He continued with his involvement with the Progressive Conservative Party. He sat on the Boards of both St. Rita’s Hospital and the Regional Hospital and of the Cape Breton County Home Makers. He implemented an Employee Assistance Program in the Maritimes and travelled to various locations putting on workshops. He taught a criminology course at the University College of Cape Breton and did some counselling on a Gambling Addiction Line. With Joe’s background in the priesthood, he continued throughout his life helping and counselling others. He was quite the storyteller, loved talking to people, and had a great sense of humour. He had played hockey, baseball and was an avid golfer. Joe had enjoyed many summer’s at their family summer home in Ingonish. He also loved to sing, play the guitar and the piano. Joe will be affectionately remembered and profoundly missed by; his daughters, Michelle and Darlene (Steven), grandchildren, Brandon (Becky), Ashley (Darrell), Jordan (Amy), great-grandchildren, many relatives and friends. He is survived by his siblings, Marie Marsh and Father Anthony Marsh. Joe was predeceased by his loving wife, Phyllis, siblings, Maurina, Zeta, Mary Ann, Delores, Dophie, Gilbert, Gannon, Joseph, James, Alphonse, Dennis, Henry, Sylvester, Stewart and Coady. As per Joe’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral mass. Cremation will take place under the guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Glace Bay, NS. Joe will be laid to rest on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021 at 11:00 am in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Reserve Mines. Father Norman McPhee will officiate graveside prayers. Heartfelt thanks go to the staff of Harbourstone, especially to those on Mira Bay, who showed much kindness and compassion during Joe’s stay. Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca