Michael Dermasa & Shanon Carey.
So very sorry for your loss. Heartfelt condolences.
DERMASA, Joseph
1934 - 2021
With sorrow, we make known the peaceful passing of Joseph Ludvik Dermasa in his own home on 09 May 2021, with his dedicated son, Michael andclose friend, Shannon Carey, by his side
Born in Kirkland Lake, ON on 25 June 1934, Joe enjoyed engaging in conversation regarding his younger years as a hockey player and musician. He could have lively, sometimes heated conversations aroundpolitics and his love of the North. He would discuss being a hunter and fisherman in his younger years, but then decided the best way to shoot something was with a camera. He had a love for Northern Ontario, and would tell all who would listen that we live in the best part of the world (he’s not wrong!).
His stories about his travels to the Old Country as a younger man and his visit with his father’s family in Slovenia made us all laugh, and reminisce about our own travels.
Joe had a deep and abiding love for his family. He often told us he was the luckiest man alive, to have such wonderful grandparents and parents, and in the choice he made to marry his one true love, his feisty and fierce Maureen. He spoke often about raising his sons, Derek and Michael (his “stubs” as he would call them); he told tales of the hijinks they got up to, but always ended with “they were good kids, really good kids”, and a big smile.
He is predeceased by his parents Ludvik Dermasa and Mildred (nee Allick) Dermasa, his wife, Maureen (nee Whittle) Dermasa and his son, Derek Dermasa. Left to mourn are his son, Michael Dermasa, and close friend, Shannon Carey, as well as his good neighbours and friends, Shawn and Erin Walker, and Derrick and Lori Lavallee.
We would like to extend our appreciation to Shawn and Erin Walker; your visits and support to Joe over the last several years meant so much to him and to us. Maybe Joe can influence things so Erin gets her bike now!
To Trevis Carey and Keith Lachapelle, both of whom never hesitated to run errands, bring coffee or a meal, visit with Joe and engage him in conversations, thank you.
We could not have cared for Joe at the end of his life without the support of the wonderful PSW’s from Closing the Gap and the nurses from VON; you made it possible for us to honour his wish to die in his own home.
Finally, to Donna Young, RN and Debbie Burtschenko, NP from HCCSS NE; words cannot express our thanks for the care you provided to Joe over these last several years. Five gold stars each.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be planned for a future date.
Joe was a great lover of animals, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make donations to Advocates for Northern Animals c/o 49 Government Road West, Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 2E3.