Born in Montreal, Joe joined RCAF in 1943 as a RadOp and served in Newfoundland, England and Europe. He left the service in 1946, attended Teacher’s College then joined the staff of St Patrick’s College teaching math and PE. He then became the Athletic Director. In 1954 he rejoined the RCAF and was the RecO at Trenton, then did 4 years at 3 Fighter Wg In Germany as a F/O. In 1965 he was posted to the newly formed DPER in NDHQ, then as a S/L in DPERA. From there he went to RMC as Athletic Director. Promoted to LCol in 1971 he returned to NDHQ. Joe was the driving force behind the formation of our Branch and was lovingly called “Godfather.” In 1980, as a Colonel, he was appointed Colonel Commandant of the Branch.