Joseph Charles Nanaquawetung

Joseph Charles Nanaquawetung was born on January 20, 1954, and spent the majority of his life in Valley View, Moose Jaw, SK. At the tender age of 9, he moved to this town, and it became his cherished home for many years.

In 1979, Joseph moved to Menno Homes, where he found meaningful work at the Menno Industry Workshop. Throughout his time there, he was known for his exceptional work ethic and reliability.

After Menno Homes closed its doors in 1999, Joseph, along with two other companions who had also lived at Menno Homes, relocated to a farm near Waldheim. The six years he spent on the Willems Farm were filled with joy and contentment. Despite the move, Joseph continued to attend the workshop from Monday to Friday, a testament to his dedication.

In 2005, the Willems family moved to British Columbia.  Joseph then moved into the Plascsko Lodge, a group home that provided a nurturing environment for eight men. He spent the remainder of his life there until his peaceful passing on July 20, 2023.

Joseph was a person who exuded happiness and loved being goofy. His infectious laughter and playful teasing endeared him to all those who knew him. He found immense joy in watching Western movies and would often imitate scenes, leaving everyone in stitches. Music was another passion that brought him happiness.

One of Joseph's most treasured possessions was a phone pager, which provided him with a sense of comfort. He surrounded himself with stuffed animals, and his stuffed dog or cat was always by his side, even during his walks. He loved engaging in the game of crokinole, skillfully shooting crokinole pieces across the board. Additionally, Joseph loved to dance and enjoyed entertaining those around him, often grabbing the microphone to showcase his skills.

Joseph had a full and active life, embracing numerous outings and experiences over the years. Riverboat rides, exhibitions, Pow Wows, and themed parties were just some of the events he wholeheartedly participated in. Menno Home Days, a special occasion for the residents, was something he always looked forward to. Joseph loved his coffee and relished going out to eat, cherishing these simple pleasures in life.

In his last months, Joseph faced health challenges, which made outings difficult. However, the caring staff at Placsko Lodge organized a special Tuesday outing for him, taking him out for supper, and he cherished every moment of it.

Baseball, bowling, fishing outings, summer camps, and shopping trips were some of the many activities that brought him immense joy and enriched his life.

Joseph Charles Nanaquawetung will be remembered as a bright, joyful, and lively soul who embraced life to the fullest. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.