The “Dean of Dents” passed away peacefully in the arms of his loving daughter, Saturday, August 16, 2008. A kind and generous man, Joe made a difference in many lives in his 88 years. Joe was predeceased by his wife Doris in 1986, as well as brother Bill and sister Virginia. He is survived by daughter Gail Prichard (Greg) and son Terry (Gillian). Also left are granddaughters Natalie Prichard (Claire) and J’Val Schuster (Torin) as well as grandsons Cameron Prichard (Kim), Lonnie Steward (Valerie) and Lance Steward (Liz). He also leaves 8 Great Grandchildren. Joe was born in Calgary January 14th, 1920, to Frances and George Steward. When he was young boy, the family relocated to Vancouver where Joe attended Vancouver College and graduated from McGee High School. In 1940 he enlisted in the air force, was posted overseas in 1941, and flew a complete tour as a tail gunner in a Halifax bomber. After returning to Canada, Joe retrained as a bomber pilot but did not return to action before the war ended. (However, when Joe was 50, he regained his pilot’s license and happily flew the Okanagan skies for many years.) In 1944 Joe met the love of his life, Doris. They were married in 1946 and settled down in Edmonton. Joe also became the father of Terry, Doris’s son. In 1948 Doris gave birth to Gail who became the light of his life for 60 years. In 1948, the Steward family came to the Okanagan, first in Penticton, and then Kelowna in 1952. Joe worked in several auto body shops before starting his own business, Steward Auto Body, in 1969. Joe operated and worked at his shop for over 30 years until he retired at the age of 80 (too soon as far as he was concerned!). Clients not only could expect a first class repair but also a lively (and quite often lengthy) conversation. Joe was a boat builder, starting with a little flapjack boat, then to a beautiful inboard speed boat, the “Gay Stu”, and finally, in 1964, the 33-foot houseboat that still resides at the Kelowna Yacht Club. Many, many happy memories were made for family and friends on the lake aboard the “Dockin Doris” with Captain Joe. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at Greg and Gail’s home at 2pm, Sept 7th, for those whose lives were touched by Joe. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated. A special thanks to Belinda of Tender Loving Care Home Support and to Lorraine and the angels of Orchard Manor, as well as Dr. Warrender, for their kindness and caring for Joe. “I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth and danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.” Fly high, Dad, we love you.