It is with great sadness that the family announces his passing peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Monday, January 22, 2024, at the age of 85. Devoted husband of Katy. Loving father of Lori (Mark), Ernie and Tanya (Andrew). Cherished grandfather of Katie (Henrique), Lucas, Hanna, Henry, Zoe, Carter, Chloe and great-granddaughter Isla. Predeceased by his brother Eckhardt. Dear brother-in-law of Robert and Sandy, Rudy and Gabriele, Gus and Diane and Lydia. He will be remembered with love by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, long time friends from near and far that became his family, all the family friends who were always welcomed into their home, his friends from the Caledon Centre gym, and customers from over the many years of owning Albion Nursery and Garden Centre.
Joe was born in Burg/Magdeburg, East Germany on October 18, 1938. He took his schooling there and then attended a horticultural school. In 1957 he escaped East Germany unable to take anything with him. For the next two years he worked in nurseries in West Germany, Switzerland, and then in Sweden. In 1959 he came to Canada and worked at the largest nursery in Canada, Sheridan Nurseries. He worked on the nursery farms and at the Sheridan Garden Centre, where Sherway Gardens is now. It was at that garden centre that Joe met Katy’s dad, who had his own landscaping business. Katy’s dad was also president of the hunting club which would have dinner parties at the German Club. Katy’s dad invited Joe and his good friend Uli to one of these dinners. There he introduced his daughter to Joe, and that began a two year romance. Joe and Katy were married in 1968 and by 1972 had all three children Lori, Ernie, and Tanya. In 1973 they slowly opened the doors to Albion Nursery and Garden Centre in Bolton on Hwy 50. Joe continued to work at Sheridan for two more years to ensure an income. On the weekends he would work at his own garden centre and Katy kept the doors open during the week. After two years he quit Sheridan and went to work full time for himself. They sold that location in 1988 and moved the business south of Bolton on Mayfield Rd in the early 90’s. In 2007 he went through stage 4 esophageal cancer and with such a positive attitude survived another 17 years. In 2012 they sold on Mayfield Rd and retired.
He loved hiking in the conservation areas around where they live with his golden doodle Cooper. He spent many hours maintaining their home property. His son Ernie continued landscaping and Joe was always eager to go on the job and do layouts and give advice. He went to the gym at the Caledon Centre and loved talking to people there. He finally had a lot of time to spend with his family. His children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter were the light of his life.
Joe had many adventures before he was married. One winter down in St. Lucia he met two Australians who had their own sailboat. They explained to Joe that they wanted to do some rum smuggling but had no money. Joe lent them his holiday money to buy the rum so he could be part of the adventure and what an adventure it was. Joe loved to travel and with Katy travelled to many parts of the world. They travelled to many of the national parks to hike. Their favourite is Zion in Utah where they hiked up to Angel’s Landing. Joe lived a wonderful life with no regrets. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Monday, February 12th from 2- 4pm and 6-8pm. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday morning, February 13th at 11am.
If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Scott Mission or Transforming Faces.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Mary Margaret Greyerbiehl
Dear Katy, Lori, Ernie ,Tanya and family,
Our deepest condolences on Joe’s passing. We will miss the many happy times we spent together. Our thought and prayers are with you all.
Danny and Mary Margaret
Kathy Pfundt
Wishing you Katy, Lori, Tanya,Ernie and family my deepest condolences and the memories are what go on so make sure they continue for the grandchildren and great grandchildren. My memories are always of Joe with a big smile on his face giving me a huge hug He was the kindest gentleman I have known. I was honored to be part of the wedding party back in 68 and just recently at your celebration of 50 years. May he rest in peace and you all also have dear sleeps. I love you all.you ❤️
Jack & Connie Critchley
Dear Katy and family. We are so sorry to hear of Joe passing. We knew how well he had done and I always enjoyed our talks at the gym. I will miss that.
The Albion Nursery & Garden Centre was a big part of Bolton and they always gave good advice and help. May his memory bring you all comfort, our thoughts are with you.
Roberta & Paul
Rest in peace dear Joe you will be missed but never forgotten our thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time —Roberta &Paul
Mary Beth Trendos
My dearest Katy and family… I send you all the love in my heart as you navigate this profound loss. Joe was one in a million and we all adored him.
Please know that so many of us will be keeping you in our thoughts in the coming days, and we never forget his wonderful smile, big laugh and kind nature.
Love you all so much.
Inge Bruns
Dear Katy, Lori, Tanya and Ernie
We send our condolences at the loss of a special man. Joe was always bigger than life and he will be missed dearly. Love to you all.
Inge, Sonja, Steven and Tara Bruns
Julie Haugh and Frank Guzzo
Our condolences to Joe’s family. We always enjoyed visiting with Katy and Joe at Albion Nursery. They had the very best hanging baskets to purchase and bring home! Lots of happy memories!
Joe will be missed! He was a special man.
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
To the Below Family,
Our sincerest sympathies on the recent passing of Joe. He was a kind and gentle man who will leave a huge void in the lives of all those who loved him. May your sweet memories of him bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
Margaret Sant and family
To Katie and family:
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. He was one very nice person. Always very friendly. You have many good memories to help you through the years ahead.
Cheri Cowan
Condolences to all the Below family . Albeit, I didn’t know Joe, we had met both at Sheridan and Albion. Reading his lovely obit I can say that, besides being a very handsome man, he lived a very interesting and full life. Quite a loss.
Gladys Fieldhouse
Sincere condolences Katy and family. May the comfort of your many friends and all your wonderful memories of your lives together, bring you comfort at this sad time.
Paul and Rita
To the Below family and friends who find sadness at this time, find peace and serenity in knowing a man such as Joe will live on in these wonderful memories you all have created. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Paul & Rita Padula
Sarah Bate
Mrs Below , Lori , Ernie , Tanya & the rest of the family
Sending sincere condolences to you all at this most difficult time. May the good times & memories ease some of the pain you are feeling.
Thinking of you all. Much love xxxx
Heidi Winter
Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya and family….our most deepest condolences. Joe was truly a gem of a human being. Kind, loving, genuine…..he took the time to always ask how you were doing, always took the time for a hearty laugh and good conversation. We are honoured to have been a part of his life, and will hold him dearly in our thoughts. We have countless fond and happy memories with Joe, who was an amazing person with a heart of gold. He will be truly missed. With our love, Randy and Heidi
Sue Dupiy
Katy & family
It was with much sadness receiving the news from Gus on Joe’s passing. The obituary was so
appreciated as it filled in many gaps of his journey in life. Joe was a person who dealt with many
challenges, was a success in business and truly dedicated to the love and care he felt for his
family. My thoughts are with you and may he RIP.
sincerely
Sue Dupuy
Ann & Gord Turnbull
Dear Katie, Lori, Ernie, Tanya & family
Thinking of you all in these difficult times. Joe was a lovely man and we remember him so much.
Much love
Ann & Gord Turnbull
Dorothea and Fred Wegner
Dear Katy, Lori, Ernie and Tanya
We are so sorry for Joe’s passing. He was such a kind and gentle man and we will miss him immensely. We have known Joe from day one and had so many good times together. He will leave a large void in all our lives.
Love to all of you and your entire family. xxoo
Dorothea and Fred RIP Joe…
Natalie and Rob Pfundt
We were so deeply saddened to hear about Joe’s passing. Joe always faced life with courage openness and compassion which left a lasting impact on us all. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you Katy, Lori, Tanya and Ernie and your families. We hope that the memories you have shared with Joe bring comfort at this most difficult time. Sending lots of love.
Gordon J Chiarot
Katy, Lori ,Tanya & Ernie & family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you & treasure the great times we spent together.
He will be missed but thankful for the stories he shared.
Eileen. Hammill
To my dear friend Katy and all of the family. The loss of such a good family man is truly one of life’s biggest challenges. I will always remember Joe from our talks together and also his devotion to his family and to his beloved dog. Go with the angels Joe. Love to all Eileen Hammill
Rick and Wendy Sant
Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya and your families, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, we have seen so many changes , but it was always a pleasure to see and deal with your family. Joe will be sadly missed but cherish the memories that everyone has become familiar with.
Take Care
Rick and Wendy Sant and Family
Kathy Krolow
Dearest Katy and family,
My sorrow is so deep to know my good friend Joe is not here anymore. I wish I could be there and give you a big hug.
God give you strength to continue life without him.
Blessings and much love.
Randal
Katy Lori Tanya & Ernie,
Sending you all love and hugs!
Joe, thank you!
Some of the greatest times of my life was spent working at Albion Nursery.
I was blessed to have shared several years not just working there but being mentored and valued at a time when I was still trying to find my way.
Joe was a knowledgeable nurseryman and sought after by many for landscaping advice . He had a genuine interest in sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
He was also down to earth and humble often crediting his every success to Katy.
The most important part of his life was his family.
Katy, Lori, Tanya & Ernie, I love you guys and I also thank you for all those yesterdays.
May all your cherished memories warm your hearts
Randy
Ron Sant
Dear Katy, Lori , Ernie ,Tanya and rest of family
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. He lived life to the fullest with a positive attitude who cherished his family so much . We have many fond memories over the years of Joe and very grateful to have known such a wonderful man that will always be remembered for being such a great person.
Thinking of all of you during this difficult time
Ron Sant and family
Ken Graham
Dear Katy, Lori, Ernie and Tanya,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Joe, but I thank you for your beautiful, down to Earth obituary of a life well lived. I first got to know Joe and Katy as I had the privilege of teaching all of their three kids. After having been through the wall in East Berlin, I imagine that Joe could have been shot as a 19 year old escapee. A few years ago, I had a long talk with Joe about his remarkable battle with cancer and the long inventive treatment he received in Europe. Joe never gave up hope to survive after given almost no chance. I was impressed with his courage, tenacity and eventual success. What a wonderful family ?
Melitta Austin
Dear Katy, Condolences to you and your entire family. So sorry for your loss. May the memories help you through the difficult weeks ahead. With love, Melitta
Lauren Bond
To the family of Joe,
On behalf of Brian Brown, I send my deepest condolences and am so saddened to learn of Joe’s passing!
I always had the pleasure of seeing Joe and Katy during many gatherings with the Litz Family. I often would have amazing conversations with Joe of his travels and life experiences, cherishing each and every one. He would later become an integral part of my family and I’s life, when my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. It was because of his journey, that my mom chose to seek treatment in Germany. Each time I would see him at work, he would always ask how she was making out. He was one of the truly one of the kindest men I have ever known. He will truly be missed!
Petra Turk
Condolences to the Below Family. My heart goes out to the family. I know Joe and Katy from Albion Nursery.
They had the best flowers and plants in Caledon. My late husband met Joe many times around town and on trails
and often spoke to each other about Germany…they had that in common. May your family find peace and remember
him with all the many great memories.
Juanita
Katy, Lori , Ernie and Tanya , I’m very saddened to hear of Joes passing. He was an extremely wonderful man. I feel thankful to have known him. My heart hurts with you during this most difficult time you have to face. My most sincerest condolences to all of you.
Catalina
I hope that even though your world is so dark right now, you are soon able to see some light in the memories you had with Joe
Darcy & Cathy
Tanya, Earnie, Lori, and Katy,
I am deeply sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Joe was truly an enigma! His youthful, positive energy was infectious. I was always amazed to see him at the gym, working out with the vigor of a young man. I will forever cherish his great stories and his kind, welcoming smile. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Lisa Wegner
To Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya and your families
I cherish all of the dinner parties, family get togethers, hikes, phone calls and random and spontaneous get togethers I had with Joey over my lifetime. His warm personality was infectious and I always looked forward to (and sought out) a good story from him when I saw him. I particularly loved his hiking stories and his outdoor adventures….and what adventures they were ! When I found myself, out in nature with him, I always marvelled at how he could rattle off the name and life history of every tree or shrub in the area…always speaking of them as if they were dear friends.
I will miss his zest for life, his big heart, his incredible smile and his boisterous laugh. I am so happy to be part of his family. I will truly miss him.
My condolences. My love.
Renate and Horst
Our deepest condolences, we are so sorry to hear of his passing
Love from
Horst Mitsch and Renate Mager
Kim Nelson
Lori, Ernie and Tanya
I’m sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
Sending you and your family our strength and support during this time.
Kim Nelson, Russell, Chloe & Madeline Agar
The TIessen Family
Dear Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya & Family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
Everyone in our family has wonderful memories of Joe. We will never forget his kind spirit and gentle smile.
Sharing in your sorrow,
Klaus & Ulla, Derek & Monica, Tyler, Nicholas, Andrew , Fred
Audrey Sant
Dear Katy and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Joe was a very kind man who always took the time to say hello and have a good conversation. He will always be remembered for his heart of gold and dedication to his family.
Thinking of you during this difficult time
Audrey Sant
D.J., Mike, Eric and Ian
Ernie, Carter and Chloe and Below Family,
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Hoping you are all able to find comfort in the inspiring life he lead, memories you made with him, and example he set in perseverance. My love and peace be with him and you all.
Nancy Stewart and John Milligan
Dear Katie and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.
He was such a fine man. Always friendly and well respected in his business dealings.
Our sincere condolences.
Nancy Stewart and John Milligan
Teresa Casey
To Katie, Laurie, Tanya, Ernie ,your children and your siblings and to the rest of the family.
Our hearts and prayers go out to you all but with the sadness of Joe’s passing l have many great memories of the Litz, Below and Bifolchi events over the years. I also remember your meeting Joe and the courtship when l was spending lots of time with Lydia. I also remember babysitting your children. Time will help the pain of your loss but memories are forever. Teresa, Jim Casey and family
Anyes Grzenia
Dear Katy and family,
Vic and I are thinking about you and your family in this very difficult time.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences .
sending you lots of love,
Vic & Anyes
Lorelie Weir
Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya and Famlies,
We are very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing and hope your fond memories provide comfort for the days to come. Remembered fondly from the 5th Sideroad.
Ernie & Alexandra Hladun and Lorelie
irene schlingmann
Dear Katy and Family….My deepest,I’am so sorry to hear of his passing .Love from Irene Schlingmann
Raman & Sonu Minhas
Dear Katy and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Joe was a very kind man who always gave good advice. We always have a good long conversation. I learned a lot from him, staying always positive and also spending time with nature.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
May you and your family find peace and remember him with all the many great memories.
Raman & Sonu Minhas
Mary-Joan Westlake
Mary-Joan & Gary Westlake
Dear Katy, Laurie, Ernie, & Tanya
We were so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing
He was loved by everyone he touched, loved life & his family was
his world. There certainly will be a huge void in the Litz family & their
many friends. Cherish all the wonderful memories, of which there
are many.
DAN SANT
Dear Katie and Family
So Sorry of your loss of a Great man. He had a great passion for the nursery business and always had time for a great conversation. We loved doing business with you guys for many years. Your like family to us. Joe will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers go out to you Katie and family.
Dan Sant and the Boys
Brenda Koch
Dear Katy and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Joey. My Mom Sussie, always considered Joey one of her boys back from the Sheridan Nursery days when he and Uli lived in the bunkhouse. Many fond memories.
Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold forever in your hearts.
Much love, Brenda & Sussie
Cathy & Jim Van Noort
Katy & family,
We were so saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. He was a kind, gentle man and always enjoyed running into him and catching up. Let all the wonderful memories help get you through this difficult time.
Love,
Jim & Cathy
Bob
Condolences. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal. Bob and Foula Skaltsiotis
Tina
Dear Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Joe’s passing, our deepest condolences to you all through this difficult time. Joe will be fondly remembered by all in the many stories told, his infections’ smile and laugh will always be in our hearts. Thinking of you all in your time of sorrow,
Love,
Werner, Brigette, Tina, Mike, Mitchell, Alana, James, Kelly, Conner, Liam, Moni, Steve, Sydney & Joselyn
Ute Matheson
Dear Katy and family,
We are truly saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. It was always a highlight to meet him, either on a hike in the Palgrave Forest or at a get-together, as there always seemed to be so many topics to be discussed! We will remember Joey as a kind and genuine person who loved life and people.
Our thoughts are with you,
Ute and Jamie
Jim and Heidi Sant
Dear Katy and family
We are so sorry to hear about Joe’s passing.
Our deepest condolences to you and all of the family.
Ernie & Kim Giancarlo , Gabriel, Dave Cobblestone Landscaping &Construction Inc
Katie , Lori , Ernie Tanya & extended family
We send our heartfelt condolences & prayers of peace, comfort to you all during this most difficult time.
A conversation with Joe always left you walking away with a smile …
He was truly a man of great knowledge, wisdom ,strength and kindness and will be sadly missed.
BRAD and Suzanne Ringer
Dear Katy,Lori,Ernie,Tanya and your families.
It was with much sadness to receive the news on Joe’s passing. We are so glad to have spent time last summer with Joe and you . He truly was a great man and will be missed but always remembered by so many.
Our love and condolences Brad and Suzanne
Michelle Lentini
Sending all the family and friends all a big hug. My condolences to you all. It was such a pleasure to have met Joe a true gentleman. Joe will be missed, but never forgotten.
❤️️ Love Lentini’s
Marnie Singeton
Lori, Tanya, Ernie and families, so sorry to hear of your loss. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort.
Marnie
Casey and Jutta Coulter
Katie, with heavy hearts we send our condolences to you and your family. We will remember Joe always with a smile, a hard working man who loved his family and friends and of course who always had a story of his travels.
Joe will be missed.
Love, Casey and Jutta
Lydia Litz
Katy and Family, So very sorry for your loss.
Remembering Joe means that we carry a piece of who he was with us. He left a mark on those who were lucky to know him. He was kind, generous and had a zest for life. I will keep him alive in my thoughts and memories. He had the best stories and his laugh was contagious. Gone but never forgotten. Rest In Peace Dear Joe.
Love Lydia xo
Raymond Wand
Dear Katie, and family.
My deepest sympathies on Joe’s passing. Fond memories of a warm, sincere, honest, and outgoing friend.
Raymond Wand
Debbe Crandall
Our Mom and Dad, Shelagh and Arnold Crandall, thought (and probably still do:) so highly of Joe and Katy and so on behalf of us all, our hearts are full with thoughts and warm feelings for you and your family Katy. We’ve all known each other for a long long time and Joe will always be remembered for that big gorgeous smile and his warmth. Our deepest condolences at this sad time.
With regards,
Paul Loach
Ernie and Family.
I had the pleasure of meeting Joe a couple of times. The memories are few but I will always remember his warm and welcoming smile. Cherish the memories.
Yasmin Steele
Dear Katy & family,
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe and share with you that deep feeling of loss. Please know that all the special memories you made together will be a source of strength during this difficult time.
Our love and support surrounds you all,
Yasmin & Natalie Steele
Don and Bernadette Robb
I was very saddened to learn about Joe’s passing. I enjoyed talking with him at the gym and reminiscing about the good ole’ days in Bolton. He was always very positive and friendly and a joy to be around. He will be sadly missed. Our deepest condolences to the Below family.
Cari Faria
To Katie, Laurie, Tanya, Ernie ,your children and to the rest of the family.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
We have so many fond memories of a warm, kind and outgoing friend to our family ….. the trips we took to the nursery, the school interactions or just bumping into each other at the stores in our small town of Bolton….
Please know that we always (and always will) have special memories of Joe in our hearts…. Xoxo
Our deepest condolences at this sad time.
With regards,
The Critchley’s
(Jack, Connie, Cari and Chad)
Hedy Wofgang Schroeder
Dear Kati and Families!
Our deepest Sympathy to You!
We shared many memories at the Albion Nursery!!
Hedy&Wolfgang, Claus Karin & Fam Schroeder
Michael and Lisa Clark and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya on this sad day. Joe was such an amazing guy, I remember working at the Garden Center and was amazed at the amount of people who wanted 5 minutes of Joe’s time. He was always willing to help and greeted each customer with his warm greeting and laugh, and his wonderful sense of humour! Truly cared for all of his customers and had time for each and every one. It was easy to see why so many truly loved and appreciated Joe in the community. This is so true !
I have so many wonderful memories with your family in those years, which I will never forget and truly learned a lot of valuable lessons from being around Joe in those years, such a hard worker, and amazing role model for all in every aspect. Your beautiful family are so blessed to have had such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. God bless and thinking of you all in this difficult time.
Love and friendship always,
Lynne McFarland
To Katy and family,
Over the years you come across a person who made a deep impact on your life, Joe was such a person! He was a teacher, a mentor, a friend and was never at a loss for words! Today at this very sad time we would like to express our condolences at the passing of Joe and express how much we appreciated him.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
The McFarlands,
Jack, Lynne, Matthew and Erynne
Sylvia King
Dear Katy and family
Joe was the type of patient who made my career worthwhile. He was always positive, kind, cheerful, and someone who loved to share his stories. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Keep on flossing Joe!
Sylvia King
Derek Rumpf
Katy, Lori, Ernie, Tanya; the entire Family…
To you all, we convey profound sympathies and love during this time of heartbreak and loss. We also wish to convey our gratitude, in allowing us to share in the life of someone so special. A lifelong best friend, Godfather, ‘extended uncle’, raconteur extraordinaire, nothing short of a wonderful human being.
Each one of us has been forever touched by Joe’s presence; his kindness, his zest for life, his ability to make you feel like the only person in the room during a conversation… but a few of the qualities that make him who he is.
Know that we are thinking of you all and that we love you.
The Rumpfs
Uli, Sarita, Stacey (Rob), Derek (Victoria)