Thomas Joseph Earl McGill, “Joe”, was born in Brockville, Ontario on June 19, 1944, the youngest of 4 children to David and Rita McGill. Joe was raised between Brockville and White Lake and the open road brought him to Alberta in his 30s. Taught by his big brother Ron, Joe began his lifelong beloved career as a truck driver at about 15 years old. Joe surfed the highways until his retirement in 2015.
Joe loved his horses, country music, Louis Lamour books, classic western movies, cold beer, and long trips to the southern U.S. states. He looked forward to a good Texas smoked brisket feed the most! He worked for his brother, had his own company Little Joe’s Steaming, and drove for GWG, Cougar, NIC and Mullens out of Edmonton to name a few. He transferred to the Aldersyde branch of Mullens after coming to Claresholm in 1993 with his then wife Bev McGill, for his step-daughter’s wedding and stayed.
Joe and Marianne started dating in 2002 and they married in August 2004. Joe and Marianne shared a of love of animals, and Joe surely loved his dogs. They made a few trips to sunny destinations, but Joe was homebody at heart. Joe had a rough and grumble exterior but those closest to him loved his generous teddy bear interior. He will be remembered for his excellent work ethic, twinkling blue eyes, thick hair, and mischievous grin!
At the age of 76, Joe passed away at the Claresholm General Hospital, in the evening on December 31, 2020, after a well fought 10-year long battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Joe will be missed by his wife Marianne Williams, her children: Michael (Tanis), April Kilford and Stacey Williams (Sunny Cheung) and Grandsons Ashton, Brady, Dustin and Kaleb. Joe has a special place in the hearts of the stepchildren he raised, Shannon (Barry) Clay and Chris (Natalie) Krenn, and grandchildren Chyna, Ally, Codie & Jace. Joe’s remembered fondly by his McGill nieces and nephews and families in Alberta: David, Mitch, Phillip & Heather. As well as Brenda Bode, John, Robbie & Victor in Ontario. Joe was predeceased by his parents, his siblings Ron, John & Esther, his sister-in-law Ethel, 2 nieces and 1 granddaughter.
Due to Covid restrictions there will not be a funeral, but a private family service will be held in the future. You can send Joe off by remembering him with the tipping of a beer or sip of a well poured drink.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made in Joe’s name to Claresholm Palliative Committee (Box 2638 Claresholm T0L 0T0) or to Claresholm Animal Rescue Society (C.A.R.e.S) (Box 2579 Claresholm T0L 0T0).