Obituary of Joseph Leonard Kane

Joseph L. Kane, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the age of 85, due to health complications following a car accident.

Born on September 4, 1938, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Joe was the eldest son of Joseph Sr. and Marie (Alty) Kane from Murray Street.  He is survived by his wife, Nora; his children, Joanne, Karen, and Dan (Pam); his grandchildren, Joseph Alan, Maya, and Molly Kane; his siblings, George (Mary), Allie, Louie, and Patsy (Mike) McEwen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Marie (Alty) Kane, his brother, James (Maria), and his brother-in-law, Mike (Patsy) McEwen.

Joe worked at the Port of Saint John on various tugboats, barges and dredges, with the Canadian National Railway and Kiewit Construction, and with his brother at George D. Kane Contracting. In 1960, Joe married his sweetheart Nora, and was let go from Lantic Sugar for taking the day off to get married.  They were together for 60 years of marriage, raising their three children and instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and a sense of humour.  Nora, who has Multiple Sclerosis and has used a wheelchair for many years, was supported and cherished by Joe throughout their marriage, and they fondly remembered trips to Lourdes in France, and to Rhode Island for medical treatments.  “Josephine” was also an honorary member of the Catholic Woman’s League, regularly wheeling Nora to her meetings with a wry smile and lady’s wig.

After retiring, Joe had a hobby farm on the Kingston Peninsula, where he had goats and chickens and bred Labrador Retrievers, raising 4 generations of dogs.  His hobbies included working on his 150+ year old home on the Peninsula, many, many unfinished projects, and spending time with his grandchildren.  G.I. Joe was well known as a prankster who loved a good joke, and visitors to the Kane household would often be handed one treat or another which contained a fake snake or spider, bringing laughter to those around him. He once put on a fake cast and had his good friend and brother-in-law Buddy pile his wood for him before taking the cast off and letting him in on the joke. He also loved Halloween and would dress up as a witch or other character, spending the evening passing out treats with his granddaughters.  He could also be frequently found in Quispamsis, where he volunteered at St. Mark's Church and delivered holiday food donations or spending time at the McDonalds with his coffee group.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB, (506-634-7424). Visitation will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held from the Loch Lomond Villa Chapel on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Joe's memory.

Joe's humor, and mischievous smile touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Thank you to the staff of the Emergency department and 4CN at the Saint John Regional Hospital for their care of Joe. You're finally home Joe. May you rest in peace. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com