Thomas Elijah Nehemiah Joseph
2 Cherishes
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Legends From Antigua & Barbuda
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Thomas Elijah Nehemiah Joseph
1932
-
2023
Antigua & Barbuda
His unwavering kindness, integrity, and gentle spirit defined everything he did. He was a steady anchor for his family and a loyal friend to many. Though he is no longer with us, his beautiful legacy of love will remain forever in our hearts.
“Bassie”, or “Tom”, was born on August 17, 1932, in Willikies Village, Antigua, West Indies, the second child of Constantine and Vera Joseph.
He was an avid scholar and a lover of life-long learning, a fascinating storyteller, an aspiring writer, a lover of history and current affairs, and a passionate cook and baker who loved to feed everyone who came through his door.
After finishing school, he worked at the Antigua SugarFactory and then as an apprentice carpenter before becoming a teacher at Willikies School.
After doing correspondence courses through England, he was awarded a Canadian Government scholarship to study at the University of Calgary. He came to Canada in 1967, earning his BA in history and political science and graduating in 1970.
1968 was the year he met his beautiful wife Carol through a mutual friend at midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It was love at first sight for Bassie, and he and Carol went on to marry in August 1970. Returning to Antigua with his new wife, he resumed his teaching position. He and Carol remained in Antigua until 1975, before settling in Calgary with their two small children and welcoming a third in 1976.
Once back in Calgary, Bassie went on to complete his BEd after-degree and an MEd. He worked for many years as a substitute teacher for the Calgary Board of Education, retiring in 2008.
In the late eighties, he took time off to pursue his dream of attending culinary school at SAIT, graduating with his diplomas in professional cooking and baking. He was a long-time member of the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer and often lent his culinary skills to the Fellowship Group meetings and other special occasions.
Due to mobility issues, he spent the last three years at Bow View Manor, where he was cared for with empathy and compassion by the wonderful staff. He was a man who lived his life with gratitude.
Love Always from the family.
One Comment
Always such a gentleman, humble and down to earth. You exhibited a high sense of responsibility, took your commitment seriously and was one who could be relied upon at any time.