Joseph John Debreceni passed away on October 25, 2025, with his wife Jean-Ann by his side. Joe was born July 21, 1942, on the farm south of Kipling, Saskatchewan. Joe married Jean-Ann White on February 5, 1966, at the Broadview United Church. They lived for a brief time in Regina before starting on a long voyage of adventure in the Yukon and then Vancouver. In 1975 they finally settled in Cranbrook. Joe worked in the food distribution industry in locations spanning from the Whitehorse to Cranbrook. Joe loved the outdoors canoeing, and fishing. You would find Joe in his freighter canoe enjoying all kinds of Yukon rivers and lakes. Joe fished with many friends including a bear on the other side of the river. Moving to Vancouver did not slow him down but the rivers became the ocean and the canoe got smaller.

Joe fished and hiked for as long as he could and then became a committed hard-working gardener with Jean-Ann. Joe also spent much of his time helping Jean-Ann at her store in Fort Steele (Kershaw & Son General Store). He portrayed Mr Kershaw, and many folks knew him as “The Candy man”. Joe and Jean-Ann also had a store in Fairmont for a short time before retiring full time. Joe did not stay retired for long before going back to being Mr. Kershaw. This time for the Friends of Fort Steele where he worked for quite a few summers. Joe was a supporter of Co-ops and Credit Unions especially StellerVista (EKC). Joe loved volunteering and was very involved with the theatre and the Credit Union. He helped out wherever he could. You would often find him behind the concession window at the Stage Door and Key City. He was always helping behind the scenes. Joe collected wine and loved to go to the winery’s and hosting dinners with Jean-Ann. Joe agreed to go on one cruise, as Jean Ann wanted to see the Panama Canal. He was hooked! Joe went on to see Peru and hiked all over Machu Picchu, South Pacific and the Antarctic to name a few of their many travel adventures. Anywhere we went, Joe always knew where to find the theatre, church or hotel, it would all be on his list in his pocket. Joe would never tell anyone how long he and Jean-Ann were married, when asked he would always say, “not long enough”.

He was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Olga Debreceni, two brothers Lawrence and Calvin and brother-in-law Geoffery White. Joe is survived by his wife Jean-Ann, brother Paul Debreceni and Sister Mary Ann Hengen, sister-in-law Rosemarie and their children. He will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law James White, sisters- in- laws Ellen Johnson and Donna Kinvig and all his nephews and nieces. Also, by his lifelong friends Craig & Sandy Desormeaux.

There will be a celebration of life for Joe on his Birthday July 21, 2026, in his garden at his home.

Joe was a kind and gentle soul and loved by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Joe’s favourite charities StellerVista Credit Union Endowment Fund or the Cranbrook Community Forest Foundation.

Donation links below:

• StellerVista Credit Union Endowment Fund: https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/give?ID=a0e41000005DMwLAAW

• Cranbrook Community Forest Society Legacy Fund: https://give.vancouverfoundation.ca/s/give?ID=a0eAh000000Zvw6IAC

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