Chinapen. Joseph Rivaltz, born February 12, 1944 in Belle Rose, Mauritius, passed away in Squamish on October 7, 2018. Beloved husband to Jacqueline (Jackie), devoted father to Alana (Don) and Alain (Lee-Anne), doting grandfather to Ashley, Alex, Brodie, Jordan and Jenna.

Joe and Jackie married in Mauritius on January 18, 1968 and on January 28, Joe left to begin preparations for their new life in Canada. He was the first Mauritian to emigrate to British Columbia, arriving with $35 in his pocket. Jackie joined him in November. Joe worked in Port Moody as a welder and attended BCIT.

In 1970, they moved to Squamish and purchased a house. Joe was a handyman and loved tinkering and creating, there was little that he couldn’t fix. In 1978, he began building his first house in Brackendale and moved into the home in 1982 where he raised his family.

Joe worked for BC Rail as a boilermaker/welder for 31 years where he was known as a hard worker with a strong work ethic. After retiring in 2000, Joe pursued some of his many hobbies including fishing, gardening and playing darts at the Legion but above all, loved to spend time with his family, especially his sweeties, of whom he was so proud.

Joe’s infectious laugh, beaming smile and response of “no problem” will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his brother Yves in Maple Ridge and brother-in-law George Sayede in Ladysmith, Joe leaves behind siblings in Mauritius: Marceline, Margaret, Jean Marie and Alain, as well as many relatives. A mass will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2449 The Boulevard in Squamish on October 20, 2018 at 11:00am. A reception will follow at the Totem Hall, 1380 Stawamus Rd, Squamish at 1:00pm.