Joe was born on February 28, 1926 to Margaret and Hugh Fuller, the third of four children (Art, Constance, Joe and Ted). At 14, he quit school to look after Uncle Jack’s farm while Jack was at war. Joe signed up for the Army in 1944 and was in training when the war ended. Upon his return, he was a Scoutmaster for the First Lake Windermere Group, and taught the Cadet program to valley youth.

Joe married Eileen Hudson on July 28, 1948. They were together until her passing in 2011 – 62 years! Joe built three homes for the family, Daryl arrived while in the first home, and Wayne and Audrey in their second home. He was one of the first Invermere Councilmen 1949 to 1951, with Dr. Coy, Major Bell & William Weir. A Charter Member of the Windermere District Lions Club on October 25, 1951 and was honoured at their 70th Anniversary. A proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 71 in Invermere, he was there to collect his 65 year membership pin. He was also a part of the Toby Benches Society.

He had many hobbies – gold panning, fishing, gardening, fixing things and woodworking. He was always up for some cribbage, too. Joe & Eileen hiked with a hiking club, always encouraging family & friends to go along, climbing pretty much every mountain and visiting every lake in the area. Joe and Eileen loved to toboggan and they took their kids to a special hill near Lake Lillian. They loved that spot and when Panorama Drive was re-routed, Joe had the opportunity to buy that property in 1980 and built their home with a million dollar view of Lake Lillian, Mount Nelson and their personal toboggan hill.

In 2017, Joe was diagnosed with Dementia and moved into Ivy house where he passed away peacefully on December 15, 2019, at the age of 93. Joe was predeceased by his Father, Hugh; Mother Margaret; Brothers Art and Ted; sister Connie; his wife, Eileen; and their first baby boy.

He is survived by his children; Daryl (Dianne Gibson), Wayne (Conny Stru?b), Audrey (Steve) Mantyka, Grandsons Joshua and Logan Walker, Kaelan Fuller, Graham, Andrew and Michael Fuller; 13 Great Grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Joe will be remembered for his smile, kindness, his many creations, his love of the valley, his family and his many contributions to the community.

The family will place Joe in his final resting place, the Windermere Cemetery Columbarium, alongside Eileen, with a spectacular view of Lake Windermere, the mountains and wildlife to watch over.

The family is hosting a celebration of Joe’s life on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 71 Invermere from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Everyone is welcome.