JOSEPH SAWTUS

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• He was always kind and warm hearted, it was sad I was unable to contact family to pay off money I owed Joe. - Posted by: William Tokar (friend) on: Aug 16, 2023

• My sweet Uncle Joey...oh how I will so miss our long phone calls across all these miles from BC to you over all these years. Huge hole is left where you reside in my heart. So many memories come flooding back to me of your visits out here to the sunny BC coast for various reasons, some weddings, funeral of my mom...your beloved sister Mary and my fave...given the honour to drive you from appointment to appointment in the late 60’s while making the rounds during your Kawasaki dealership years. Some wild conversations we struck up, lots of chuckles and laughs I could always have with you about anything and everything to do with life in general. Your light shone very bright then and still does when I look up, luvee❤️ Never was there a guy so enamoured with the well-being of his fellow man as you, and family meant everything. “Ya know Connie....” “Right on Connie” ! Eternally grateful for every second I had near you to talk to you, you great heart. Truly am dearly missing my dearest Uncle Joey. ☺️ - Posted by: Connie Clements (Niece ) on: Apr 04, 2018

• Just recently moved back to Winnipeg and was wondering about Joe and the shop. Sorry to hear of his passing, he was truly one of a kind. Belated Condolences to the family. - Posted by: Ross Maines (Customer ) on: Feb 23, 2018

• I met Joe the first time when I and a friend went into his shop in 1974 to buy parts for a Chaparrel 80. Joe confessed that he didn`t deal with Chaparrel but he figured that that was no reason for not helping "two young fellas" out and we got what we needed in short order. That was the way that he was, he`d never let things like that get in the way of helping what he once told me was a "future friend". So long Joe, take it easy. - Posted by: Mike Petras (Customer and friend,..) on: May 27, 2017

• Since I was a kid, walking into Canadian Motorcycle was like stepping into a world of cool. It wasn’t just the bikes and all the displays, it was the vibe and the love for motorcycles and riding that lived in that place. Joe was the perfect person to bring it all together. In his personable way, he made each interaction a special experience. In all of my dealings, I always walked away with more than just material goods. If a person had the time, Joe would weave a tale about almost anything. It was always worth the time. - Posted by: Bob Thor (Customer) on: May 21, 2017

• Will be truly missed. Joe was a great wealth of knowledge and a great guy. If you needed to know something he always had the time to talk and explain things to you. His shop was like a motorcycle museum when you walked in there. All kinds of history and stories along with the artifacts. May he bless others with his free spirit. - Posted by: Johnny (Acquaintance ) on: Apr 30, 2017

• I first met Joe was in the late 60s! When he helped me with an electrical problem on my 1965 Triumph Tiger, he really made an impression on me with his kindness and generosity. I met him again in 1979 and we became Sponsor/Sponsee. He lead me gently through the steps with a mixture of knowledge & tough love. Every Friday we would meet for coffee, clam chowder step studying and a meeting (a staple for me as I had been very undisciplined and angry) over the next 4 years he taught me a lot about life and showed me how to be the gentleman I always wanted to be. In 1982 I got married to the love of my life and Joe was at my side as my best man. My favorite "Joe Story" was when fairly newly sober I was driving a big clunky Cadillac which I had a loan on and was unemployment and couldn't afford gas for. Joe urged me to sell the Caddy and he would help me get an affordable car. That car turned out to be a 1967 Dodge Polara station wagon,slant 6 engine drivers door stove in and parked out back of his motorcycle shop which his Doberman ' s had taken up residence. Needles to say when we put a battery in it I prayed it wouldn't start sure enough it fired up on the 1st try. I drove that car until I got back on my feet paid of my bills and went back to school. My wife and I moved away from Winnipeg and Joe & I always kept in touch which included 4 years in New Zealand. We called each other long distance and talked like we had seen each other the day before . Joe and I had a lot in common, The AA fellowship, Motorcycles we both spent time in prison (working) I Will always cherish our friendship a relationship that was unique and priceless. I will always remember Joe as one of the kindest gentlest person who ever came into my life. Thank you Joe for helping save my life, you were there for me when I truly needed a friend. Say hello for me to all our old friends at that big meeting in heaven. I know you'll be up there talking about us just as I will be down here talking about you. Rest in peace - Posted by: Brian M Gates (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2017

• Condolences on the loss of a truly great man. Joe was a local legend. He always had time to stop and talk, and always had a kind word for everyone. Ride that golden highway "young stud" until we meet again. - Posted by: Trent Kischook () on: Apr 29, 2017

• R.I.P. Joe ....You were #1 in more ways than one!!! - Posted by: Ron (M.M.C. Member) on: Apr 29, 2017