DESCRIPTION:
RIP Dad. Safe travels to your next great adventure.
(Video: Joe Venier tickling the ivories (after years of not playing))

Joe Venier, Engineer, Pianist, Father, Husband, Horticulturist & gardener extraordinaire.
Born January 10, 1931. Passed on to his next great adventure on May 17, 2016.
In this video he's rusty from not having played in a few years but you can imagine his dexterity when he was playing regularly.


OBITUARY
With his family by his side Joseph passed away peacefully at the Sault Ste Marie, Ontario Area Hospital on Tuesday May 17, in his 86th year. Beloved husband of the late Mary Venier (nee Simon). Loving father of Randall (Candice), Daniel (Kathi), Leanne Venier and Monique Venier. Brother of Marie (Bill) Piche.

After attending Purdue University Joe's career evolved to Vice President of Industrial Engineering at Algoma Steel. Active in the Kiwanis Club, avid supporter of Lake Superior State University and memorialized in their Hall of Outstanding Alumni.

As an Entrepreneur, he founded STV Corporation, a manufacturer of ATVs and canoes.

An active environmental steward, he was co-owner and operator of the St. Joseph Island Fish Hatchery and a champion in the efforts of restocking trout populations in Northern Ontario waters.

He also single-handedly successfully brought back the indigenous wild turkey population to St. Joseph's Island after they had been rendered extinct in the area for many years from over-hunting.

Joe loved the outdoors, an ardent fisherman and very successful moose hunter.

Patriot and Veteran, he served a full tour in country during the Korean conflict as a member of the Engineer Corps building and installing bridges for advancing troops.

An accomplished pianist he played professionally, leading the big band sound of "Joe Venier and the Rhythm Engineers" and also entertained family and friends for many years.

He enjoyed cooking, in particular fine Italian meals in celebration of his heritage. A master level gardener he developed his formally recognized hybrid heirloom tomatoes (named the Christopher Columbus variety). He generously shared all fruits of his gardening labors with friends and family alike. As per Joe’s wishes, charitable donations may be made to Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society.


Sault Ste Marie Humane Society
962 Second Line East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4K4
Tel: 1-705-949-3573
Web: http://ssmhumanesociety.ca/