My heart breaks as I write about a customer/Friend whom I am honored to have had the amazing pleasure of meeting. Joel was always smiling and happy to join us in our store, I’d do anything for him in store as his spirit and smile lite up the store for the rest of the day. I sit writing this in disbelief as this amazing young man was such a gift truly to anyone who interacted with him. Rest well Joel, All my love is with you and your family and friends.

We are so sorry and still in disbelief. We did not know Joel was gone to the other side of life. We are deeply saddened that we were unaware of his celebration of life. Our deepest sympathies to Joel’s family and many friends. Sonny and I remember looking after Joel with very fond memories. Seems like yesterday. Joel had a brief but remarkable life.

My condolences to Joel’s family and friends. I first met Joel at the Dragon Boat festival a few years ago. The next time our paths crossed was when he was the spokeskid at the Shave Your Lid for a Kid event at my school. He was the best spokeskid we have ever had (we have hosted 10 events) and we will remember his candid sharing of his experiences. Our most recent shave event was dedicated to him as I had found out he had relapsed.

Dear Dale and Ed

We are so, so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you all.

Joel was such a nice boy, one we won’t ever forget. He and Gavin made quite the goaltending tandem. Joel’s positive attitude and easy going nature were totally infectious and a reflection of you both.

Our best to you all,

Gavin, Lana and Gerry Huizer

Dear Ed, Dale and Eric,

The first time I met Joel was in your arms Dale, when you brought him to the nursery at NCCC. It was cool to watch him grow into a sweet, kind and gentle young man.

He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you. May you feel God’s strength, love and presence during this difficult time.

Love,

Cyndy

Our heart felt condolences to you, Dale, Ed and Eric. I remember “Joel Bear” in our baby group! He will be remembered for his loving, caring smile and exuberance during his precious lifetime on earth.

With our deepest sympathy,

Danielle, Paul, Michael and Madison Berger

Dale, Ed, and Eric,

We are very sorry to hear of the loss of Joel. Cameron played on Eric’s tidbits team a few years ago and Joel was always there with a smile on his face and supporting his brother. Our sincere condolences. Cherish all the wonderful memories that you have had together as you go through this difficult time and always. Our thoughts are with you.

The Fewster’s

Clare, Mark, Cameron and Neven

I have just now learned of Joel’s passing. I regret that the news has come a little late and I was unable to attend Joel’s celebration of life. Words cannot express my sincere sympathy for your loss of such a wonderful young man. My thoughts are with all of you.

Sending love and hugs,

Mme J. Deane

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric,

Words cannot express our sadness at learning of your dear son and brother’s passing from our midst to the loving arms of his eternal Father. We can all hear his laughter and violin ringing in the wind, the sun and the birds so clearly this week and will always. Joel will continue to have an impact on so many lives through his music, his positive attitude and all the work he did for Kids Cancer Care in Alberta.

We have so many fond memories of Josh and Joel playing fiddle together in Bow Valley Groups, in jams, busking at a cancer benefit, and at your home. Their combined joy in music warmed our hearts over and over.

Dale, even in the midst of Joel’s health struggles, you continued to reach out in support, prayer and encouragement to our family through out children’s challenges, and that means the world to us. May God continue to surround you and your amazing family with His peace that surpasses all human understanding, His comfort and His love today and always.

love,

Krista

I was lucky enough to be Joel’s teacher at Madeleine d’Houet and I will never forget his kind spirit. He was a true fighter and a blessing to all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerest condolences to all his family and friends.

Jean-Philippe Vallee

We have no words to express our sadness about Joel’s passing. We are so sorry and we are thinking of you as parents and Opa and Grand-maman of 4 grand-babies. We are travelling on Saturday, flying right when the funeral is starting. We will be thinking of you and Joel. Peace and Love are sent to you.

Dale, Ed and Eric,

We are truly blessed to have Joel and your wonderful family in our lives. He was an amazing boy and he will continue to be in our hearts. He touched so many over such a short period of life, but the touch was strong and indelible. We want our son and daughter to strive to be the fun, loving, faithful person that Joel was. Our mantra for them to guide them through their lives will be WWJD?. “What Would Joel Do?”. Right now he’s probably up there with a regular foursome, still hitting them ‘flush’ and still keeping them honest.

We wish you all the strength and faith that the Lord can provide. We are with you and will always be with you.

Love,

Mike, Sue-Ellen, Jaden and MacKenzie

Dale and Ed, I offer you my deepest condolences at this time for the loss of your amazing son, Joel. I had the honour to know Joel for many years since he was in elementary school. His beautiful, caring and positive spirit will be missed by many young people and the teachers that were fortunate enough to have taught him. We hold many very fond memories of Joel in our hearts.

Ed, Dale, and Eric

We are so sorry to hear about Joel. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Rick and Sirkka

The Enerflex team first met Joel in August 2014 when he attended our annual KCC charity golf tournament as our spokeskid. We instantly fell in love with Joel and his warm and gentle spirit. We were lucky to have met Joel and his family and feel blessed to have had the privilege of him sharing his story and journey with us. Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric,

We were so very saddened to hear of Joel’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies on your loss, My boys still have the fondest memories of their summer fun in Calgary with Joel playing on the trampoline, slip’n’slide or road hockey. I can still remember Joel’s infectious laughter coming out of the back yard. He had a lovely spirit and we are so glad we had the chance to get to know him. The world has lost a beautiful soul. We will continue to hold your family close in our thoughts and prayers and our hearts are with you. Love Kent, Karen, Colin and Kurt

Dale, Ed and Eric

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Remembering you and Joel in our hearts and minds always. We pray that you find peace and courage.

Yvette, Caelan, Mike and Makenna

My condolences to you and your family.

I had the pleasure of having Joel in my classroom last year. He was a joy to be around: positive, happy, earnest and hardworking. He just had a good attitude, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have gotten to know him.

With much love and prayers,

Walid Muslih

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric

We are heartbroken to hear of Joel’s passing. He was a wonderful young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family. You are an amazing family and I pray your faith will keep you strong and your memories will keep Joel alive in your lives.

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric,

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones. Zachary had the pleasure of playing hockey with Joel and getting to know him and your lovely family. We are so sorry for your loss. May the peace and love of God be with you always.

Gwen, Zachary and Sebastian Farkas

St. Francis High School

Dear Ed, Dale and Eric,

We are so very sorry that Joel’s cancer journey has come to an end and that you must face this impossible sadness. Erin has vivid memories of ‘Joel-Bear’ coming into the office as a little guy to have Ed take him to hockey practice. There were many happy stories of Joel adventures which brought smiles to everyone in the office.

You are a beautiful and kind family and we wish you much peace and comfort while you gather strength from those who care for you.

With sincere condolences and love,

Erin & Kerry Nagata

Dale, Ed & Eric,

Sending our sincere condolences to you and you family… Joel was an amazing young man. He will be sadly missed. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The Lawfords

Jodi, Mike, Luke (#14) & Juliet

Dale, Ed and Eric,

My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of working with Joel during his time as an ambassador of Kids Cancer Care at our events. He was kind, mature, and thoughtful. When he spoke, he could captivate an entire room – from young kids at a shave to corporate Calgarians at golf tournaments. Joel had, and will continue to have, a profound impact on everyone he shared his journey with. May you find comfort at this time knowing how many hearts he left an imprint on. My deepest condolences to you, your family, friends and those who loved him.

Megan Gough

Dear Zukowski family, please accept my sympathy for your recent loss. I have come to know your family and particularly your sons Joel and Eric, through their involvement with music over the years. It has only been within the past year that I was made aware of Joel’s illness and since, my thoughts have been with you. As a parent, my heart goes out to you. May God bless you with strength and healing.

Sincerely, Bonnie Burke

Our hearts ache for you today for the loss of your precious son Joel. What a wonderful young man he was. It was a privilege to know him and have him as a member of NCCC. We will always remember his smile and kindness. He radiated God’s love in such an amazing way. Hold on to the promise that you will see him again when Jesus returns. He is in a place of peace with God now with no more pain. May God grant you His peace as you mourn your loss. “My peace I leave with you, Jesus said”.

Didn’t know Joel but heard about him on the radio this morning my heart goes out to his mom and dad. I hate hearing about young kids that have left us all to soon. They had their whole life ahead of them. But now Joel is in God’s hands and in a beautiful, peaceful place what more could one ask for? Be strong and know he is now looking down at you with a smile on his face.

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our family didn’t know you well, but my oldest daugthers attended St. Sylvester with Joel when he was first diagnosed with cancer. We were saddened to hear of this news through St. Francis High School and pray you will find strength in the support of those who share in your grief. Please know his courage and positive outlook made an impact on those who knew him, even if for a short time. My girls followed his journey from a distance and we are truly inspired. We will keep your family in our prayers.

Ed, Dale and Eric,

My heart goes out to you all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I can still remember Joel coming into the office, getting ready to go to Timbit Hockey and having in his hand a pack of Timbits. Joel was such an amazing young man, so caring and loving. He will be missed greatly.

Dale, Ed and Eric,

There are just no words. Myself and the rest of the team at Kids Cancer Care are heartbroken. Joel was such a wonderful young man and I am so happy I had the chance to know him. Thank you for sharing Joel with us. I’m thinking of you all and you’re in my heart.

Ash

I had the pleasure meeting Joel, Mom Dale and brother Erin at our Cardel Homes Ride of a Lifetime events at Race City! Joel was an amazing young man, he left a deep foot print in my heart. I am very saddened to hear of his passing, I am grateful I had the chance to meet such an amazing young man, he was very inspiring. Thinking of you all. – Jessica

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric

I am so sorry to hear the news of Joel. I didn’t know Joel very well, but was blessed to be able to spend some time with him raising funds for Kids Cancer Care. From what I knew of him he was an exceptional person. He was always happy even with the trials he was going through. Even though he was young, he was awesome and better than most who get a whole life time.

Damon

Dear Zakowski Family

My heart aches for you I was so lucky to have known Joel for all the years I did. I will always remember Joel for many years as a friend who had a smile that could light up a room, someone who would always have an open hand for his friends, and would never turn a blind eye for someone who needs help. I will always remember him for all the great memories that surround him and his beautiful heart. He will be missed in all our hearts.

Dale, Ed and Eric, my deepest condolences to you at this time. Joel was a beautiful soul, so wise beyind his years. Majestic and humble, strong and gentle at the same time. I feel blessed to have known him and to have shared in some small way in his journey here. He will always have a place in my heart and so will all of you. Wishing you peace and comfort.

Love

Gail Corbett

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family during this very difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort and the love of family and friends help to support you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Myron & Syndee Kopec

Regina, Saskatchewan

Ed, Dale and Eric,

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. May the sweet memories and love of Joel give you strength and courage to get through this difficult time. Our deepest condolences.

The Kuprash Family

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric,

Every bit of my heart goes out to you all on the loss of Joel. I can’t seem to find the right words to adequately express the sorrow I feel for you all. Please know that you and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. May your strong faith guide you with courage and may the love of family and friends comfort you in the days ahead.

With Sympathy, Love & Friendship,

Sherry (Mattson) Scott

We are so sorry to hear this sad news and offer you our condolences. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. May God grant you peace knowing that Joel is at peace.

Angela, Rob, Joseph and Naya Astorino

Dear Zukowski family,

Although I never had the pleasure of teaching Joel, I know him from his travels in the halls of St Francis. I am holding Joel and your family especially close in my heart and prayers. I know the despair of losing a child and I know there are no words that will comfort your pain. Joel’s spirit has touched so many more than you may ever know.

My condolences,

Deirdre Peters (St Francis High School)

Dale & Ed,

Our hearts ache and our prayers, thoughts and love is with you all. We rejoice that Joel is with Jesus forever, and will never experience pain, sadness or fear again. What a blessing! May God grant you peace and strength for each day, and joy with your memories of your wonderful son.

We so regret that we will not be in Alberta for his funeral – again, our hearts will be there.

Love Grace & Gerry

My deepest sympathy to you Dale and your family at this sad time. Though I did not meet Joel, I am for certain that he was a very beautiful young man and you loved him and were so very proud of him. Keep strong and keep his spirit alive and he will always be with you. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Love Cary Letourneau (Chamberlin)

Our heartfelt condolences at your loss. Our prayers for the strength and faith to be offered you in this time.

Dale, I am so sorry to hear of Joel’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Amy, Casey, Jack and Luke (#11)

Our deepest condolences on your loss. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Our deepest sympathy to Dale, Ed, Eric and Joel’s extended family. We are so truly saddened by the loss of such as Joel. His joie de vivre inspires us all to live our life to the fullest. Joel enjoyed each day and shared so many special moments with his family and friends. His love of life brought so much pleasure to those around him. He has touched us all and has left a deep footprint in our lives. We all cherish the time we had with him and watching his unbelievable strength, while still showing us that amazing smile of his throughout his journey. He will be greatly missed.

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to you Dale and your family. May your faith and love carry you.

Oh, how my heart aches for you my dear friend. I am so glad that I saw you both last week… we will always remember him, he made everyone’s day brighter. May our loving heavenly Father lift you up, and comfort you in his embrace. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.

“All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Dale, Ed and Eric, we were deeply saddened of this news. Please know that Joel and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. We will always remember Joel as such a kind and beautiful person who had the biggest smile ever! We feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to have known him.

Please accept my most sincere condolences to you and your family during this sad time. I met and chatted with Joel several times as he visited here at Kids Cancer Care – what a beautiful soul! Joel will be long remembered by all those whose hearts he touched.

The staff and students of MDH send our thoughts and prayers to you in this difficult time. Joel was an amazing young man! Compassioante, caring, hard working, resilient and determined. We will always remember his infectious smile….He is our hero!

Dale, Ed and Eric

I will forever remember Joel`s humble manner and sweet smile that would light up a room. He was an incredibly caring, talented, thoughtful and inspirational individual who possessed unwavering kindness and generosity to all people. With a heavy heart I offer my condolences and prayers to all of you, your family and Joel`s friends. We were all blessed to have him touch our lives.

At our 2014 golf tournament Joel was the spokeskid and the keynote speaker. He was inspiring. Joel’s heartfelt speech brought us all to tears, we will never forget it.

He was a special person and he shared his feelings and pain with us. Joel loved golf and he loved life, we wish he could have had just a bit more of both.

We will miss him

Dear Ed, Dale and Eric,

LeeAnne and I are heartbroken with the news about Joel. Our prayers are with you.

One of the highlights of my ministry was Joel’s baptism. Through the preparation classes we did together, he displayed a depth of faith beyond his ability to grasp intellectually- truly faith like a child.

May Jesus continue to hold you up in His almighty strength, comfort and peace. And we pray that like David in Psalm 13 you are able to say, “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.”

With much love in Christ, Mark & LeeAnne

My heartfelt condolences to you all. Joel was a wonderful boy with a warm spirit. I always enjoyed my chats with him in the hallway, where he would update me on his condition and what he was up to. In my English class he strived to maintain a sense of normalcy amid the physical and emotional struggles that he was obviously dealing with. I can not imagine what it must be like to lose a child, especially one as special as Joel. As trite as it may sound, I am happy to have known him and I hope that he suffers no more as he continues on his journey.

Brad Vinnell

St. Francis High School

Dear Dale, Ed and Eric,

The impact that Joel has had on the people lucky enough to have met him will be everlasting. We could never forget the beauty of a human being who knew exactly how to appreciate life, but at the same time loved and trusted God with all his might. I am so grateful to have been able to see and talk to Joel a week and a half ago at our school’s Terry Fox Run. May your son’s beautiful prayers from heaven reach us all, and bring you the peace that he is now surrounded with.

Dear Dale and family,

I am terribly sorry to hear about the passing of your son Joel.May my condolences bring you peace during this painful time.

love Lynne Rozon

My heartfelt condolences in the loss of your son and brother. May all your wonderful, happy memories ease your sadness at this time. Love to you all.

Dale,

I will always remember when we met at the Bow Valley Fiddlers and then how we talked as Joel and James had their coaching sessions with Paul. We will all miss Joel very much, especially James. They had a special bond with those fiddles and I know that when James plays Joel will be listening.

God gave you, Ed and Eric the strength to help Joel through this journey and he will be with you to give you the strength to continue. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.

Love,

Joanne, James and Natalie

It was a blessing to have taught Joel though the real stuff about living was what he taught me. Walking with Joel, I couldn’t help feel that living in the present, being with whomever you were with was the most important thing. His spirit was wise beyond his birth age and that sparkle in his eyes will always be with me. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.