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Joseph Donald Gravkin Obituary

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Joseph Donald Gravkin

Garibaldi Highlands, BC

March 4, 1927 - July 28, 2019

Joseph Donald Gravkin Obituary

Joseph (Joe) Donald Gravkin passed away peacefully on July 28th, 2019, age 92. He was predeceased by his parents, Jerry and Magdalena (née Matulich) Simunovich, his brothers, Tommy, Paul, Jerry, sister Vivian, wife Joan and son Jeremy. Joe is survived by his son Andrew (Cheryl), grandchildren Evangeline and Nicholas, daughter Kirsten (Jim) Skipp, sister-in-laws Virginia Gravkin and Mary-Jean Gravkin, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Joe was born in Hollister California, March 4, 1927. His parents were immigrants from Brač, Croatia. The family worked together in the apricot orchards in Hollister. Joe enlisted in the US Navy Reserve in 1945 (Seaman First Class) and was shipped out to the Philippines. After the war, he attended San Jose State University, graduating with an accounting degree. He went to work for FMC Corporation in Modesto, CA and shortly after met his wife Joan Christopherson on a skiing holiday in Aspen, Colorado, they married in 1963. FMC transferred Joe to Vancouver, WA and then in 1966 to Squamish, British Columbia where Joe and Joan raised their family. Joe and Joan became proud Canadian citizens in 2003. Joe was active in the Rotary Club of Squamish, volunteered accounting for the Squamish Library and Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club. He golfed, curled, and enjoyed carpentry. He especially loved to garden with Joan — they created a beautiful garden with many interesting and unusual plants. He was so proud of his beloved apricot and quince trees, grafted pear/apple tree, his tomatoes, leeks and garlic. Joe and Joan enjoyed many trips, their favourite one was to Croatia. Joe was a gentle, calm, humble man — always a great listener, and a man of his word. He loved his family, and took a great interest in the activities of his grandchildren Nick and Evangeline. A special thank you to his wonderful caregiver Marie Wilson, the awesome staff at Shannon Falls Retirement Home and Lynn Valley Care Centre. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of Joe’s life will be held August 27, 2019 at 1pm at Squamish Funeral Chapel. In memory of Joe, donations may be made to: Hilltop House Support Society, www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/hilltop-house-support-society/

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Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Joseph Donald Gravkin.