Obituary of Joseph Lynn Alexander

Joseph Lynn Alexander was born on September 9, 1952 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He was the first child born to Mabel and Mayland Alexander. Remember the homemade convertibles? Joe used to cut the tops off of his old cars, and ride around in style, in his homemade convertibles. When he lived in the old Dahlen place, they made a race track. They used to work on old cars all week and then on Sundays they would have a demolition derby. He first started in the construction business as Alexander Backhoe Services in 1971. In 1973, Joe and Tim Hartnell formed "H & A Construction Ltd". As one of their first jobs together, they were hired by School District #59 to demolish two schools that had burnt down in Dawson Creek. Joe moved to Vernon a short while later and started Central Okanagan Contracting. He and Jerry Code moved to Golden in 1982, to work on a contract with the railway. In 1985 they began operating as J. Tec Installations Ltd. and in 1989 started the company now known as Columbia Rail Contracting Inc. In 1990, Joe married Val Connors. Columbia Rail Contracting Inc. relocated to Didsbury, Alberta in 1992. In 1993 they began demolishing grain elevators, along with their regular work. They are still demolishing elevators today and have a reputation all over western Canada for their excellent work. In 1996, they built their new shop. Joe built his home in Didsbury in part of the Columbia Rail Subdivision. Joe had three children; Mayland, Julia and Josey, who he loved with all his heart. They were the centre of his life. Joe was an awesome guy, a good worker, big hearted and was always taking care of everyone. He had a way with people and was always meeting new people and finding new work for the business. Joe lived hard, worked hard and played hard. Joe loved life and lived it to the fullest. I am reminded of the saying" You don't want to worry about arriving at heaven's gate in top shape. Slide in the back door, a smile on your face, a beer in your hand exclaiming" WOW, WHAT A RIDE" Joe was predeceased by his father, Mayland and niece Kali. Joe will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children Mayland, Julia and Josey, his mother Mabel, Sister Toni, and Brothers Mike and Clay, nieces Kim, Jackie, Nicole, and Ciarra, great niece and nephew Payden and Austen, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and many friends and acquaintances. Joe passed away Monday, March 1, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 57 years. A funeral service was held Saturday, March 13, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Rolla Bible Baptist Church; Pastor Will Moffat officiated; Interment followed in the Rolla Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Joe to the Doe River Recreation (Medical Fund).