In Loving Memory of
Joseph Gelaude
September 30, 1928 – September 11, 2024
Memorial Service with Live Stream
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
2:00 PM Pacific / 3:00 PM Mountain / 4:00 PM Central / 5:00 PM Eastern
Murrayville Hall
21667 48 Ave, Langley BC
All are welcome in person or online. Catered reception to follow.
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Joseph Gelaude Obituary
Joseph “Joe” Gelaude, one of nine children born to Alphonse and Katarazyna Gelaude, lived a life filled with dedication, hard work, and hospitality. Joe’s father immigrated from Belgium, while his mother immigrated from what is now Poland. He is survived by his younger sister, Jessie Smythe of Osoyoos, BC. He was predeceased by his older brothers Gabe and Theo, and his sisters Clarice Reynolds, Elsie Cracknell, Maria Laing-Jewel, Martha Karstad, and Ethel Dunnett.
Joe was born in Brunkild, Manitoba. At 14, he left school and moved first to Winnipeg, then Toronto, before settling in Vancouver in the late 1940s. In 1952, Joe married Ella Woods, beginning a marriage of 72 years. Together, they had four children: Brent, Sandi, Kevin, and Garth, and later welcomed seven grandchildren—Jordan, Blake, Chance, Amara, Ry, Shanise, and Caden—and two great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Josy, with a third great-grandchild, Dorian, expected in early 2025.
Ella and Joe managed rental properties with kindness and often developed friendships with their renters. Joe spent decades installing kitchen counters while working alongside Ella at their properties in the evenings. Throughout their lives, they welcomed boarders into their home who, in many ways, became part of their extended family. Meals were shared, and the house was always filled with warmth and companionship.
For 44 years in Langley, Joe and Ella hosted a Sunday morning meeting in their home, a responsibility and privilege that Joe loved and took very seriously. Over the decades, in addition to their regulars of 15 to 25 in the meeting, hundreds of people would have joined them for a Sunday or two.
Joe and Ella’s home was always open, and they frequently hosted visitors. Whether it was a quick visit for tea, a meal, or an extended stay, Joe and Ella made room for everyone. They had beds for guests, but when space ran out, the couch, floor, or even the deck were converted into makeshift beds. No one was turned away and Joe and Ella were not merely hospitable but delighted in their visitors.
Joe was known for his incredible work ethic, which went beyond simply getting the job done. He was a natural at improving processes, tools, and methods, continually striving for better results. By the end of his career, he was installing counters three times faster than when he started. Joe was also ahead of his time with recycling, meticulously organizing and separating materials, his elaborate system of categorizing and separating garbage baffling the mere mortals around him but surely saving the earth from harm. Even when camping, Joe taught his children to leave the campsite better than they found it.
He invested a great amount of time, effort, and materials in helping to create the Glen Valley convention grounds. Particularly as he got older and less physically able, he spent hours reading his Bible and notes and was delighted to discuss spiritual matters with anyone who would join him.
Joseph Gelaude will be remembered for his passion, intensity, work ethic, deep faith and warm welcome of friends and strangers to his home.
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We were so sorry to hear of Ella and Joe’s passing. Joe was one of my favorite brother-in-laws. I first got acquainted with Joe in 1948 when he stopped in Kelowna on his way to Vancouver, his first visit to BC. He had assisted in driving Florence Ross’s car from Manitoba and they stopped there to see Florence’s cousin, Cecil Drake and Cecil’s family,. Later I moved to Vancouver and boarded at Gramma Gelaude’s home for a few months and shared a room with Joe. Later still I married Joe’s sister Ethel. Over the years, Joe and I kept in fairly close contact and I got to know his family and of course he got to know mine, his nieces who all loved him dearly. We frequently made trips to BC over the years in order to see Ethel’s family. Joe and Ella once stopped in Irving Calif. in approximately 1996 to visit us on their way to see their daughter Sandi in San Diego. I now look back on so many great memories of my time in Vancouver, and the great times we spent with Joe, his family and so many other young friends there–all great memories.
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Dear Brent, Sandi, Kevin and Garth and families:
Memories of Joe and Ella: from the time I can remember when I was a small child in Vancouver to this present time. Meeting with you both in my parent’s home in Vancouver to meeting in your home on Grade Crescent to meetings at Robbins. Memories of picnics and ballgames in Stanley Park so many years ago on Monday nights to skiing trips on the local mountains. Pancake lunches on Sunday at the big house we lovingly called the Barn! Many of us girls lived at the Barn.
Thank you for your faithfulness and kindnesses..
I am thinking of you all so much. Keep the memories of your folks alive by speaking of them!
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Wonderful to share in both memorial services of Joe and Ella! We will always remember them as “one”
Glad for the many memories that others shared that sparked some of the same in ourselves.
“Lives lived well” by both your parents
Thanks for the provision of on-line service we take courage in seeing all the faithful folks and reading the comments of everyone, also!
Keep the Faith.
Love Rob n Elva
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I have very fond memories of Joe and Ella from when they lived in Vancouver for a few years before they moved to Langley, and especially for their participation in the Sunday morning fellowship meetings entrusted to our home at that time. In addition, there were lots of enjoyable occasions, all very memorable, when our families connected and mixed with others for good wholesome times together. Joe and Ella had a way of enlivening all those occasions, contributing much to the amusement and warm-hearted fun. My sincere condolences go to Brent, Sandi, Kevin and Garth, for the loss of both of their parents within the last few weeks. Memories of Joe and Ella are vivid and will be cherished by all who have been enriched in so many ways by their lives.
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A very heartfelt service for Uncle Joe. Glad for the visits we had together at the kitchen table. His love and respect for God are truly inspiring. Thinking of you all with much love, Brian, Glenda & girls
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It was special to be with you on Tuesday and to remember a faithful brother that loved and feared God. We appreciate the fond memories of meeting with Joe and Ella and how much they loved our children.
We think of you with the passing of both parents and so thankful we know the comforter.
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To Brent Sandi Kevin and Garth.
Thinking of you in the loss of both your parents within weeks….
They gave you the best.
May the memories of their love for truth, and what they stood for, eventually override your feelings of sorrow
They are an inspiration to us.
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It was our pleasure to meet and to meet with Joe and Ella in our housesitting days in Langley and White Rock. We are thankful for the great work that has been done in them. What a great testimony and example for their children.
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Karen and I were sorry we were away and unable to attend. Lovely service. So glad for the opportunity to express our gratefulness to time spent with with the Gelaude family during our early days . Our warm thoughts are sent to you all. Love Keith & Karen.
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I have fond memories of Joe while managing installations at Crestwood Kitchens in Richmond. Joe laid flat work laminate likely in his sleep because he knew how to do it. We made rolled Crestops which took away some of Joe’s work, but ,he always understood and was kind to me. When we returned from California, we lived in Fernridge Crescent south of Joe& Ella and value the memories of meeting with them. We think of you all in the family and so glad you had a great Dad. Damaris & Larry Good
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We were so thankful to be at Joe’s service. We enjoyed it all; the memories from my childhood especially. Thank you for the hugs Sandi and the visits. We will need to have a longer visit some day soon! What a memorable memorial, full of love and kindness, like Joe and Ella.
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An exceptional service. Thank you for providing it on line.
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Joe and Ella were a wonderfully hospitable and caring couple, that loved God and valued friendship. They will be greatly missed!
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The end of an era. It was always, “Joe and Ella”. They welcomed us to Langley in 1977 and encouraged us as first time parents in 1978 both in spirit and brotherly love, and many more times through our 40+ years in the area.
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We are so grateful that we had over a year’s time meeting with Joe and Ella for Wednesday studies. While we seeing this elderly couple so constantly coming early each meeting gives us so much encouragement in the Truth. Through Joe’s testimonies at the meetings we can see how close was he with the “Comforter”.
We are also much comforted at the memorials of this faithful couple, especially witnessing the results of how they had been raising up their family, giving good examples to them(you all).
We’ll miss them for the present moment, hope that we can also follow their steps to the End.
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He will be missed. He was a great teacher and Grandpa
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Like others have already mentioned…whenever we popped in for a visit Ella would say Immediately I’ll put the coffee on and Joe would be at the table beaming, ready to share and talk about spiritual things. Today was a beautiful tribute to a very special man. Thank you dear family for sharing.
Love, Heather and Arleigh
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We met ‘Aunt Ella’ and Sandy at Roy and Joanne’s wedding. Uncle Joe was not able to attend but we loved ‘Aunt Ella’s beautiful, gentle, kind spirit. We moved to Winnipeg in 1989 where we enjoyed fellowship with Betty Gelaude. She spoke very highly of Joe and Ella and so even though we didn’t know them well we often heard of Joe and Ella and their godly influence! Loved all that was shared in the service. Thanks for the privilege of listening in! Deepest sympathy to you all! Grace(nee Morrell) & Herschel Jackson
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So sweet to be with you all online, to agree wholeheartedly with everything that was said about Uncle Joe. One by one we say good bye to each remarkable member of our parents generation of the Gelaude family. Uncle Joe epitomized – or concentrated – their traits of passion, courage, wisdom, and resourcefulness. And in their degree of spiritual faith they are blessed, and bless others. So special to hear witnesses of uncle Joe’s faith, love, and generosity – and that Gelaude intensity in large measure! I loved talking with him on our visits in Langley.. Thank you all for sharing your memories! Wish I could have been with you for the teary smiles and hugs.
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Brent, Sandi, Kevin, Garth and family…….Was special to be able to be there in my heart, and be with you virtually today. I’ll sure miss both your dad and mom. For as long as I remember, your mom and dad were there ……always with a smile and a big warm hug! Thinking about each of you, with a new “normal” of not having our parents around. Cherish the special memories, and keep them tucked in your heart. love and hugs, Carol and Doug
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I have many memories of good times together
Glen & Charlene remember Joe cleaning up every campsite. Garbage to driftwood on every camping/hunting excursion
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Remembering now Joe’s mindful message at G V a few years ago —-“But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”
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We are not supposed to carry regret, not from this life. I will work on that, as a way of respecting Uncle Joe’s humility, kindness and faith. And for you too, Aunt Ella.
But it pays to be honest, so I will say that I do have regret. I wanted so greatly, to have more time with Uncle Joe and Aunty Ella, especially after mom passed in 2008. Family is everything.
Joe & Ella had been right beside my mom and us girls all along, through all things. Uncle Joe, a true brother in faith, was always available to pitch in and uplift. Aunty Ella was friendship and love, often without words.
Then they were there with me and my five babes through mom’s decline. Their support was that quiet kind of love, humble.
I also remember that toothpick, pencil and pocket knife. The Sleepy Hollow treehouse in the back yard always left me in awe. All of us kids were able to go tadpole scooping in the ditches because Uncle Joe had a hold of the adults attention at the dining table. I think I still have one of those popular “Uncle Joe tile trivets”.
One thing that I am so thankful for, with no regret, is that I can still picture all of your faces, hear laughter, and smell the kitchen. I can see Brent’s art work and slide shows, Sandi’s pink gingham room and stylish dresses. Kevin & Garth; well, we had the beach, the sundeck with little Rags, kick-the-can, troops of friends looking for adventure, and snooping for treasures in Uncle Joe’s basement workspace.
Uncle Joe and Aunt Ella were just as described today, together as one. They were a true couple, a real great package. They drew together wonderful people.
And just in time, some of those friends reached out to my son to make sure that we could be with you all for the services that kindly uplifted the lives of two beautiful souls.
I share all of this with regret that time has passed like the Falling Of A Leaf, but with hope that it will Be In Time to reach those that need to hear how much Uncle Joe & Aunty Ella meant to so many of us.
In loving memory ~ Della Osborne, Kaylie, Robert, Taylor, Victoria & Delorian.
P.O. Box 2325 Princeton, BC V0X1W0
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We have very special memories of Joe and Ella during our Langley days. Always together, always a smile and warm handshake. They are both now resting in God’s love and care. Condolences to all the family near and far.
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So glad to see you all
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” Well Done ” to Joe’s and Ella’s beautiful and loving family !! Such a wonderfully soft and comfortable gathering ; not like a “service ” at all but rather an ” around the table ” visit of and about old friends .
In my young years , as Barbara Osborne , I knew somewhat of the Gelaude’s through Joe’s work contact with my folks , Lew and Jean Osborne. Much later, after marrying my John Mazereeuw and again many years later after we together finding this precious way of God , Joe and Ella loomed bright among the very many lovely, new friends we met .
It has been a privilege to share in this time of honoring and of reminiscing about dear hearts .
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Joe and Ella always added encouragement and inspiration whenever I met with them. They will be missed.
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Thank you for the opportunity to watch the service. My memories of the Gelaude household go way back to Burnaby days but also glad that as young people we were always welcomed to spend time at your folks. Of course Sandi and I had special times travelling Europe in our younger years but I’m glad that in more recent years I’ve been able to enjoy Sunday meeting with Joe and Ella again when visiting my folks. They always had such a big and warm welcome. Thinking of you all as you begin another new phase of life.
Hugs,
Diane
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I was so sorry i could not be with you all there today in person.. But i was with you via live stream. Your dad and mom were both very special to me since i was just a little girl. Lots of good memories of my time with you all in the barn in Vancouver!! And about a year ago a special afternoon together around the table in Langley. Thankful for their faithful lives and their love for me as well.❤️❤️sending you all big hugs💞💞 jean
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Thank you to the family for making this lovely service available to us on-line. It’s been special hearing more of Joe & Ella’s story today and getting to know your Mom & Dad a little in this way. We knew Theo & Betty many years ago while in Winnipeg and have appreciated hearing of these same family qualities of love and service. Jean Campbell
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Mark, Donna Karstad
Aven Morken
And a special mention from Jessie Smythe who would be watching online from Oliver hospital.
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We enjoyed the memories shared of Joe and Ella…always together. Also appreciated his standard of truth because of his faith in God and shown by his love.
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Thinking of you all losing your Dear Mom and now your Dear Dad….
Another chapter in life finished….
They were a wonderful Godly influence to us all…
May you find comfort in your memories……
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Always a joy to be with Gelaudes—hard to think of them both gone now—may all your memories bring you joy during the dark days….
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We are so sorry for your loss. It was a great service. We will miss your mom and dad.
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Always remember him as happy and outgoing. I didn’t knowxhim that well but know mom and dad really respected and appreciated him
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Very nice service.
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Oh, my cousins, all of you…Brent, Sandi, Kevin, and Garth. We loved Uncle Joe as if he were our own. SUCH good memories in Langley. Such “gentle” love. The tears are flowing but they are good ones. Love to you all.
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Most beautiful service.
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Thanks for making this day available to us that can’t be there. Glad to have known your Dad
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Our condolences to the family. Joe was a wonderful man, we will miss him dearly. Love Marjorie and Raeanne
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Our sincere sympathy to the Gelaude family on the death of Mr. Gelaude.
Marilyn & Hugh
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The most time I had with Joe was on a Moose hunting trip planned by his brother-in-law (my father-in-law), Lars Karstad, in the early ’90s. We used Lars and Martha’s motorhome as a base, and hunted in an area along the Cassiar Highway in BC. At the end of the trip, I rode back with Joe to his home and stayed with them until I caught my plane home. I appreciated his companionship, and his evident care for those “outside the fold”.
On a cruise organized to celebrate a Gelaude family reunion several years ago,, Joe led the Sunday morning meeting in a large room on the ship, with about 50 of our friends attending. That was a very nice meeting, and there was a very nice spirit there — I’ll always remember it. I got acquainted with some of his kids on that cruise, Sandi (with husband Ron and kids) and Kevin (with wife Linda and kids). On a later canoe trip, I got acquainted with Brent. I’ve only met Garth briefly. Good memories all, and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Tears flow, as we think of our dear Uncle Joe & Auntie Ella gone from our midst. Every Sunday morning, as long as they were able to be in meeting, Auntie Ella’s prayer was “We’re thankful for this special time together”… and Uncle Joe, from the depth of his heart “TRULY, TRULY we are thankful… Those precious words from our beloved Auntie Ella & Uncle Joe will always echo in our hearts. Gone from our midst, but never from our hearts. Love to all their family, Don & Edith-Anne
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Accept I pray, the life I give to thee today, Tis Thine, Tis Thine; Forever I my claim resign. This was Uncle Joe’s earnest pray; earnest plea.
hymn 286 meant very much to Uncle Joe and I seen tears in his eyes at times when this hymn was sung.
With both Auntie Ella and Uncle Joe having departed this life; it does help us to enter in more fully to Jesus saying; “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”
Memories of them become more precious and are as a sweet savor. Our Sunday AM meeting appreciated J&E and I loved seeing them drive up to the house each Sunday when they were still able to make it out in person.
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Fondly remembered from when I was a young child … Uncle Joey, (as we knew him) was full of life, capturing our hearts with unique sounds that he alone could make…to surprise us & make us laugh! Then in older years….steadily enduring in his love & living faith. Love to each one of the family.
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Dear Brent and Sandi……
I am sure you are feeling many things as I think of Joe leaving to go on to heaven. He was definitely ahead of his time. I have memories of him analyzing things in the Bible at a deeper depth than most of us were. Its wonderful to have that example to look back to, as it gives us confidence to do so too.
I enjoyed reading that you have a relative in Osoyoos whose last name is Smythe, as that was also my last name at one time. I have family living in Penticton now. I hope that I meet her some day.
I will keep you in my prayers as I know that God will give you comfort and deeper understanding through this experience.
With all my love, Wendy
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Joe and Ella were very close friends of my Mother (Lily Marsh).
And for that reason, I valued their friendship through the years.
My mother always spoke very highly of Joe and Ella.
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We appreciated the Sunday morning fellowship meetings in Joe & Ella’s home for many years.
In their “Catering days” we used them several times for our “Company Dinners” and of course the meals and the service was exceptional.
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Have wonderful memories of Uncle Joe! Was always like a father to me. Thinking of all the family. Sending lots of Love to you all.
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Uncle Joe was always a favorite of mine. Their open home, their hospitality, their kindness will always be remembered. Memories of family visits and reunions come flooding in and we will miss the anticipation of those events. Trips to B.C. will not be the same now! Hugs to all the family!!
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Dear family of Joe and Ella , I was one of those fortunate people who felt loved and wanted in your mom and dad’s home I am especially thankful for Sunday morning meetings that we shared together. With love , Gail McMurray
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Uncle Joe was always an inspiration to anyone who crossed his path .He was young at heart and we have only fond memories of times spent together.Thinking of you all in this time of sorrow. love Dale n June Woods ❤️❤️❤️
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Forever grateful for the things he taught me. My particular favourite is how to do a great 4 finger whistle!
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Love and prayers to the family. Brian and I have very fond memories in Joe and Ella’s home. Thank you for faithful lives.
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I have fond memories of Uncle Joe. His generosity and kindness was unmatched, and his bird sounds also have a special place in my memory!
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Uncle Joe will be missed. 😥 Many memories of time spent in their home. Always a loving warm welcome 💞
Roy and Joanne Morrell
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My favorite uncle… And that says a LOT considering how many I have (had)!
Huge love to you all from your cousin in Texas.