Joseph Lipinski

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Anthony Lipinski on Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Joe fought courageously after complications from heart surgery and passed away peacefully in TBRHSC with his family at his side.

Joe was born on December 24th, 1952 in Fort William. Joe had an impact on many people young and old. He provided mentorship, encouragement and insight while supporting family, friends and colleagues alike. He always made time for others. He was truly one of a kind. He was a gentle, loving, caring, kind and compassionate husband, father, papa and friend.

Joe “long ball” Lipinski was an avid golfer and longtime member of FWCC. In his early years, he enjoyed baseball and was a member of the 1967 Fort William Americans Canadian Senior Little League championship team. They were the first Canadian team to win a game at the Senior Little League World Series and were inducted into the NWO Sports Hall of Fame in 1996. He was a die hard Blue Jays and Green Bay Packers fan. Joe was a religious man and attended St Dominic’s RC parish faithfully. 

Upon graduation from Lakehead University he became a Chartered Accountant/CPA, spending several years working for the province of Manitoba and Ontario.

For the last 18 years Joe was a key member of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) leadership team. There since the schools infancy, Joe was the first and only Director of Finance and was instrumental in creating strong financial footings for NOSM. In the last few years, Joe’s role at the school expanded to take on facilities and building management. With his “can-do” attitude and his kind and gentle approach, Joe made everything possible. Joe is one of those rare individuals who is irreplaceable and we will all miss.

Joe enjoyed travelling with his ‘girls’ to Florida and was so proud to be their Papa. They were his pride and joy. He enjoyed all his time spent at Sunnyside Beach listening to the waves of Lake Superior and relaxing with his family and friends. He could also often be found hanging out with his faithful companion JT. He had recently started enjoying vacationing and cruising with ‘the cruising crew’.

Joseph is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 44 years, Helen (nee Stewart); daughter Michelle Martin (Ian Sgambelluri), granddaughters Ella and Olivia Martin, son Stephen (Megan), grandsons Dayton, Lochlon, and Keagan Lipinski, Brother and sister in law Don and Lorraine Stewart, nieces Adrienne (Shayne) Hamilton and Amanda (Andy) Williamson, sister Stella (Fred) Alexander, nieces Cindy, Kathryn and Krysta Alexander as well as several other relatives in Thunder Bay, throughout Canada, Poland and New Zealand.

He was predeceased by his parents Stefan and Antonina Lipinski and mother in law Myrtle Stewart.

Funeral Services for Joseph will be held on Tuesday, August 17th, 2021 with family and friends gathering in St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 2pm, celebrated by Father Michael Mahoney.

COVID-19 Protective measures are still being applied in group settings. Masks or face coverings and maintaining social distancing of 6 feet are both mandatory for those attending the service.

A memorial fund in Joe’s honour has been established at The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM). Should friends desire donations can be made to the Joe Lipinski Memorial Fund.

https://www.nosm.ca/advancement/the-joe-lipinski-memorial-fund/

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Westfort Chapel, 420 West Gore Street at James.