It is with sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Edward Knockwood, age 84, of Fort Folly. Joe passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Dorchester, NB, he was a son of the late James and Mary (Labobe) Knockwood.
Joe joined the US Army when he was 18 years old and was stationed in Germany for several years. Following his stint in the army, he traveled the US for a while then moved to Moncton where he worked as a Barber, returning to Dorchester to open Joe's Barbershop. He began researching land claims for the Union of New Brunswick Indians in the 60's and continued throughout his life, working on several major claims, specifically for Metepenagiag First Nation. He loved the Miramichi, spending time on the river in Joe's pool fly fishing. He was an avid hunter, and loved his bird dogs. He was Chief of Fort Folly First Nation for a total of 16 years. He was a board member on the Provincial Archives, the Petitcodiac Rivers Keepers Association, as well as countless national committees concerning Indigenous matters. He received the Golden and Diamond Jubilee Award. He coached minor hockey, coaching his boys, as well as many others in the area. He made sure everyone got to practice, if he had to pick them up himself. He loved drives around Rockport. He was a man to be remembered.
Joe will be sadly missed by his wife Wendy, Fort Folly; children Toby (Susan Bowser), Sackville, Tammy-Jo Knockwood, Fort Folly, Tony, Amherst, NS, Jen (Doug) Crosthwaite, PJ, Fort Folly; grandchildren, Cody, Conner, Alex, Mika, Madison, Zach, and Abby; great grandchildren Sebby, Nate, Jax, Devante, Cali, Braison, and Maverick; sister Anna Knockwood, Fort Folly; as well as special family members Betty (Yvon) Lapierre, Dieppe, Andrew (Diane) Knockwood, Fort Folly, and Irene (Bob) LeClair; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his siblings, Bertha Labobe, William "Bill", Florence, Mary Jane, Doris, Henry and George as well as an infant.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge St., Sackville, NB (506-364-1300) where visiting hours will take place on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from noon until 2 pm, followed immediately at 2 pm by his funeral service, Life Celebrant Scott Balser officiating. Cremation will take place following the funeral service and burial will take place in the Beaumont Cemetery in the spring.
Donations in memory of Joe may be made to the SPCA, or a charity of one’s choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.