It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father Joe Fabi of Vernon, BC.  With family by his side, Joe left us peacefully while at the VJH after suffering from complications following a recent stroke. We wish to thank the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, nursing staff and family doctors on level 6 who all provided excellent care and guidance.

 

Joe was born in Port Colborne, ON where he met his wife Lois Fabi (deceased 01 July 2017).   Joe & Lois were married on July 29, 1955 at the Winnipeg Air Force Base where Joe graduated as an RCAF Flying Officer (Navigator).  He served many roles during his military career which took him and his family to Montreal, Goose Bay, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Germany, with their last posting being Edmonton (1972).  He retired at the rank of Major in 1990.

 

In 1990, Joe and Lois’s final move was to Vernon. There he began his community service as a member of the North Okanagan (Vernon) Air Force Association, raising funds for the local Air Cadet Squadron, running garage sales and the organizing of the Vernon Silent Air Shows.

 

In 1999, Joe took his first tennis lesson at the age of 65 and discovered a passion for the game and continued to play on a regular basis. Joe could be found on the courts 4 to 5 times a week and was even playing the day before his stroke. Joe’s love of tennis saw him heavily involved in organizing the Vernon Tennis Association.  As best said by the association the following words describe his passion and dedication to tennis:

“Joe was the first member (#1) to join the VTA back before it was incorporated, and continued as a member to the present day.  He was a wealth of information and had contacts all over the City of Vernon.  We relied on Joe a lot for everything from repairing nets, replacing centre straps, repairing wind screens, building and painting the “FABI SHACK” (after whom it was named), keeping the clock and the thermometer running, and just about everything else as needed.  He not only presided over Marshall courts, but also other courts around the city.  We are not sure what we are going to do without him!   Joe was the life and soul of tennis in Vernon.  We miss you so much. RIP.”

 

Joe is survived by sister-in-law Kay Noyes, daughter Jan (Craig) Tomash, son Mike (Teresa) Fabi, grandchildren Kimberley (Chris) Culica, Andrew (Zoë) Tomash, Jim (Cass) Tomash, Jenn (Tyler) Fabi, Justin (Adri) Fabi and great grandchildren Evan, Chloe and Della, and special family friend Grace Ramoran, who were all present with Joe either in person or spirit when he left us.

 

Dad’s passing leaves a huge hole in our family. We will miss his stories, humour, love, wisdom and energy. He will be sorely missed by our family, tennis friends, neighbors of 31 years and so many more.

 

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday October 23, 2021 at the Schubert Centre (3505 30th Ave, Vernon, BC) from 2:00 to 4:00 pm in the Emerald room.

 

Arrangements in care of Vernon Funeral Home, Vernon, B.C. 250-542-0155