Joseph (Joe) Gerard Kinch of Errington, B.C., died peacefully at age 61 on July 9th, 2016 in Nanaimo surrounded by family and holding wife Terry’s hand after a brief fight with cancer. Joe was born in Brampton, Ontario on April 15th, 1955 to Joseph and Winnifred Kinch (McInnis), their 2nd of three sons between brothers Jim and Jerry. As a boy, Joe dreamed of a future serving in Canada’s military, becoming a military cadet in his youth. Joe joined the Canadian Army in 1972, was stationed with 3 PPCLI in Esquimalt, Vancouver Island, before transferring to the Military Police. Joe’s career took him across Canada and around the world, working with new cadets in Toronto and serving as Warrant Officer Field Platoon in Calgary. He proudly served two tours with the UN in Cypress in 1975/76 and 1985, was stationed in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm in 1991, and finished his career as Head of Security at the Canadian Embassy in Bonn, Germany. Joe met Terry Lynn Manzer in 1973 in Victoria and they married on July 12th, 1974 in Brampton, Ontario. They have two children, son Jarrod born in 1977, and daughter Jessica born in 1979. After retiring from military service, Joe and his family settled back on Vancouver Island. Joe worked in a variety of jobs before becoming a local school bus driver, a position he loved for 14 years (being a big kid himself ). Joe is survived by a large, beautiful family across Canada. Along with his wife and children, Joe will be remembered by his parents Joseph and Winnifred, brothers Jim (Vickie) and Jerry, grandchildren Pascha, Loki and Odin, son-in-law Bryon, his Manzer family in-laws and many more who all had a special place in his heart. Joe was a trusted friend to many around the world, all with unique experiences and funny shared zingers to remember him by. Joe was an active member of many clubs and generously gave his time to many charitable organizations. An avid horseman, Joe spearheaded the Equine Division of Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, volunteered for the Silver Spur Riding Club and Errington Therapeutic Riding Association, and was a long-standing referee for the Oceanside Hockey Association. Continuing his service to the Canadian military, he has served as Sergeant at Arms and Parade Commander for Legion Branch 49. Joe loved exploring the great outdoors on his motorcycle, horseback riding, camping, shooting, quadding, and spending time with his family, dogs and horses. A big fan of sweet treats and decadent desserts with a sharp wit and great sense of humour, Joe’s big smile and hearty laugh would fill a room in an instant. Joe’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Robert Maccari, the excellent staff of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Corinne of Palliative Care for going above and beyond to make Joe’s last hours comfortable. A Celebration of Joe’s Life will be held on July 23rd at 13:00...sharp! at the Coombs Fairgrounds Rec Hall. In lieu of flowers, you are welcomed to remember Joe with a donation to Arrowsmith Search and Rescue Association.