Joseph “Joe” was born Oct., 1935 to Neil and Sarah (nee Hawley) McEachern, in New Waterford, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He was the third child of eight. Fr. Bernard MacNeil of Mount Carmel Parish, New Waterford, baptized Joe on Oct., 6th 1935. Later, Joe received First Holy Communion June 15th, 1943 and Confirmation Sept., 14th 1944. He attended Mount Carmel Elementary and High Schools, graduating in June 1953. His father died when Joe was ten years old, leaving his mother with six children to raise. This had a life long effect on Joe and his siblings.
Joe joined the RCAF Oct.,1953. Over the years of his military career, he was stationed on several bases, including St Jean, QC., Centralia, ON., Clinton, ON., attended Toronto School of Trades, Summerside, P.E.I., Metz, France, Edmonton, AB., Alert. N.W.T., St. Johns, Nfld., St Hubert, QC., Bermuda, Gander, Nfld., Carp, ON., Ottawa, ON. He took countless courses for his trade and military studies, some were as long as one year. He retired in May, 1990, as a Telecommunications Technician, Master Warrant Officer.
While stationed in Metz, France, he met and married Maxine McDougall, who was in the Air Force as well. Their wedding took place in a small chapel on the R.C.A.F. HQ’s Base Metz, on Aug. 23rd, 1958. Eleven months later, they welcomed their baby daughter, Marie Doloros. In Dec., 1960, they returned to Canada, and were very pleased to be stationed in Edmonton, AB., as Maxine was born and raised about 50 kms., away, on a farm northwest of Edmonton. Her mother and father were still farming, so they were together a lot. Joe loved his in-laws and vice versa. In Sept., 1962, another daughter, Gwendolyn Hope, was welcomed into the family to make it complete. Five years were spent in Edmonton.
When Joe was stationed to Carp, ON., Richardson Site, he and Maxine bought a house on Hughes Cres., in Perth, ON. They lived there until moving into the Retirement Home at Carolina Suites in Jan., 2023.
Joe had many interests, after retiring he was able to enjoy those interests. He was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion, Perth, for fifty years, being more active at the beginning, and less active in later years. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, being a third-degree member of Perth Council 3531 and fourth degree member of Assembly 2783. He held the positions of Financial Secretary, Grand Knight, Perth Council and Deputy Grand Knight, encompassing the councils of Perth, Smiths Falls, Kemptville and Carleton Place. He was instrumental in creating a K of C Round Table for Stanleyville. He really enjoyed the fraternity and the many charities they helped. Although he played many card games, bridge was his favourite. He was a member of the Perth Duplicate Bridge Club, and at one time President. He was an avid curler also being President for a time. Joe enjoyed all sports, mostly as a spectator.
Joe was fiercely proud of his family, Cape Breton and his Scottish and Irish Heritage. His qualities included intelligence, respect, a great sense of humor and determination (a’ wee bit stubborn, to make things interesting).
He will be sorely missed by his loving family; wife Maxine, daughters Marie Doloros (Michael) Davis and Gwendolyn Hope (Danny) McSwiggan, many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Neil and Sarah (nee Hawley) McEachern, brothers Gerald, Neil (Nicole), Angus (Sophie), two in infancy, and John, and sister Anna and her husband Bill Gowers.
We were truly blessed to have Joe in our lives.
The family would like to extend a large heart felt thank you to the emergency staff at the Perth Site of the Perth and Smith Falls District Hospital.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Church, 38 Wilson Street, at 11:00am, Saturday, April 11th 2026. Internment to follow at St. John Parish Cemetery. Donations to the Perth and Smith Falls District Hospital Foundation - Perth Site, would be greatly appreciated.