Obituary of Jay Lionel Joffe

Jay Joffe, beloved member of both the Calgary Jewish Community and the general community passed away on August 31, 2006, with his family at his side. Jay was born in Drumheller, schooled in Calgary, and graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1954, before moving on to a successful career in advertising in Calgary. He was a truly creative man. An ardent volunteer, Jay’s devotion to the local community was recognized with an Alberta Achievement Award in 1988, the Governor General’s Canada 125 Medal in 1992, and an Alberta Centennial award in 2005. His drive to preserve Alberta’s history led him to become actively involved in many organizations. He was president of the Southern Alberta Pioneers and Their Descendants who honoured him as Pioneer Gentleman of the Year in 2005. He was a member of The Calgary Stampede Historical Committee and the driving force behind the 2004 historic poster stampede parade. Most importantly, he was President and founder of the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta. Under his direction the society staged two major Historical exhibits; Land of Promise in 1992 which was later published as a book, and A Joyful Harvest in 2005. He was a president of the Rotary Club of North Calgary, an Olympic volunteer, a Glenbow docent, and an early President of the Calgary Ski Club, and part of the team who made Calgary’s original Olympic bid, helping to pave the way for Calgary to host the games in 1988. He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Barbara; his sons David (of Dallas, Texas) and Jonathan (of Calgary); his sister Sabine; as well as family and friends across Alberta, Canada, and around the world. Jay was the proud son of the late Hattie and Noah Joffe, and grandson of the first permanent Jewish settlers in Alberta, Jacob and Rachel Diamond. Jay will be dearly missed by his family, and all those who were fortunate enough to be a part of his life. Funeral Services will be held at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue, (1325 Glenmore Trail S.W.) on Sunday September 3, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at the Jewish Cemetery (30th Avenue & Erlton Street S.W.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jewish Historical Society of Southern Alberta, 1607 – 90th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2V 4V7 (444-3171), or to a charity of the donor’s choice. A special thank you to Dr. Patrick Wong and the nursing staff of Unit 72 the Rockyview Hospital for their kind care. Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, North East Corner of Highway 22X & 37th Street S.W., TELEPHONE: 244-4717.