Obituary of Joel Thomas AKIN

June 30, 1958 - Lansing, Michigan
February 13, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

 Joel Akin, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the age of 62 years.

Joel was one of the most interesting persons you would ever have met, especially if you had the opportunity to discover his rich character, diversity of hobbies, and experience his Christian walk.

Sadly, Joel left for the glory of heaven in what seems to be years too soon and with tasks unfinished.

Joel was born in Lansing, Michigan on June 30, 1958 as the second of three children to his father, Reverend Wayne Akin and his mother, Esther. He made a significant entrance weighing a whopping 10lbs, 11 ounces and grew to a height of 6 foot 2 inches.

Joel lived in many locations as his parents were church planters in Michigan, Wisconsin and Canada. He always had a faith in God which deepened as he matured and broadened his prayer life. He spoke confidently of "the hope in Christ", and had the gift of dreams and visions with insightful interpretations.

After graduating high school, Joel attended Lee Bible College in Cleveland, Tennessee where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Religious Studies. It was there that he got into broadcasting. His deep, rich voice along with a love of music made him an entertaining radio host. For one school year, Joel was the traveling photographer with the Lee Singers, his college a cappella group.

In 1980 Joel moved to Moose Jaw, SK and then Brooks, AB where he joined his parents, who were planting the Brooks Church of God. Joel became active in the church and community and over the years enjoyed numerous jobs including the Brooks Horticultural Center, Brooks Aqueduct, Brooks Library, Shaw Cable.  He was also an announcer at the local radio station and had a program called "Good Morning Gospel". His last years were spent in Calgary, AB.

Joel enjoyed photography and collecting.  He collected rocks, especially Ammonite, books, comics, sports cards, Pepsi products, and numerous other treasures. This led to Joel and his younger brother Steve opening the store "Books & Collectibles", later named "Cardz & Toonz".

One of Joel's most satisfying ventures was the research and completion of his book: "Making Crooked Ways Straight". It was the story of the life and missionary journeys of his Great Uncle Fred Zaukelies in Detroit, MI and elsewhere. Joel achieved this in the 1990s when, unlike our present digital age, writing and printing a book was no small task. Joel was able to capture the fascinating stories of difficult times, struggles and amazing miracles that occurred as a result of the steadfast faith of this towering uncle of his. It took him four years of research and traveling to gather information from many relatives throughout the United States.

The final step of the book was getting it printed in the Philippines, where he served as a missionary on three different journeys. Joel made treasured friends as a result of his ministry there, including Dennis and Denie Heppner, with whom he stayed in Manila. He also ministered in Indonesia, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Joel was well received due to his friendliness, quick wit, winning smile, and confident faith.

Joel's favorite Bible passages - Psalms 139 and Psalms 23.

Psalm 23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…

Psalm 139:17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me,

                 O God! how great is the sum of them!

When the doctors had fully diagnosed Joel’s condition with cancer, the reference was made that Joel was “stoic”, which is a person who can endure hardship and pain without complaining. This truly summed up Joel's life and ministry which touched so many lives and hearts, going far beyond his own comfort and needs.

Our lives are all richer for having known Joel T. Akin.

Joel will be greatly missed by his family and friends, especially his beloved mother Esther; sister Lynda Bauer; brother and sister-in-law Steve and Shirley and their children Matthew, Christina, and Joshua. He also leaves behind, aunts, uncles, and many cousins throughout the States.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joel’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire  a donation in Joel's memory may be made to the Philippine Ministry of the Heppners.  https://gentlehandsorphanages.com/

In living memory of  Joel Akin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.