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JOEL DEFOORT
Born: Nov 30, 1971
Date of Passing: Oct 06, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOEL DEFOORT November 30, 1971 - October 6, 2018 On October 6, 2018, our son, brother, uncle and friend Joel DeFoort lost his four year battle with addiction. Joel was the youngest beloved child of Dennis (Sr.) and Mary-Anne DeFoort, and baby brother to Dennis (Corinne), Tammy (Mark) and Peter (Rachel). We, his family will remember Joel as, brilliant, creative, innovative and charming. We will laugh together remembering his quick wit and sometimes twisted sense of humour. Joel loved his family, loved his friends, and adored his mom. As a young child Joel learned to read before entering school and spent much of his youth with a Funk and Wagnall's encyclopedia on his lap. "The smartest guy I know" is a term heard often throughout the years when any one of us met someone who knew Joel. He could fix anything, from cars to computers and had the depth to speak about any subject from politics to zoology. He offered incites and his unique opinion whenever asked. Because of this ease of speech and charming demeanor, Joel collected friends from all walks of life. In spite of all the gifts he possessed, our dearest son and brother and friend was a lost soul who sought solace from the world. The last few years Joel's life led him to choices that he himself counselled others against. At age 42 Joel crossed that line and walked the path that would lead ultimately to his passing. Truth be told, we lost our sweet, loving smart and funny Joel the first day he used the needle. In times of being clean he would tell us he tried to quit, tried to stay sober, but he was helpless to fight the demons that had so altered the man he was. No one chooses to be an addict until they are one. So we will remember Joel for who he was in life, and not for what he had become. We, his family wanted to share his story in the hope that lives may be saved and his death will not be in vain. A private viewing will be held for immediate family and a memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in his name to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. www.voyagefuneralhomes.comk
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2018
Condolences & Memories (25 entries)
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I love u sooooo much. My heart aches for you. I will see you again. You were my best friend, your loyalty, you are a real man. - Posted by: Jennifer schilke (Girlfriend) on: Aug 26, 2019
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I was told to read this by a friend. My child too suffered from addiction and parted this world. My heart goes out to Joel and his family. This is a brave, beautiful and heart breaking memory of your son. Thank you for sharing. - Posted by: Carol (Fellow mourner) on: Nov 21, 2018
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I am a friend from Winding River. We worked together in the Bike shop. He was a kind and good friend. One of the nicest guys I've known. - Posted by: Darrell (friend) on: Nov 11, 2018
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We are so sorry to hear about Joel. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. - Posted by: Dean and Alaina Lacasse (friend) on: Oct 29, 2018
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Joel you were quite “The Guy” And legit will be so utterly missed. You left your mark on the world and made the world laugh (pretty hard I may add) with your constant entertainment and jokes. Take Care where ever you are and you’ll be thought of on the regular. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later bud❤️😌 - Posted by: Carla (Good Buddy) on: Oct 22, 2018
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I became friends with Joel back in high school because we were both dodge guys but he was so much more than that. So many of my favourite crazy stories of good times involve Joel. Smartest guy I know was something I often said about him. There are few people that could make you laugh every time you'd meet up. Although I didn't see him much in the last decade I will miss him always and never forget this truly remarkable guy. - Posted by: Dave Penner (Friend from years gone by ) on: Oct 20, 2018
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To my old friend Joel I am so sad to hear the way you left this world I still remember the trip you and I took to Minnesota for work it was a happy time for us. We worked together for over 5 years a lot of funny stuff we did to each other it really helped pass the time at action. Joel Rest In Peace, no worries anymore !! - Posted by: Ron bedard (Co worker) on: Oct 16, 2018
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It has been many years since I have seen Joel but he is someone that crossed my mind often. Wondering how is he? Where is he these days? What’s he doing? I can’t say I would’ve thought The answers to these questions would be what I read in his obituary today. He was truly one of the most brilliant people I had ever met. I am so deeply saddened to hear he was so troubled. I always wished I would run into him one day, how disappointing to know that will never be. My condolences to Joel’s family as I’m sure this has been unbearable. All I can say to dear Joel is that I’m so sorry we never ran into each other again and my friend, I will always remember and miss you. May you rest in paradise Joel. XO - Posted by: Sherrie Versluis (Old friend) on: Oct 15, 2018
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I have missed you for so long baby brother. I will never forget your dimpled smile, your laughter and how Tammy nammy was my name whenever you were in the room. I know you could'nt fix your soul in life, but believe in my heart you now are at peace. - Posted by: Tammy DeFoort (Sister) on: Oct 15, 2018
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To the entire Defoort family our thoughts are with you. Many memories run thru my mind, too many to describe. Just know that we are thinking of you. Love you all Peggy, Dale, Colin Emma - Posted by: Peg & Dale Mercer (Cousin) on: Oct 15, 2018
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My memories of Joel were his kindness and his manners. He was so well mannered, it made a lasting impression. And he was a giver, not a taker. I'm sorry your family has to go through this, but now he's resting in heavenly peace. - Posted by: Sandy (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2018
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Maryanne and Family My heart and prayers go out to all of you. The love you have for Joel will stay with you always. Hold each other close at this very difficult time and thank you for sharing Joel's story as I hope it will help others who are dealing with drugs and their families that also suffering because of the drugs. If there is anything I can do for you today or later please let me know. One thing I know for sure Joel was very lucky to have you for a Mom. Love Joan - Posted by: JOAN CARTER (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2018
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Our Deepest Condolences to Mary-Anne, Dennis and family. Although we didn't spend a lot of time with Joel we loved him and enjoyed his company when we were able to. My sister Mary Lynn reminded me of a time when we came to Winnipeg for a family wedding, stayed with Mary-Anne and Dennis. Joel was a young boy at the time and we were all leaving for the wedding. We came outside and Joel promptly jumped into a mud puddle. In we went to clean up and start out again. lol He truly was a free spirit and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Love Penny, Steve and the rest of the Thunder Bay McLeods. . - Posted by: Penny Symons (Cousin) on: Oct 14, 2018
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I am a stranger to you but wanted to say that I believe your telling of your son's life was brave and generous. I am inspired by your honesty and feel for your pain and loss. - Posted by: liz (fellow traveler in this life) on: Oct 14, 2018
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My heartfelt condolences to Joel’s family. I went to school with him in Lorette and I have to say he was one of the people that could cheer you up in a second. Great memories with him that will be cherished. His name for me was not Melissa but Maaalissa. - Posted by: Melissa (Van Berkel) Pelland (School friend) on: Oct 14, 2018
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I am so very sorry for your loss Mary-Anne. How heart wrenching for you and everyone. Thank you for sharing Joel's story. One I will pass on. Yes , in the hope of saving at least one life. May Joel who is no longer in THIS world find himself in the warm compassion merciful embrace of His Creator God. Now whole and complete. May he now rest in peace. May you MaryAnne and entire family feel what comes up and also know he is in good hands. Of course you know that. ⚘Blessings. - Posted by: Rachelle Guay (Cenacle Friend of MaryAnne) on: Oct 14, 2018
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I just wanted to send my deepest condolences to Joel's family for their loss. I knew Joel, initially, from long ago when he was on the same bus with me going to Lorette Collegiate, and of course being in a small town, knew Peter, his older brother. I thought Joel was adorable with his big brown puppy dog eyes, and wonderful dimple- cheeked smile. We would get into wonderful conversations ranging from the Doors to animals / pets. He was really unforgettable. I would occasionally see him over the years at social events here and there, and had some mutual friends who would fill me in on things from time to time. I wanted to express not only my sadness for your loss, but my admiration for your courageous obituary. I hope, as you say, his death will not be in vain, and instead help those affected by addiction. - Posted by: Gabrielle Doll (Friend from a long time ago) on: Oct 14, 2018
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What a insightful and touching tribute..... although I didn't know your loved one or anyone in your family, I am deeply touched by the ways you captured the essence of this beautiful human being. Thanks for sharing and opening our collective conscience to this baffling and painful disease. May Joel and his family find peace in knowing he is at rest and that his life lives on in the beautiful memories that each of you hold dear to your heart. - Posted by: Verna Adolf (Caring human) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Mary-Anne, Dennis Sr., Dennis Jr., Tammy, Peter and Families, We are very saddened to hear of Joel's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Gord and Helena (Cousin) on: Oct 13, 2018
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So sorry for your loss. I recently saw Joel on St. Mary's. He stopped to help me with my car 2 years ago when it stalled. Was riding his bike and stopped and asked if I needed help. Was always a kind and funny guy when he was younger too. So sad to hear of his passing :( - Posted by: Micheline SCOTT (Childhood friend) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Our sincerest condolences. What a beautiful and truthful memories of your son. May he be at peace. - Posted by: Trucia & ralph howard (Friends) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Or thoughts and prayers are with the DeFoort family, so sorry for your loss Joel. He was a special guy. - Posted by: Chad and Darlene leclaire (Community members) on: Oct 13, 2018
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I do not know you or your dear son, however was very touched by your story. So extremely sorry for your loss and our sincere condolences. Thank-you so much for sharing Joel's life with all of us. - Posted by: MARION KRAUSE (Free Press REader) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Dennis, Mary Anne & family Our hearts go out to you. As you know we know about addictions. They become a totally different person. Even though Joel is no longer with you he is now at peace and free from the mental and physical anguish of drugs. Our prayers are with you and if you need anything or just want to talk please call. - Posted by: Dennis and Carole Johnson (Friends) on: Oct 13, 2018
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To Mary-Anne and family, My deepest condolence to you all. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. XO - Posted by: Karen Hanton (Coworker to Mary-Anne ) on: Oct 13, 2018
