Joachim (Joe) Franz Geier passed away peacefully at his care home the morning of July 3rd, 2023. Joe was born in Berlin in 1937 and immigrated to Canada in the late 1960's with his mother Elizabeth (predeceased), his brother Diethard (predeceased), and sister Anne Geier (currently of Salmon Arm, BC).
Early on Joe was an active member of the German expat community and sang in many choirs in Vancouver during the 70's and 80's, forming lifelong friendships. He loved art and classical music and could spend hours listening to his favorite composers. Joe always said that had he known it was possible in his younger years he would have gone on to be an interior designer, as his love for the profession came through in his own home. Joe travelled extensively through Europe and was an active skier, especially enjoying the Italian and Swiss alps. He considered Hawaii a very special place visiting several times and enjoyed trips to Hong Kong with friends. Joe's equal passion was cars and driving, starting in his youth as a gas attendant and taxi driver in Berlin, and going on to a 25+ year career as a courier in Vancouver. Joe settled in the West End of Vancouver in the 1990's and had many friends who he enjoyed spending time with, whether that be dinners at Hons on Robson or a sunny day at Third Beach in Stanley Park.
Joe’s eclectic style, dry wit and mischievous laughter will be deeply missed by many, especially his longtime friend Nikita Dac Bang. His sister Anne, neighbors and friends Elizabeth, Reid, Nelson and May all provided a community around him that was loving and supportive. He will also be deeply missed by his best and dearest friend Marianne Bartsch of Ontario. Joe was a devout Catholic and had a special affinity with the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was a long-time parishioner of Guardian Angel Church in the West End and attended Mass on Sundays for the last 30+ years.
The family would like to thank the staff, caregivers and management at Millennial House and Saint Elizabeth Society who for the last year have taken exceptional care of Joe and helped him feel at home. He certainly kept them on their toes and equally entertained!
A private viewing will take place prior to a simple graveside service at Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby, BC on Thursday July 20th at 11:30am, to be officiated by Father John Pinto of Guardian Angels Church.
Those unable to attend are asked to light a candle in prayer for our beloved Joachim.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the Saint Elizabeth Foundation is welcome.