Monday Morning Musings

Posted on October 14, 2019 under Monday Morning Musings with 3 comments

Generous, gentleman Joe.

The community lost a good one last week. Joe Arsenault was one of those truly decent human beings. He was incredibly talented with his hands, turning stone into works of art. He was a fine musician who loved a good jam session. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was warm and he was very witty. I can’t ever remember seeing Joe out of sorts.

Joe was also a generous soul. Back in the mid- 1990s, much to the chagrin of our neighbours in town, we harbored a small collection of farm animals including a rooster named Archie. Archie had attitude problems but was nonetheless, the pride and joy of one of our children. Early one morning, I went out to the fenced in area behind our house to check on the flock. Some predator had gotten in during the night and wiped out the entire crew. The children were quite upset.

To this day, I don’t know how Joe found out but one day a few weeks later, he arrived at our home with a small memorial stone for Archie. He refused payment. I know he did this for several other people.

I had the privilege of spending some time with him in the small workshop behind his house where his creative genius flourished. He could do anything with those hands.

On this Thanksgiving Day, while we enjoy food, family and friends, let us be thankful that people like Joe come into our lives. He made our community better. His memory is etched in the many stone carvations he created. He was one of the good guys.

Happy Thanksgiving.

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