My eldest brother Joe is 18 yrs older than me. My first memory is of Joe & Ann's Wedding Day. We lived in Warkworth, I was 4/5 yrs old and impressed with my new Wedding outfit!
I know from Troy that Joe taught him and brother John, now dec’d, to paint with water colours. Troy, was often ill with Chronic Asthma. Joe also shared interests including Bird watching, photography and love of the countryside. Ballroom Dancing came later! Troy was inspired to become the accomplished artist he is today.
As I grew up Joe & Ann generously allowed me to stay for a holiday when they lived at Kenton, which I for one really enjoyed!.Family visits continued until years later when Joe, now sadly on his own after Ann's demise, Joe would share a pub lunch with us or sandwich especially if it included an apple pie! I had by now realised how knowledgeable my brother was. He had an avid interest in global events, literature and philosophy. It was a joy to share my own love of books with him. We also shared our curly hair! But not his smooth complexion which he inherited from our Dad, so looking forever young ! Which pleased him. He also inherited the name Amos from our maternal uncle.
He was a Historian as he shared many memories from the past . His time as a Bevan Boy was a favourite when a coal tub sliced off part of his finger. Joe with Ann was also adventurous, travelling to Europe and NZ to visit Troy before such trips were commonplace.
I greatly admired Joe for his quiet optimism which stood him in good stead throughout his long life.. A life he enjoyed with Ann & his family. He enjoyed new technology at work and play, and treated pace makers, laser eye treatment and Covid Vacs with aplomb!
Joe was supportive of events in my life even in recent times but The most IMPORTANT event was my marriage to Dave when Joe walked me down the aisle on MY Wedding Day…
My brother Joe was a marvel, an excellent role model and though greatly missed, to me he’ll be Forever Young!
Ann Mackintosh
09/08/2023
