Obituary for Joseph Roy Sears
Surrounded by his wife Grace and family, Joseph (Joe) Roy Sears was Promoted to Glory Sunday September 25, 2022 in his 89th year and is now resting in the arms of Jesus. How fitting that he passed on a Sunday, the day of the week that was so special to him.
Joe was born August 20, 1934 to the late Roy and Francis Sears and was predeceased by his sister Eva (Morris) and brother Dr. Ron Sears. At the age of 16, Joe left school and began working in the Insurance business. Over the years, with continuing courses, Joe moved up the corporate ladder, became a highly respected leader in the business community and retired as a Vice President of Johnson Higgins Willis Faber LTD out of the London Ontario office.
Joe and his siblings were brought up attending the Salvation Army, where Joe was very active in Scouting and music, and his faith flourished. Joe showed his love of the Lord through the various leadership roles in the Salvation Army, especially his passion for banding, something passed on to all of his children and grandchildren. He played in several Salvation Army bands, including Lisgar St, Earlscourt Citadel, Brampton Citadel and Westminster Park in London, ON and was Junior and Senior Bandmaster at each Corps, with the exception of Earlscourt, where he was the Young People’s Sergeant Major (YPSM). He was also the YPSM at Brampton Citadel. Joe was the founding Bandmaster of Jubilee Brass, the Seniors Band for the Great Lakes Division.
Joe had a deep faith with a strong prayer life and each morning he began his day on his knees in prayer and studying the Word. At the age of 79, he completed a 3-year Diploma from Liberty University in Biblical Studies and graduated with Honours. He used this knowledge in teaching others God’s word.
Joe saw family as a cornerstone next to his faith and believed in the strength family provides to each other. Such a dynamic view of family is what all us hold today. Joe will be greatly missed by his lifelong partner of 68 years, Grace. He was a loving and dedicated father to David (Evie), Joanne (Bruce) Young, Catharine (late Donald) Rutter, Stephen (Gayle), Barbara (John) Clayton, Michael (Melody) Masuda and Ricky, and played the role of father figure to Kenji Masuda and Cheryl (John) Prince. He was the cherished Papa to 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
We celebrate that Joe has lived a fulfilling 88 years. We celebrate the faith and values he instilled in his family and lived out daily before everyone’s eyes. While we have heavy hearts we know he is now leading a heavenly band.
Friends are invited to call at the Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church, 769 Juliana Dr, Woodstock on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, October 1 at 11 am. If desired, donations to TSA Woodstock Community Church would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Jarvis (519-587-4414). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca
Joe was born August 20, 1934 to the late Roy and Francis Sears and was predeceased by his sister Eva (Morris) and brother Dr. Ron Sears. At the age of 16, Joe left school and began working in the Insurance business. Over the years, with continuing courses, Joe moved up the corporate ladder, became a highly respected leader in the business community and retired as a Vice President of Johnson Higgins Willis Faber LTD out of the London Ontario office.
Joe and his siblings were brought up attending the Salvation Army, where Joe was very active in Scouting and music, and his faith flourished. Joe showed his love of the Lord through the various leadership roles in the Salvation Army, especially his passion for banding, something passed on to all of his children and grandchildren. He played in several Salvation Army bands, including Lisgar St, Earlscourt Citadel, Brampton Citadel and Westminster Park in London, ON and was Junior and Senior Bandmaster at each Corps, with the exception of Earlscourt, where he was the Young People’s Sergeant Major (YPSM). He was also the YPSM at Brampton Citadel. Joe was the founding Bandmaster of Jubilee Brass, the Seniors Band for the Great Lakes Division.
Joe had a deep faith with a strong prayer life and each morning he began his day on his knees in prayer and studying the Word. At the age of 79, he completed a 3-year Diploma from Liberty University in Biblical Studies and graduated with Honours. He used this knowledge in teaching others God’s word.
Joe saw family as a cornerstone next to his faith and believed in the strength family provides to each other. Such a dynamic view of family is what all us hold today. Joe will be greatly missed by his lifelong partner of 68 years, Grace. He was a loving and dedicated father to David (Evie), Joanne (Bruce) Young, Catharine (late Donald) Rutter, Stephen (Gayle), Barbara (John) Clayton, Michael (Melody) Masuda and Ricky, and played the role of father figure to Kenji Masuda and Cheryl (John) Prince. He was the cherished Papa to 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
We celebrate that Joe has lived a fulfilling 88 years. We celebrate the faith and values he instilled in his family and lived out daily before everyone’s eyes. While we have heavy hearts we know he is now leading a heavenly band.
Friends are invited to call at the Salvation Army Woodstock Community Church, 769 Juliana Dr, Woodstock on Friday, September 30, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. The funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, October 1 at 11 am. If desired, donations to TSA Woodstock Community Church would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to COOPER FUNERAL HOME, Jarvis (519-587-4414). Friends are invited to send condolences and sign the Book of Memories at www.cooperfuneralhome.ca