Click here for Joseph's Photo Album

CLICK ON LINK TO WATCH VIDEO:

Video 1 . Joseph Ziptrekking at Whistler Time: 0:0.21

Video 2 . Memorial Service held at Sts. Peter and Paul Melkite Catholic Church, Ottawa. October 1, 2004 (English and Arabic). Time: 1:35.02.
Video 3 . Homily given by Bishop Ibrahim M. Ibrahim at the Memorial Service. Introduction by Rt. Rev. Exarch Habib Kwaiter. (Arabic and English). Time: 23:04.
Video 4 . Closing words by Father Francois Beyrouti. (English). Time: 5:46

A tribute given by Robert L. Chalmers at the Funeral Home on September 19, 2004

Let Your face shine, that we may be saved!. (Psalm 80:7)

BEYROUTI, Joseph Elias, passed away on September 14, 2004 surrounded by family and friends at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver, BC after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joseph was born on January 18, 1970 in Beirut, Lebanon and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1976. He is the beloved son of Elias and Maggie, and cherished brother of Father François and Anthony. Joseph grew up in North Vancouver, having attended St. Edmund.s Elementary School, St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Carson Graham High School.

Joseph was known as a hard worker and for his ability to bring many people together. Joseph.s generosity was legendary and he was always ready to help whenever he saw anyone in need. Joseph had a great love for the outdoors and marveled at the beauty of God.s creation in nature. He led a very active life, and always made time to enjoy precious moments with family and friends. He will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Joseph was particularly known for his infectious smile, which remained shining even after his passing. He is greatly missed by his parents, brothers, uncles, aunts, cousins, and all those who knew him. Joseph had a large circle of friends. His joy extended to all those around him and he left a lasting legacy of kindness, respect and love.

Viewing will be on Sunday Sept. 19 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Columbia-Bowell Funeral Chapel (219 - 6th St./ New Westminster, B.C.).

The funeral will be on Monday Sept. 20 at 10:00 AM at St. Francis de Sales Church (St. George.s Melkite Catholic Mission - 6610 Balmoral St./ Burnaby, B.C.)

A fund has been created through the Vancouver Foundation in Joseph.s name to keep his memory alive through annual donations to a variety of charitable organizations. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the .Joseph Beyrouti Memorial Fund. and mailed to: 1453 Mahon Avenue/ North Vancouver, BC/ V7M 2S3.

A tribute given by Robert L. Chalmers at the Funeral Home on September 19, 2004

Joseph

I met Joseph in a business setting... he approached me for some advice in regard to some investments. Frankly as I watched this little young man enter my office I wondered:

where in the world this encounter would lead to.... ?

It took very little time to complete our first piece of business.

And then Joseph started;

The same thing as he started with so many of you... he started to make me into one of his friends and he did it by FIRST becoming my friend.

I'm not sure what inspired him, after all, I am 21 years older than him but for Joseph that was simply not a good reason not to befriend me. Somehow I think he knew that there would be great benefits for all concerned if we became better friends. He made the first move, as he usually did, giving of himself first... loving first... respecting first.

We developed an amazing friendship based on trust, love mentorship and some spiritual connection that I can't explain but certainly know that it existed and one that I continue to embrace and enjoy. Joseph and I would get together on a regular basis (at least every few days) and we always had great times together, always have fun and embrace the moment.

It seemed that amongst the fun, we always had something important and meaningful to discuss. Sometimes finances, jobs, family, friends, sports, politics... whatever... there was always a lively discussion and usually a lesson.

Joseph and my wife, Leeta, also became great friends. They formed a special bond, one that covered the entire gamut; sports, hiking, teasing, caring, loving and a mutual respect and admiration for each other. Many times when Leeta and I were planning something, we included Joseph... he was with us often but even when not, he was in our thoughts. He simply endeared himself to me, to Leeta and to us as a couple.

We know he is in a safe place now and we take great comfort in the knowledge that the many facets of Joseph will always be with us.

Joseph was a successful man.

He taught me many things, he taught me to live each day to the fullest.

His legacy for me is... to be a friend first... and to earn the respect and love of those around you, you need to give freely of love and respect first.

Robert L. Chalmers
Vancouver, BC