November 12, 1957 – July 12, 2022
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Joseph.
He suffered a heart attack on Friday, July 8 and passed peacefully a few days later at Grace hospital surrounded by family.
Joseph is mourned by his wife Barbara; daughter Taisha; sister Wendy (Ron); brothers Michael (Shelley), Greg (Daisy), and Richard (Bev); all the nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
Joseph’s kindness will be missed by all who knew him. He did not want a formal funeral service, but the family encourages people to gather and celebrate him as they see fit. Sing a song, raise a glass, argue politics, and share stories. He’ll be there.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Winnipeg Harvest.
Joseph Warbanski was born November 12th,1957, at St.Pierre Hospital in Manitoba. He is predeceased by his parents Martin(’74) and Hildur (’05), and brother Brian (2018)(Gail, Michael, Danielle). He is survived by his wife Barb, and daughter Taisha. Joe, the 5th of 6 siblings is also survived by his eldest brother Rick(wife Bev)(children Scott, Jana, and Mark), brother Greg(Daisy)(Misha, Stefan), sister Wendy (Ron)(Sascha), and youngest brother Mike(Shelley).
Joe was a passionate soul, who embraced life to its fullest. He had a big heart and was a fearsome advocate of his family, friends, his community, and those in need. Blessed with a gift for words, social skills, and the energy to organize, Joe parlayed these talents into the ability to bring people together, create community, and become a respected, consulted, and valued voice on the local, civic, and provincial landscape.
Growing up in a boisterous, loving family, Joe, learned early to speak up and be assertive. One of 6 very active siblings life at the Warbanski household was like a mini bootcamp with older sibs training up the younger in all manner of sports and physical pursuits often drafting friend/neighbour Jerry Warkentin into his schemes. Joe played hockey, football, baseball and later track and field. Joe didn’t shy away from the physical aspects of life and enjoyed slo pitch baseball, camping, hiking and other recreational activities his whole life.
It was Joe’s gregarious personality, excellent verbal and social skills that led Joe down a different life path, however. At Kildonan East, the local high school, Joe became student council president and immersed himself in school politics but also had a keen eye on the world about him. Joe led a grape and lettuce boycott in support of Cesar Chavez and the United Farmworkers of America his first social justice political campaign. Voila….my brother was hooked. Politics was in his blood and would shape his decision making and career choices for decades to come. Joe would revisit social justice/community building/environmental activism activities in the early 90s when working with Terry Madden, David Henry and others. Joe was also active in helping the first Earth Day celebration at the Forks in 1992 which produced the petition that led finally to city-wide curbside recycling in Winnipeg. Later as a supporter of the political and social policy group CHOICES (early 2000s) social justice issues were never far from Joe’s mind.
After high school Joe travel extensively, hitchhiking across the breadth of Canada, backpacking through Europe. In the mid 80s Joe taught English in China for 2 years with Karen his partner of the time, taking advantage of the opportunity to travel through Nepal, Vietnam and the Soviet Union, riding the trans Siberian railroad back to Berlin and then home. This passion for travel he later shared with his own family. He often combined this travel bug with his love of history, geography, and archaeology. Sadly, Joseph and Barb were just starting to plan all the traveling they were hoping to do in retirement.
During the 80s Joe studied and finished a Bachelor of Economics (U. of Wpg.) and Masters of economics (U. of Manitoba). The 80s were a heady time for Joe with his travels, academics, residence at 137 Langside, well known party palace, politics at the old, and later the new Union Centre. Parties, politics, music and friends. In ’88 and ’89 Joe joined his brother Mike and numerous other friends in the attempt to stage the first ever Wpg. Street Performers Festival. Many pivotal and long term friendships sprung from this event. Most importantly Joe met his future wife Barbara, one of the Festival volunteers, and thus started a courtship that would culminate in their marriage in ‘92.
The 90s marked a different chapter in Joe’s life. Shortly after their marriage in ’92 Joe and Barb, loaded up the truck and moved to NWT’…territories ‘that is. They managed/redeveloped the Albert Fahley apts from ’92 to’94. Upon returning to Winnipeg Joe started work as an economic analyst for the Manitoba Medical Assn. from ’94 to ’98. After working for a year as a consultant, Joe was hired by Donne Flanagan to work with the newly elected Gary Doer provincial government. From 2000 to 2006 Joe worked as either a special assistant or executive assistant to 3 MLAs: Ron Lemieux, Marianne Mihychuk, and Jim Rondeau. The late ‘90s and early 2000s also marked two critical events in the much anticipated arrival of daughter Taisha August ’99 and the purchase of their new home at Sherburn St. in Winnipeg’s West End. Joe, Barb, and Taisha set down roots. This was to be their home, neighbourhood hub, garden central, gathering place for family and friends until the present. A warm home full of food, laughter, music.
In 2006 Joe left behind the life of party politics and engaged his inner number cruncher. Working as the Chief Economic Forecaster for the Manitoba Bureau of Statistics Joe delivered some very fine and accurate forecasts during his time. He quite enjoyed his time with the Bureau. In 2012 Joe moved to the Manitoba Teacher’s Society as an Economic policy analyst and became their resident expert on Education Funding models. Always a Union man, Joseph was pleased that this job made him part of the Teamsters. The last 10 years Joe saw many of his hopes and dreams come to fruition. Most importantly the graduation of his daughter Taisha with her Bachelor of Environmental Design and headed for her Masters in Interior Architecture! What a proud papa! Barb continues to teach Textile Arts at Garden City Collegiate. We’re still a family tied to the community, and the people around us. Joe left us way too soon…he should be playing music, holding court with his friends…enjoying his impending retirement. I offer up this loving tribute to my brother…my best friend. I applaud and graciously accept any corrections or clarifications.
We’ll all miss this guy! -Michael
33 thoughts on “Joseph Warbanski”
He was the finest kind.
So sorry for your loss and the void his passing has created.
He was a kind and beautiful man indeed. I played a lot of slo-pitch baseball with him and against him back in the day. I’ll add that every time he stepped up to the plate, Joe Warbanski was always a long ball threat. I’m very lucky and glad to have known him.
He was a swing for the fences guy …wasn’t he!
I hadn’t seen Joe for years, but he was the sort of man who would make up mileage like that in an instant with friendly chat and music. A huge loss to his family and community. My condolences.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I met Joe through our work in the constituency association and in government. He was always with a smile and so proud and happy for the family he loved. My sincere condolences to you, Barb and Tasia.
I went to school with Joe and remember well when he was school president. I also worked the first Street Performers Festival and we reconnected there. Later in life, festivals and the jam group. We had many mutual friends. Always a gentleman and a positive spirit. Condolences to Mike and family.
He was a terrific guy. Knew him for a long time though not well. He radiated his value of other human beings. He was decent, you felt it in his presence. Rest In Peace sweet Joe.
I first met Mike, Joe and friends at a house party where the jam never wanted to end.
That’s the only way I knew Joe, a guitar and a bunch of songs to sing, often leading the jam.
Sad news of his passing but his love of music will be what I remember. RIP
What a great tribute Michael. I am sorry our paths have not crossed more often. When I think of Joe, I think of the politics but mostly the love the two of you have for music and how close you were, and Joe’s devotion to Barb and Taisha. A life well lived for sure.
One of the kindest and most sincere individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of calling my friend. You will be greatly missed, Joe. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family
Thanks for your words Mike. He was thoughtful, supportive of others, and made a real difference for the better in this world. I am thankful it wasn’t that long ago that we got to see him. We are thinking of you and his whole family in this time of sudden loss.
Joe helped me with a statistical project and compilation of a large 300 plus sample survey in University for course credit..
We were on opposite sides of the spectrum back then but he was respectful and kind. Later as my views aligned more with his wed speak and share a song or two at the folk fest security crew campsite. He relished that time clearly.
I hope the sadness of his sudden passing gives way to love, light and the fondest of memories. My sincerest condolences.
I did not know Joe well and it has been sometime since I have seen him, but as with others he has left an impress. I regret that I will not here his laugh and feel his warmth again. My deepest and most profound condolences to his family and friends.
Joe will be missed. I loved our political talks and relied on him for education finance info. Mb Teachers Society will have a hard time replacing him. We just had a Folk Fest visit and I thought I saw him the other day at the Fringe and had to give my head a shake. He is too young to be gone. What a loss. Condolences to all Joe’s family.
A beautiful and kind soul – I always enjoyed our visits and have many fond WECC and festival memories shared with Joe. His energy made you want to slow down a minute and share a laugh. My thought are with you all.
I am deeply sorry to hear of this tragic passing. My brother Keith who left us a few years ago absolutely loved and respected Joe and l was so truly touched by the evident reciprocal love conveyed at the time of my family’s loss.
All condolences and mournful thoughts are offered with a sadness only tempered by the appreciation of having him touch deeply my family.
An excellent tribute Mike, thank you
We have lost an amazing person
So many stories, He was always late and never brought cigarettes, I miss him already. condolences Barb and family.
So sorry to you Mike, and Wendy and your family for your loss.
Joe was a genuine, warm and welcoming soul.
Joe was one of the most loving, kind, and accepting people I have ever known. I am sorry I hadn’t seen him more often in recent years. He will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to Barb, Taisha, Mike, and all the Warbanski family.
So very sad to hear the news of Joe’s passing. I met Joe at U of W, we were both students there and at U of M in the 80’s. We also shared the experience of the Street Performers Festival, what a time it was. We were fast lefty friends and shared many an evening speculating and trying to predict the future through our twenty-something eyes. Joe was so brilliant, thoughtful and above all full of gentle kindness. My sympathies to Mike and Barb and the clan of friends and family. Let’s all raise a glass and enjoy the memories. Here’s to you Joe!
Joseph was a amazing man and a good friend. We grow up together in the “wonder years” of Kildonan East HIgh School. We struggled and laughed together at “the system”.
I will miss you laughter and you quick wit and I will try and keep up the struggle will always debated about.
Barb , Taisha and Michael , remember the doors always open if you visit your Swedish roots someday like Joseph did..
I got to know Joe when I lived in Wpg for a year. He and Michael were quite the kids. I recall Joe eating a huge snack after school then eating an even bigger supper. He was a lovely young man. He will be missed by all the Berggren clan. So sorry for your loss. Kathy and Joe
Missing you my dear brother Joe. Hope there is lots of music and joy where you are. See you on the other side. Much love to you and to my very large and wonderful extended family. Greg
While I never knew Joe too closely, I’ve known him for a long time and running into him was always a pleasure. This happened most predictably at the winter solstice parties that took place in my former Emma G’s gang’s old house on Balmoral Street and, later, after we sold the place, at Tara and Courtney’s house. Joe had been a pretty regular attendee at these affairs for years, and it was always a great pleasure to joke around and talk politics with him. As to the latter, conversations with Joe were enjoyable and productive as his views on the NDP, the broader left, and things in general were well informed and always consequential. I was very sad to hear he had left us. My deepest sympathies to everyone touched by his passing.
i knew joe yrs ago, through my ex. i got to know him quite well during one particular summer. tho we never became close. but i remember once, drinking with him, thinking he was the smartest person i had ever met. also i thought he was a lovely man. i never felt but thoughtfulness and ease when i was around him. i’m very sorry he passed. a peaceable sort-of manitoba poet he was.
Thought I would share another recent photo of our brother Joe taken Sept 2021
Greg
I lived two door down from Joe, Barb and Taisha for ten years. He was always so genuine, kind and sweet, never too reserved to show appreciation of others and continuously encouraging everyone to enjoy the culture and company of friends, music and celebration. I can’t really believe he’s left this plane and it pains me to think of his family in despair at his passing, he was always there to lean on.
was very sorry to hear of joe’s untimely passing. he was a lovely and glorious person i thought. we exist for a moment & then we don’t, the lakes and trees tho and everyone that loved us carry on. god helps us.
Heard about this through the grapevine a couple days ago. I feel like I just got to know Joe, finally, reading this document. I just knew him up to now as one of the nicest guys I ever met when I went to parties at Balmoral House and its environs. Gutted, especially for those who were privileged to know him better than me.
Joseph was very thoughtful and kind in giving of his knowledge around education finance for MTS and teacher associations. I always appreciated our work and time together. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family on his passing.
Harry Wiebe retired teaching principal
So sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. Our condolences to his loved ones. So appreciative to learn through this obit how his community-making, and his joie-de-vivre continued to be Joe’s life-long expression. Joe was our friend and colleague at Xi’an Jiaotong University, PRC, in the 1985-86 school year. My wife and I talk about Joe as if it were yesterday we worked with him. What joyful, positive energy and fun he brought to working and living in the hinterlands of Shaan’xi Province of NW China. Together, during that year in China, Joe and I shared our daily witness of the Maoist regime and philosophy on display on campus and in that society at that time. Joe loved to discuss the two economic systems – the one in which he was a visiting teacher, and the one he was raised in. To be fair, as North Americans, our experience of culture shock was large and unavoidable. I remember Joe was quick to spot the universal in experiences that were frustrating for us….and that skill tamed the discomfort, usually bringing us to laughter. That Joe contributed so many gifts, including his intellect and great heart to all the communities he lived in comes as no surprise. Joe, we remember you with great fondness.
Chick & Kelly Lindsay, Wisconsin, USA