Peacefully, with his family by his side, Joe passed away on Thursday, February 23, 2017. He leaves to mourn his grandchildren Felicia (Stewart) Wiltshire and Brent (Christine) Wasylowski, great-grandchildren Mason and Jake Wiltshire, and son-in-law Garry (Nielle) Wasylowski, as well as numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Diane (2016), daughter Deborah (2010), and sisters Eileen Podborochynski, Bernice Skwarek, and Diane Woychyshyn.

Joe was born to parents Ann and Mike Tzar in Silver, Manitoba in 1930, and attended school in Silver until the age of 14. After he was done with school, he had a number of jobs including time in Ontario logging. Eventually, he moved back to Arborg to work, and in 1955 he and Diane met at a concert in Silver Hall. They were married in 1956 and moved to Winnipeg, where their daughter Deborah was born. After moving to Winnipeg, Joe took training in welding and soon after began working at Motor Coach Industries. He stayed with MCI for 36 years until his retirement in 1993. Joe also owned two restaurants with his wife Diane, Burger World in the Maples and then D&J Restaurant in Arborg. Joe and Diane lived in Winnipeg and St. Andrews, and finally settled in Meleb in 1992. They lived there until the summer of 2016 when Joe moved to Arborg.

Joe was well known for his musical talents. He played in many bands over his life, and after his retirement he sang with the local church choir. He excelled at a number of different instruments but had the most love for his saxophone. He was also very involved in his church and in the community. He spent countless hours volunteering at Fraserwood Hall, and was recognized for his contributions to the Hall in October 2016.

Joe will be remembered as a hard worker who took great pride in everything that he did, and as an avid storyteller who would love to share tales of his life or his day with his family and friends. But most of all, Joe will be best known for his deep love for his wife Diane. He was always by her side and would do anything for his Diane. Joe will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Selkirk & District General Hospital Emergency Department for their care and compassion.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Fraserwood Hall, with Father Peter Chorney officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Rembrandt, to Fraserwood Hall, or to a charity your of choice.