Joseph Kane Obituary

KANE, The Honourable Justice Joseph Charles (1928-2005) Retired Superior Court Judge. Peacefully passed away Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at Providence Health Centre, Toronto. Joe was an inspiration to so many people throughout his life. He was our hero. He was our best friend and he was someone who led by example. Sadly missed by his wife Janet (Perkins) and sons, Terry & Helen (Calgary), John Timothy (Toronto), Steven (Toronto), Christopher (Chicago) and daughters Dianne & Bruno Benedetti (Mississauga) and Wendy Kane (Toronto). Proud grandfather of David Benedetti (Mississauga), Lisa Allana (Markham), Kiah and Sage Kane (Calgary). Proud brother of Francis & wife Marilyn (Fort Worth), Jeff & wife Madeline (Burlington) and sisters Mary Kane (Toronto) and Jeanne Burns (Toronto). Predeceased by sisters, Ruth Kelly and Patricia Kane and brother, Fred Kane. Deeply missed by so many friends and colleagues, in particular Leonard Goodman. As a respected member of the judicial and legal communities, Joe was admired for his sense integrity and honesty. In 1978, after a 23-year career as lawyer and Queen’s Counsel, Joe was appointed a County Court Judge in the City of Toronto. At the age of 49, Joe was one of the youngest judges ever appointed and he served on the bench until 1997 as a Superior Court Judge. While law ruled most of his working days, his true passion was hockey. His contributions to the sport in Canada and internationally were far reaching â€" from coaching house league and the U of T Varsity Blues, then President of the Central Pro League, Director with Hockey Canada and eventually Arbitrator with the NHL. Joe loved being in a rink and around young people. While he experienced so many rewarding moments in hockey his greatest thrill was being able to coach his four sons when they were young. There was no prouder parent in the arena 7 nights a week! Words which best describe Joe are â€" loyal friend and kind soul. He used to say, "a person’s wealth is not measured by the amount of money in his bank account but rather, the number of friends he acquires throughout his life". This would mean that Joseph Charles Kane is one of the wealthiest people in the world! The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, January 14th. We welcome you to celebrate his life at LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH, 822 Millwood Road (at McRae Drive), on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 11:00 o’clock. If desired, donations to the Houses of Providence, Providence Health Centre, 3276 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto M1L 1W1, would be appreciated. Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles Chapel 416-487-4523