Joseph Anthony Leins

Joseph Anthony Leins, of Nanaimo, B.C., passed away on December 19th, 2025, at the age of 86, after a long illness.  Joe will be greatly missed by his wife Penelope (Penny), and their children Timothy (Lorrie), and Christina (Randy.)  Son Wesley Mark predeceased his father by several months.  Joe and Penny were blessed with eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Joe was born in the farming community of Pincher Creek, Alberta, and raised in Creston, B.C. with his six siblings.  Mark, Linus, Miriam, and Marcella predeceased Joe, leaving brother Bernard (Margaret) and sister Ann (Earl).

Joe completed his nursing training and social worker degree, in total working for the B.C. Government for 28 years. He worked in direct service delivery and later, as a Regional Executive Director for alcohol and drug prevention and treatment health services, he was involved in developing and managing services across B.C, particularly on Vancouver Island.

After retirement he continued to support community health services by serving on various organisation governance boards, such as for the Schizophrenia Society, John Howard Society, Family Life, and Hospice.

Joe will be remembered by his many family members and friends for his sense of humour, ethics, clear thinking, dedication to his work, and calmness.  Hobbies included hunting, gardening, genealogy and playing bridge (and any other card game). He was an avid reader and loved debates on politics and spirituality.

Joe will be greatly missed by his many friends and family, especially his loving wife of 65 years, Penny.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.