Passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton on Thursday, December 26, 2024 in his 89th year. Cherished husband of the late Connie (Diegel) Risi (1992). Loving dad of Mike and Sylvie, and Wendy and Mike. proud papa of Jessica (Andrew); Danny (Amy); Jonathan (Samantha) and Steven (Kristyn) and great-papa of Piper, Emmie, Charlotte, and Charlie. Dear brother of Pia of Bouchs, Switzerland. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and special friend, Martha Risi. Predeceased by his parents Walter and Marie Risi and siblings Maria, Josy, Walter, Rosa, Ida, and Hedi and daughter-in-law Jo-Ellen Risi.
Josef immigrated to Canada in 1959, however he always remained very proud of his Swiss heritage throughout his entire life. In 1961, he met his future wife, Connie and they were married in 1962. Together, they moved their family to Zurich, Ontario in 1969 where he accepted the role of Administrator at the Blue Water Rest Home. He held this role for over 30 years. During his tenure, he oversaw several expansion projects including the construction of the Maplewood Apartments as well as Birchwood Apartments.
Dad’s passion for the wellbeing of the community’s senior citizens as well as his devotion to creating and maintaining a great place to work at BWRH is how he will be remembered by the community in Zurich. His family will remember him as a devoted family man, kind, softspoken and gave unconditional love no matter what challenges life presented to him.
We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Huronview Home for the Aged, Clinton for making the past 10 months the best experience possible for our father.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 49 Goshen Street North, ZURICH on Sunday afternoon from 2 – 4 PM.
Josef’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 22 Mary Street, ZURICH on Monday, December 30th at 11 AM. Interment St. Boniface Cemetery on the Bronson Line, Zurich.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@lakehuroncatholicfamilyofp7828
In lieu of flowers, donations to Huronview, West Huron Care Centre (Blue Water Rest Home) or a charity of your choice in dad’s memory would be appreciated.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Jeannette M Finnigan
I remember Mr. Risi as the administer of the Bluewater Rest Home when my grandmother went there to live. She didn’t want to go but after awhile it became her home and Mr. Risi was wonderfully welcoming to all family members. They used to host family dinners and my grandmother took great pride in having many family member attend.
Years after my grandmother died Mr. Risi attended the wake for one of my uncles in London. He remembered my uncle from those visits and took the time to pay his respects to our family.
A wonderfully courteous and considerate man.
Marie-Theres Stocker-Achermann
Liebe Wendy, lieber Mike
Ich sende Euch mein tiefstes Mitgefühl zum Verlust Eures Vaters und wünsche Euch in dieser schwierigen Zeit viel Kraft.
Mit freundlichen Grüssen
Marie-Theres Stocker-Achermann
Charlene and Rodger Finkbeiner
Deepest sympathy to the whole family
Harvey Adams
Fond memories of your father when Allanna worked at the rest home..
My deepest sympathies to all of his family..
Sharon Brokenshire
Sincerest sympathy for the loss of your father, grandfather
You are in my thoughts and prayers
Sharon Brokenshire
Dennis and Lorraine Regier
Mike ,Sylvie, Wendy , Mike and Family .
Sincere condolences to all on your loss.
Joe was such a kind and caring gentleman.
Rest peacefully 💔
Dennis and Lorraine
Blue Water Rest Home
Sending condolences on behalf of the Residents, Staff and Board at Blue Water Rest Home. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Margrith Wyss-Achermann
I am very sad about to hear of the death of your dear father and my godfather. I’m so glad that we had the chance years ago to visit Josef in his homeland and to see my godfather and his loved ones again. It was a wonderful time and I often look back on these holidays with photos and a lot of indescribable memories. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a lot of strength and consolation during this difficult time.
All the best from Switzerland, warmest regards
Margrith Wyss-Achermann
Erryn Shephard
To the Risi Family..
Our sincere sympathy to you all in the passing of Joe.
We have many memories from the B.W.R.H.
Sincerely, Barbara and Douglas Shephard.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Mike, Wendy and the Risi family;
Our sincere condolences at the loss of Joe. Joe’s guidance, concern and administrative skill helped BWRH achieve the excellent care and support it gave to and continues to give to its’ residents and community. Thank you Joe.
Robert and Alma Westlake
Lois Thiel
Sincere sympathy to Mike,Wendy and families as you cope with your loss of a beloved father and grandfather.
I was so honoured to have worked with him for years at BWRH. He was always devoted to his staff and residents.
I was also fortunate to have him as a reference support for further education in the long term care field and for future employment in other long term care facilities. He always encouraged me to keep learning and growing.I will always appreciate his support and treasure our employment together.
God has him in His care and you will always have him in your hearts.
Sincerely Lois Thiel
Christen Daniel
Dear Wendy, dear Mike, I heard the sad news that your father has died. Sepp was a great uncle and I have fond memories of him every time he was in Switzerland or I went to visit him in Canada. My thoughts are with you and I wish you a lot of strength during this difficult time.
Warm hug from Switzerland, Daniel
Betty
Wendy, Mike & families – I am so sorry to read of the passing of your father. I will miss the visits with him at HV. He was always so kind and endearing. Sincerest condolences to you all.
Paul and Kathy Steckle
Dear Mike, Wendy & the Risi family,
Words cannot express the wonderful boss I had for over 25 years of service to Bluewater Resthome. The large family dinners we served over the Christmas season every year, the great staff to work with, and the thankful residents we served, were all results of Joe’s leadership. Joe will always be remembered as a kind and caring man. Paul and I send our sincere thoughts and prayers to you and your families at this time.
Paul and Kathy Steckle
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
Wendy and Mike, Mike and Sylvie, and Martha
Sending deepest condolences in your deep loss. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days ahead. I have fond memories of your Dad when I worked my very first job at the rest home. RIP Josef. 🙏🏻
Ray & Karen Mathonia
Wendy, Mike, Mike , Sylvie, Martha and families
Please accept our condolences for the passing of Josef, he was a man who had much respect in the Zurich Community.
Martin and Cheryl Gelinas
Dear Wendy, Mike and family,
Our deepest condolences to you for the loss of your father. Good bless all of you, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cam & Kathy Steckle
Mike, Sylvie, Wendy, Mike and families,
Sending our deepest sympathies to all of you on the loss of a wonderful man. His contribution to our community shall never be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cam & Kathy Steckle
Darlene (Ducharme) MacDonald
Martha – My condolences to you on your loss. You cared for Joe for many years and was a presence in his life by offering assistance to him by feeding him his meals and helping him get dressed. By being a friend to him.
Love to you,
Your sister Darlene
Mary ellen gingerich.
I had many good years working at the rest home when he was man at the top in the office around the corner from the hobby shop.good memories.mary
Angie & Wayne Dunn
It was a pleasure to know Joe. He was such a pillar in the Zurich community and he will always be remembered for his contributions to Blue Water Rest Home. His legacy will live on in the ‘Risi Room’. Thinking about Wendy and Michael and his entire family during this sad time.
Angie & Wayne Dunn
It was a pleasure to know Joe. He was such a pillar in the Zurich community and he will always be remembered for his contributions to Blue Water Rest Home. His legacy will live on in the ‘Risi Room’. Thinking about Wendy and Michael and his entire family during this sad time.
Claudia Bienz
Lieber Mike und Wendy
Ich bin sehr traurig dass Onkel Sepp gestorben ist und bin in Gedanken bei euch. Nun hoffe ich dass er unsere Mutter, seine Schwester Jda antrifft im jenseits. Wir durften Onkel sepp besuchen in Zurich, dass bleibt für uns , meinem Mann Dani und mir unvergessen, wie er uns seine Heimat zeigte.
Er kam auch paarmal in der Schweiz zu Besuch. Was Sepp freute war sicher die Einladung zu unserer Hochzeit 2001, bei der auch Martha dabei war.
Wir wünschen dir Mike, Wendy und martha viel Kraft in dieser schweren Zeit.
In stiller Anteilnahme
Claudia Bienz- Gander Nichte von der Schweiz
Gerard & Vicky Ducharme
Dear Wendy, Mike and family, our deepest sympathies in the loss of your dad. Sending you lots of love and prayers at this difficult time.
Les & Patti Horwath
Mike, Sylvie, Wendy, Mike and families
Our condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather and great grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Keep his memories close at heart and share them between you. 💝💝💝
Jackie & Ed Dickson
Wendy & Family, so sorry for your loss! Thinking and keeping you in our prayers 🙏🙏
Jackie & Ed
Vreni Beeler
Dear Risi Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing. A few days ago, I came by to visit him, but he was resting, and I didn’t have the chance to speak with him one last time. I’m sorry I missed that opportunity, as Joe and I shared a connection through our Swiss heritage, which made our conversations even more special to me.
Please know my thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. I wish you strength, comfort, and all the best as you honor Joe’s memory. He will be greatly missed.
With deepest sympathy,
Vreni & Thomas Beeler with Family
Wayne &Bonnie Keller
Wendy Mike and Families. Sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I have many memories of the years I worked At BWRH. He certainly cared about his residents. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family, Wayne & Bonnie
Carmen Fernandes
Our deepest condolences to the entire Risi family!
Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Carmen (Mathonia) and Brendan Fernandes.
Mark Heimrich
Mike, Wendy & families;
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear father. I got to know your Dad mostly by serving him gas when I was a teenager in Zurich and then around the Zurich-Exeter community. Although usually brief, I always enjoyed my chats and interactions with him.
My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, also wishes to send her condolences to you all.
Mark (& Julie) Heimrich & Marilyn Heimrich
Jim Oesch
Sending my condolences to the Risi family ,such a nice man he was
David & Michelle Smith
Our sympathies to Mike, Wendy and Risi family & friends. Rest In Peace Joe.
Evelyn Vincent
To JOe’s family
sorry to read of your loss. Joe will be remembered for his many contributions to the Bluewater Rest Home. May good memories help bring peace.
Pia Christen -Risi
Ich möchte lieber Miki und Wendy tiest brürtes Beileid aussprechen ich denke fest an euch.
Auch ich werde ihn sehr vermissen als meinen lieben Bruder.Ich umarme euch von der Ferne
Pia Christen Risi 😂😂
Jill & Ralph
Dear Mike & Wendy & families,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dad. It was an honour to have worked when he was Administrator of the Bluewater Rest home. He was fair & approachable ; & very involved in the lives of the residents : doing Fri nite bingos, & visiting Christmas mornings . He definitely went above & beyond for the residents there. Christmas staff gathering were memorable.
With caring thoughts,
Jill & Ralph Geiger
Dorothy Dietrich
Mike, Wendy and families,
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. I have great memories of spending over thirty years as a member of his staff at Bluewater Rest Home. I remember how he could be called on any hour of the day or night if help was needed. His dedication to the care of seniors was outstanding. I still wear the watch he chose for me in recognition of my twenty five years of service over thirty years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dorothy Dietrich
Laura Wilder ❤️
Wendy &Mike and Mike & Sylvie, and families,
Joe was such a kind and compassionate man. When after our home was destroyed by fire, we were offered his place in Bayview to live until we were able to get through our situation. That kind of generosity is rare.
He was a real treasure.
Sending you much love and big hugs. xo
Pauline Horn
Martha, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this sad time and sending you big hugs.
Pauline (Baechler) Horn
Dawne Erb
Wendy ,Mike and Families
Sending you my sympathy on the passing of your dad. He devoted his work life at Bluewater Resthome and the community to provide a wonderful home for our seniors to enjoy and call home. I was very glad to be part of that team. Dawne Erb
A Journey Remembered
As some people journey through life,
They leave footprints wherever they go.
Footprints of kindness and love,
Courage and compassion,
Humour, and inspiration,
Joy and faith.
Even when they are gone,
We can still look back and clearly see the trail they left behind.
A trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.
Wayne &Bonnie Keller
Wendy Mike & Families S orry to hear of Joseph passing.I worked many years at BWRH under his leadership. May he rest in peace. Hugs Bonnie & Wayne
Doug and Joyce McBeath
To the Risi family. Our prayers and sympathy on your loss. Joe was a champion for the seniors of Zurich and area
Doug & Betty Lynn Eckel
Mike & Sylvie, Wendy & Mike and families – So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you all during this sad and difficult time. Cherish all of your wonderful memories and hold them close. Sending hugs. ♥
Pauline Miller
My deepest sympathy to all of Joe’s family!
My thoughts & prayers are with all of you!
Sincerely Pauline Miller
Jeff and Lorraine Forrester
Mike and Wendy and entire family please accept our condolences on the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Ann
Risi family – my deepest sympathy. Joe was very community minded. Cherish the memories.
Deb & Steve Overholt
Our condolences to all the family.
You are in our thoughts.
Rest in Peace Joe
Dick & Barb Rau
To Joe’s Family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna OBrien
Wendy, Mike and families
I remember your dad coming back to the rest home at night to play bingo with the residents, such a caring, kind soul! I know you have fond memories to sustain you in days ahead !
Sincerely, Donna
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
Dear Risi Family
Our thoughts and prayers are
with all of you at this very sad time
Pat and Gail Masee
Sending our deepest sympathy.HUGS.
Glen and Donna Greb
To Joe’s family,,,,,,,Glen and I wish to express our sincere condolences to all of you. May you all experience peace and strength in the days ahead. Glen and Donna Greb
Ervin Steinmann
Mike, Wendy and families. I have so many memories of my 30+ years there too. Your dad was a true friend and confidant ,especially when we lost our wives so close together. Rest assured he was loved and respected. Ervin
Ron and Marje Overholt
Mike Wendy and Family..you have our deepest condolences on the loss of your father,thinking of you at this difficult time!
Chelsey Passmore
Wendy & family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Dad played such an instrumental role in building a successful foundation for WHCC/BWRH. We were fortunate to have had him call WHCC/BWRH home for so many years – first in his role as Administrator, to then as a tenant.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Chelsey Passmore
Patti Hunt
Mike, Wendy and families:
I’m saddened yo hear of your fathers passing.
Please accept our most sincere sympathies.
Patti & Jamie Hunt
Marg Gingerich
My sincere condolences. I got to reconnect with Joe at Huronview. He was always willing to talk-mostly about his children and grandchildren. It was evident he was very proud of you all. Keeping you all in my thoughts during this difficult time
Donna Ducharme Watson
My condolences to all of Josef Risi’s family. He will be missed in
the Zurich community.
Donna Ducharme Watson.
Alice Masse
Dear Wendy Mike Slyvie Mike &Families
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time
Sincere Sympathy RIP Dear Joe
Alice&Don Masse
Wayne and Jody Schilbe
Thinking of you and your family. Sending hugs.
Kevin and Shelley Geoffrey
Deepest sympathies Mike and Wendy family and friends
Rick & Patti Bedard
Our condolences to all of the Risi family. We send our deepest sympathies to you all.
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
To all of Joe*s family …we are so saddened to hear fo his passing…
Lorri Behnish
I’m so sorry for the loss of such a kind man. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Elze Groot
So sorry to see this Wendy .Our sincere condolences to the whole family!Big hugs
Julie Kennedy
Wendy
Thinking of you and your family. Sending hugs
George & Elaine Ducharme
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your Father, Grandfather & Great Grandfather.
We are remembering fun times with Josef
Kerri Gingerich
Wendy, Mike, and Family,
Thinking of you all and praying for peace as you mourn.
Marissa (Scott) Berdan
Oh Wendy I’m so sorry to hear this. Your dad was always so kind when he lived in Birchwoods and we would interact. Sending you big hugs, my thoughts are with you and your family.