Windsor, VT - Joseph "Joe" Everett Callander passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on December 10, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. His tenacious fight to survive was a testament to his love of family and life. He wasn't much for formalities so this written record will hopefully make his family and friends proud.

His childhood may have hardened many, but not Joe.  Born July 15, 1944 in International Falls, Minnesota, he spent his first years on a farm without electricity or indoor plumbing. Joe lost his father, Joseph, when he was young and his mother Eleanor sent his four older siblings, Harry, Bob, Irene and Jean away to live an easier life while she chose to raise Joe alone. The absence of his four brothers and sisters growing up made him realize how important family was to him.

As a young man, Joe worked in machine shops where he became interested in the engineering and drafting aspect of tool and dye. Joe learned his expertise through apprenticeship, hard work and dedication. He worked his way up the ranks by relocating with his family when an opportunity to advance came up. His family was Joe's home so moving was just part of the adventure. Eventually, he became a top level self made engineer and settled in Windsor Vermont which he had always considered "home".

In 1974, he met the love of his life, Sandi. On February 14, 1975 Joe and Sandi married and several years later welcomed his beloved daughter, Sarah, into the world. Joe remained close with his son Mike, from a previous marriage, and cherished every moment with him. During Joe's 50th birthday dinner, his daughter received a phone call from her friend needing a permanent place to live. Without an ounce of hesitation, he put down his lobster claw, looked at his wife and said "this girl needs a home and love and we have both". Just like that Amber became his daughter; or as he would say the best birthday gift he didn't know he needed.

Joe was happiest when those he cared for were happy and enjoying themselves. He enjoyed being the captain of his van that he would fill with friends to go to concerts, dinner or just a good cruise around the back roads of Vermont. His enthusiasm for the shenanigans of life was contagious, and he reveled in it. Joe's happiness came from seeing his loved ones being fearless, self-confident and breaking some rules, all in the name of fun.

Although Joe had a family he loved, a successful career and friends he adored, his childhood continued to haunt him. In 1989, he came forward about being abused by a priest while in Catholic school as a teenager. Joe's request was to have the priest removed from his position. When his request was dismissed, Joe started a battle that lasted several years. Disregarding his fear of publicity, Joe's main focus became holding the Catholic Church accountable, and preventing children from enduring the abuse he had. His persistence permanently removed the priest from the company of children and to the end he made sure they honored it. In the process, his bravery encouraged others to come forward, and hold their abusers accountable.

Freed from childhood traumas, Joe watched his family grow, get married and become parents of their own. First was his foster daughter Amber, to her husband Greg whom he loved to talk with about music, fishing and all the techie stuff. He adored their two girls, Lea and Mara, and loved hearing about their interests and adventures. He especially enjoyed giving his daughter, Sarah's husband Matt a hard time, forcing him to go to concerts and pushing him out of his comfort zone. He was incredibly involved in their son Henry's life, and he was so proud to be his Pa.

Joe's life was not easy, he had many obstacles to overcome and yet he made sure those around him felt the love, had the fun and felt the security he had grown up without. Those that knew him have stories that they probably shouldn't tell or a memory of him doing something he probably shouldn't have been doing. That was Joe, he took very little seriously, but fought hard to keep those he loved, and many he never met, safe and loved.

In a style befitting of Joe, there will be no formal service. Joe would have preferred that to celebrate in his honor—to go somewhere that makes you feel good; treat yourself to a great meal, listen to your favorite music (just a little too loudly) and raise a glass to him. Maybe just tell that story you probably shouldn't. Most importantly, be generous when you can, and try to make a difference in the lives of those around you.

That's how Joe lived.