Christopher Joseph "Joe" Legassic

The family of Christopher Joseph “Joe” Legassic is heartbroken to announce his passing at Hospice Quinte on July 8, 2022 after a battle with lung cancer.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Ronald James Legassic and Joan Leslie Legassic (nee Braid), mother-in-law Helen Sioui (nee Melnick), many aunts and uncles, and his cousin Bobby Braid.

He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Pam Legassic (nee Sioui), their two children Christopher Joseph “C.J.” Legassic, and Ashley Fedyk (Daniel), grandchildren Cohen Legassic, Lila Legassic, and Joseph Fedyk, sister Lisa Moore (Ric), brothers Kim Legassic (Dorothy), Stephen Legassic (Cheryl), many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless close friends.

Joe was born on December 15, 1961 in Montreal, and was raised by his parents, Pops and Toey, in Chateauguay, QC. He grew up playing different sports but his heart always belonged to hockey. There are few things he loved more than being the first one on the ice, or skating on an outdoor rink.

Troublemaker may be an understatement when it comes to describing Joe in his teenage years. Despite not completing his education, he was always the smartest person in the room, and could tell you almost anything about almost everything.

As he got into his 20s, Joe met Pam after her friend Debbie started dating his roommate Fritz. Little did Joe know, Pam had a years-long crush on him that was finally coming to fruition. When Joe’s dad got sick with cancer in 1989, and Pam became pregnant with C.J., he began to turn his life around. That was the start of him becoming an amazing husband, father and friend.

C.J. became his pride and joy on April 21, 1990, and Joe and Pam wed on June 1, 1991. Joe’s mum got to see her baby boy become a parent for two years before she passed away.

A printer by trade, Joe decided it was time for him and his young family to put roots down somewhere else. He ventured to B.C. for two weeks to hand out resumes and find a new job. He landed at Mitchell Press, and stayed with that company for his remaining working years.

Joe, Pam, C.J. and Pam’s mum “Batchi” packed up and headed west, and remained in Maple Ridge to raise their children. During their time in Maple Ridge, Joe became engrained in the community. First with instructing martial arts at Sun Hang Do, then by diving head first into the local hockey scene.

On September 2, 1995, Ashley was born and Joe became immediately wrapped around her finger.

Despite his gruelling shift work schedule, Joe was adamant about being as involved in his kids’ lives as much as possible. From volunteering for field trips, to scorekeeping at C.J.’s hockey games, to coaching Ashley throughout her hockey years, Joe was always there.

Countless knee surgeries, replacements, and a brutal battle with rheumatoid arthritis all took their toll on Joe’s body through the years. Despite that, he would rarely be seen without a smile and you never caught him feeling sorry for himself.

The births of Cohen and Lila made Joe’s heart overflow with love. Being a grandparent was his new favourite thing. He was affectionately called “Pops” just like his dad.

After raising his children and seeing them off through school and the start of their careers, Joe moved with his sister Lisa and brother-in-law Ric to Stirling, ON, where he got to see his brother Kim more often than he had in years.

2019 is when Joe’s toughest battles began. He lost his leg to an infection, but managed to deal with his prosthetic long enough to walk Ashley down the aisle. In October 2021, he was officially diagnosed with lung cancer. He decided to push through and try every treatment possible in order to prolong his life.

Unfortunately, as Joe’s battle with cancer went on, the news on his prognosis never improved. He knew he didn’t have much time left. So in March 2022, he decided to have a bucket list night, where his siblings and kids came together for a Leafs game. Joe loved that night, and called it the best night ever. He loved being with his family.

In April 2022, his newest grandson Joseph was born to Ashley and Dan. In his final months, he was able to spend plenty of time snuggling this newest bundle of joy.

On July 7, 2022, Joe entered the care of Hospice Quinte. After a short 20-hour stay, he passed peacefully at 9:19 a.m. on July 8. After a lifetime of pain and struggles, he’s finally able to rest.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to SickKids Hospital or Hospice Quinte in Joe’s name.

A public celebration of life will be held in 2023. The family will announce the details in due time.