November 28, 2020
1931-2020 ~ Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. Joe Samarin passed away on November 28, 2020. He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Barbara (nee Lawson) and is survived by his two children Stephanie Robinson (Dean) and grandson Jordan (Jenna) and Chris Samarin (Tammy) and grandson Justin. A great grandson, Weston Robinson, was a precious addition in 2019.
Joe was born in Nanaimo in 1931 to Andro and Rosa Samarin, and spent his lifetime in the area. He was predeceased by his brother Charlie and sisters Mary Olsen and Josie Robertson.
Joe was a well-known athlete, who excelled in golf and basketball. He was a founding member of the Nanaimo Golf Club and succeeded in selling over 200 shares in order to get it started. He was club champion for 8 years and scored an impressive 76 on St. Andrews in Scotland the first time he played it.
He played center for the Alberni Athletics when they won the Canadian Senior "A" Men's Championship in 1955. For this achievement he was inducted into the B.C. Sport's Hall of Fame in 2001 and the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Joe was a supervisor at Harmac for 40 years and retired to Lantzville where he enjoyed family gatherings, travelling, gardening and local politics. He helped get the Pioneer Rose Garden established in Huddlestone Park as well.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. If so desired, donations in his memory can be made to the Nanaimo S.P.C.A. for the cats he loved so much
Online condolences may be offered at www.firstmemorialnanaimo.com