Obituary of Joseph H. Rideout

Joe Rideout wrote this obituary and requested that it be published as written Joseph H Rideout C.D. If you are reading this I am dead. I arrived in Grand Falls New Brunswick in 1941, the first child of good and caring parents, Hubert and Mary (Boyd) Rideout. We were a successful farm family and I learned the value of hard work and community involvement at an early age. I was involved in 4-H under the wonderful leadership of Frank Boyer. I graduated from High School without distinction. Although I was terrible in math and sciences, I excelled in history, languages, drama, and public speaking. Not to brag, but I won the male lead for successive years in the Provincial High School Drama Festival. I sometimes regret that I didn’t attend University, but it was probably the right decision considering my scholastic record! My first job was with the Royal Bank in Campbellton, followed by a year in Montreal. Every young person should experience a year in Montreal. I then returned to my roots and became involved in Agriculture including areas in Maine and all over Atlantic Canada. The easiest way to explain my career for the next 45 years is to say that I worked in almost every aspect of Agriculture except Research and with few exceptions I looked forward to going to work every day. Although I spent a lot of my years in the private sector, I worked for both Provincial and Federal Governments for eighteen years. This period was rewarding and gave me good insight into public service. I enjoyed my many contacts with producers over the years and hope I helped a few farmers along the way. In 1966 I married Margaret Anderson, a good woman from a solid family. Although we later parted ways she contributed enormously to the raising of our three children, all of whom became successful in life. I was fortunate to live to see my four grandchildren grow into adulthood. They all seem to be on course for success and fulfilment. I spent thirteen years in the Army Reserve. I especially loved the summer training at Gagetown with my Transport buddies, Sgt Spicer, Brian Arnold, our piper and Hardy Gaudette our mechanic. The heat, the dust, the smell of diesel fuel and cordite, BS in the mess tent at night were all wonderful memories. I was assigned as a driver for our Honorary Colonel, Hon George Stanley, the former Lt Governor of New Brunswick. What a wonderful, educated man. I was also active in a number of organizations, the Royal Canadian Legion, Rotary International, Jaycees, Gilbert and Sullivan and the Conservative Party to name a few. Over the years I have made many friends. Fishing with Al Nicholson on the Eel River at Benton, lunch at Molly’s Rock. Many wonderful times with Al, Leonard, Murray and others at Taffy Lake, a good cigar watching the sun go down over the water. I enjoyed the outdoors, skiing at Crabbe Mountain, fishing, hunting, riding in the South Chilcotin Mountains in British Columbia with cousins and family members and my dear friend Mack Bryson. I was a reasonably good skier and a poor golfer but enjoyed both. Later in life I met Lorna McKnight, with whom I found pleasure, love and fulfillment. Together we travelled the world, dancing and singing to the end. I’ll end with a quote from columnist Sidney Harris "Do some good while you’re still here" Joe will be missed by his children Nancy (Danny), Sheryl (Ian), and David; grandchildren Brooke, Cole, Samantha, and Sara; the love of his life Lorna McKnight; chosen grandchildren Ella and Tommy; siblings Margie (Carson), Carolyn (Shirley), Louis (Eva), and Peter (Debbie) as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service will be held at the St. Paul's United Church on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 at 11:00 am, with an interment immediately following at Foresthill Cemetery. Due to the current health restrictions, please contact the funeral home to reserve a seat at the memorial service: (506) 458-9170 or by email mcadams@mcadamsfh.com. For those unable to attend, there will be a live stream of the service at the following link: https://vimeo.com/574107623 In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice House Fredericton, Prostate Cancer Research, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.