JOZSEF (JOE) DANKU

Jozsef Danku, 78, of Fort Frances, Ont., also known as “Joe the Barber,” passed away peacefully, with his loving wife by his side, on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances after a 15-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
Joe was born Sept. 7, 1936 in Ofeherto, Hungary to Jozsef and Katalin Danku. He left Hungary in October, 1956 and immigrated to Canada on May 21, 1957, landing in Moncton, N.B.
He settled in Thunder Bay, Ont. for a while and then moved to Thompson, Man., where he worked in construction. Joe made his way back to Winnipeg, Man., then to Fort Frances in 1960.
While in Thompson and Winnipeg, Joe discovered barbering, a trade which he continued to practice and enjoy in Fort Frances for more than 40 years. He was known by most simply as “Joe the Barber.”
Joe was an avid curler for more than 44 years, coached men’s soccer for a number of years, and was a member of the Kinsmen Club.
He took great pride in his yard and garden, and loved hunting and fishing.
After retirement, he enjoyed travelling to visit with his children and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy.
Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Norma (nee Booth) of 51 years; children, Kathy (Jim) Pozzebon, Nancy (Simon) Picken, and Paul (Suzanne) Danku; grandchildren, Erik, Kyle, Taylor, Spencer, Evan, and Anya; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe also is survived by his sisters, Helen and Elizabeth, and brother, Paul, in Hungary; sisters-in-law, Betty Maguire and Cecile (Brian) Drummond; and brothers-in-law, Ted (Bette) Booth and Mike Maguire.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Jozsef and Katalin; sisters, Margaret and Veronica; and brothers, Michael and Andrew.
He also was predeceased by his in-laws, Ron and Thelma Booth; sisters-in-law, Karin Lee and Clare Maguire; and brothers-in-law, Pat Maguire and Richard Lee.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be announced at a later date.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts or the Rainycrest Special Care Unit c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 87, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com