Joseph ROSENBLATT

Joe died on Monday, March 11th, 2019 in Qualicum Beach, BC at the age 85. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Faye, in 2017; parents, Sam and Bessie Rosenblatt; brother, Gordon and sister, Ruth.  He is survived by his son, Silas in Victoria, BC; sister in law, Ellen Rosenblatt; and a niece and nephew Sarah and David Rosenblatt in Toronto.

Joe grew up in Toronto where he worked as a labourer and political activist before he encountered the local poetry scene which quickly drew him in. His first poems were published in the 1960s. In 1976, Joe won the Governor General’s Award for poetry.  Moving to Vancouver Island in 1980,  his vivid and unique imagination bloomed in this wondrous new setting and inspired him to a prolific career as a visual artist.

Joe always had several projects on the go and died just days after his last book of poems and illustrations, “Bite Me: Musings on Monsters and Mayhem” was published. 

A Memorial Service will be held in Joe's honour from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 6th, 2019 at Eaglecrest Golf Club, 2035 Island Highway West, in Qualicum Beach.  The date of the Toronto service is yet to be determined.