Joe Albert Bitz

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Joe Albert Bitz, who died at the age of 41 on April 16th, 2022, during a recreational diving accident.

Joe will be deeply missed by his wife Christina, and two children, Elijah and Emilio. Though Joe will always be remembered for his sense of adventure and zest for life, the moments they will miss the most are those where they were simply immersed in their lives as a family. Joe is predeceased by his mother Ellen Jaffe, who died March 16th, 2022, after a three-year battle with cancer. His life was a direct reflection of the outstanding traits Ellen provided as a parent.  Joe is survived by his father Allan Bitz, chosen brother Jason (Jay) Beattie, and niece and nephew, Ellison and Carter.

Joe’s parents fostered a love for nature and adventure early on in his life, and allowed him to find his path unconditionally. Joe’s maternal grandmother Viola Jaffe, and paternal grandfather Timothy Bitz, were both large influences in his life. They helped shape him into the wonderful man he became. 

After accomplishing his Masters in Social Work at McMaster University, Joe went on to work for the Children’s Aid Society, as well as for the Norfolk General Hospital, as the hospital’s social worker and lead for patient and family-centered care. Joe was an advocate for change, and will be remembered fondly by those he worked with. In 2017, he was ready to set out on a new adventure and joined the RCMP.  His first posting was in Cape Dorset, Nunavut. This is where he met the love of his life and friends who will forever be impacted by his presence. In 2019, Joe relocated to Vancouver Island, where he served at the Port Alberni Detachment, until his untimely passing. Joe loved his job as an RCMP officer and will be deeply missed by his friends and colleagues throughout the country. 

When Joe set a goal for himself, he not only ensured that he met that goal - he always exceeded it. Joe was always present in the moment, and lived every day with meaning. He never spoke without purpose, even if it was to say something wildly inappropriate to watch others laugh (or watch them try not to laugh). He achieved more in his short life than most do in a lifetime. Though his accomplishments will be fondly remembered by those who knew him, they are not what will be remembered the most. Joe was happiest when listening to the successes of his friends and family, and always provided unwavering support to those he loved. Many who knew Joe, knew his love of wrestling and baseball, by way of seeing a game in every major league stadium with Jay. But if you ask what Joe will be remembered for most, it would be for his warm smile, authenticity, consistency, genuineness and clearly, his catchphrases (usually said with a hint of sarcasm): “not all hero’s wear capes”, “you’re right I am pretty great”, “I did it”, “my good friend”, “swole goals”, “heading to the glorious house of gains”, “I appreciate you”, “serious question”, “well well well”, “Teamo”.

Joe was, and always will be, a bright guiding light to us all.