Versikaitis – It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of Jose (Joe) Versikaitis, of Lethbridge, Ab, loving husband and father, on October 27, 2021 in Lethbridge, at the age of 57. Joe was born in Tumero, Venezuela on March 1, 1964 and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1972. Joe grew up in Brooks, AB where he met his wife and love of his life, Michele. They were married on August 29, 1987 and a few years later welcomed their children Miguel and Jericka. Joe had an incredible talent for art, and he loved sports. The combination of these two passions would lead to the creation of many extraordinary pieces of art. This talent blended with his outgoing personality led Joe to meet many amazing people, including several professional sports players. These portraits are some of the most incredibly photorealistic portraits of some of the greatest athletes of our time. This talent also led to him having the honour of creating what he proudly considered his masterpiece, a portrait for the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. This would become one of his proudest accomplishments, as it will forever hang on the walls of the Alberta Legislature Building. However, all these accomplishments pale in comparison to his true joys: creating art and portraits for family and friends, giving back to his community, or helping Michele decorate their house. Michele would often find ideas on Pinterest that Joe would create to humour her, and as a result he would regularly joke that he needed to lock her out of the app. Joe loved his family more than anything. Often referred to as “Coach Joe”, he dedicated many hours to coaching his kids or cheering them on from the sidelines. Joe loved going on adventures; driving out in the backcountry looking for toboggan hills, road trips with his friends and family, and concerts where he sang his heart out. It didn’t matter the adventure, Joe was there and ready to go. Joe was most happy as long as he had his friends and family by his side. Family holidays were also very important, especially if it meant he could be swimming in the ocean for the whole week. Whatever he was doing, Joe made sure to always have a camera in hand to document any and all precious moments. Joe is predeceased by his mother, Ceslawa Versikaitis and father, Stasys Versikaitis. He is survived by his family wife, Michele Versikaitis; son, Miguel (Dana Claveria) Versikaitis; daughter, Jericka (Justin) Bezooyen, and will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends. A Private Family Service will be held in his memory at Smith Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery. Pastor Garth Everett officiating. Live streaming of the Private Family Service will be available on Thursday, November 4 starting at 1:50 PM via Smith Funeral Home Ltd. Website.
Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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