It is with great sadness that I tell you of Chief Joe Kmyta’s passing this morning.
Joe fought a short but courageous battle and spent his last days in the arms of his loved ones in his home. Following Joe’s wishes, there will be no services. We will miss Joe’s leadership, sense of humour and most of all his friendship.
Corporation of the Town of Kirkland Lake
Obituary:
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Joseph (Joe) Kmyta on Friday, October 12, 2012. Joe will be remembered, by those who knew him best, as a consummate professional firefighter, as a great friend, as a thoughtful and caring son and brother, and as a soul mate to his wife Olga.
Returning to Kirkland Lake after a long and distinguished career as a firefighter and educator in the Canadian Navy, Joe’s retirement was short lived as he responded in 2007 to the community’s need for a Fire Chief. He assumed that role with his usual dedication, enthusiasm, and humour and was respected and admired by his firefighter brethren as a teacher, colleague, and friend.
Joe took great pride in his carpentry skills, as he and Olga, with the help of friends and family, took on a major renovation of their cottage sanctuary on Lake Sesekinika. It became his favourite place, and a spot that gave him great satisfaction and joy.
We’ll miss your “Bonjour, that’s French you know” greeting, your happy dance, and your love for anything but country music.
Joe leaves behind Olga, his childhood friend and wife of five wonderful years, his father Alex, his sisters Annie (Gary) and Olga (Bernie), brothers Jerry (Sue), Moe (Sylvia), Sonny, (Anne) and Steve, (Tina), and daughters Natasha, and Sonya. He was pre-deceased by his mother Mary.
At his request there will be no service.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Kirkland Lake Hospital Foundation, Diagnostic Imaging Department.