Jillian Dickens
Northern News Services

Hall Beach (Sep 19/05) - Nearly everyone in Hall Beach gathered Sept. 6 to mourn the loss of respected elder Joe Curley, who died of a heart attack at age 66.

Joe was remembered for his love of being out on the land and celebrating its abundance. Although he was a skilled hunter, his favourite activity was fishing.

During the spring and summer months, he spent most of his time fishing near one of his three cabins outside of Hall Beach.

"He loved to be out on the land and spent all his time there," said Anne Curley, his daughter-in-law

Married for more than 40 years, Joe and his wife Valerie had a huge family, with nine children, 38 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

"He was so friendly; always joking around with all his grandchildren. And he laughed a lot," said Anne, who is married to Joe's son Johnny.

Joe took the utmost care in ensuring the younger generation in his family finished their education.

"He encouraged the children to finish school so they could have proper employment. That was his main teaching," said Anne. "And most followed his wishes."

His legacy continues with his children's knowledge of the land and traditional skills like hunting and fishing.

Joe was born on Coach Island but grew up in nearby Coral Harbour. There he was raised in the traditional Inuit manner, but also attended English schools in the community.

He took his first job in 1958, working for the DEW lines, which pulled him away from his birth place.

"He moved from one DEW line site to another and lived in various communities before settling in Hall Beach," said Anne.

After a decade of moving around, Joe found his permanent home in Hall Beach in 1968. There, he continued with his job until 1992.

A year later, in 1993, he took a position at the Hall Beach airport, eventually becoming manager, which he held for the last four years up until his death.

Although the details are foggy, family members say Joe played a role in the incorporation of Hall Beach as a hamlet in 1978 and even served as mayor in its early days.

A memorial service was held on the afternoon of Sept. 6 at St. Silas Church in Hall Beach.