Joe McConnell

Joe passed away at home Dec. 5, 2014 surrounded by his family.

God saw him getting tired and a cure was not to be. So he put his arms around him, and said, "come with me." With tearful eyes we watched him slowly fade away. Although we loved him dearly we wouldn't make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.

Joe was born Nov. 4, 1954 in Spokane Wash., the only son of Delmer and Inez McConnell. He grew up and attended school in Cheney. He worked in construction and concrete for 40 years, most recently for William Winkler Construction as crew foreman.

Our hero built us a wonderful home in the woods, where he always cared for his horses and dogs and enjoyed his gardens of vegetables and flowers. The man could fix anything and will be sorely missed for his amazing common sense, handsome smile, and the way he touched the heart of every person he met. Joe gave us our smile and our laugh. He was our love and our light, our heart and our soul.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 42 years, Nina; his son, Tyler and wife Natalie and his daughters, Johanna and Michelle. Also, his mother, Inez; step-father, Jon and his sisters Jenny Frunz and Kelley McConnell.  Joe was preceded in death by his father, Delmer and sister, Vicki Carlin.

We would like to thank the men and women of Hospice of Spokane for their invaluable service, also the most wonderful staff at Deaconess short stay.

The family will celebrate his life at a later date.