Condolence: Dear Jim and Pat, Val and I was so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of your beloved Joe. With three sons of our own about the same page we can barely imagine what you're going through right now. Words cannot fully express emotions at times like this so please be assured our thoughts and prayers will be yours in the days ahead. Joe's precious wife and children will have the benefit of his strength of spirit and of the loving support for which your entire family is so well-known. Love to you all, Stock and Val

Condolence: With deepest sympathy to Joe's family. He was a strong man with a deep compassion for others. He will be missed by many. Thank you for sharing your husband, father, son and brother with so many others. Please know that his dedication was appreciated. We hope you feel the love of others and find strength in your memories.

Condolence: My sincerest condolences go out to Mr. Bower's family; I am devastated to hear the news of his passing. Mr. Bower taught me at Westpark Middle School 2001-2003. He was my Home Room teacher in Grade 7 and also taught me in other classes, my favorite being Language Arts. I'll never forget his class; I still remember all of his teachings fondly. He was an immensely passionate teacher and I am privileged to have been one of his students. May the fond memories we students have of Mr. Bower bring you some peace.

Condolence: Pat, Jim and family. We were so sorry to hear about your loss of Joey. It seems like yesterday that he was playing around the ball field while we played slow pitch. He was such a cutie then and we see he grew up to be a responsible and well respected adult. Such pride you must have. Our deepest condolences. Judy and Gary Stene

Condolence: My husband Bill and I send our heartfelt condolences and prayers Tamara,Kayley,Sawyer,Pat,Jim,Jennifer,Jeff and all family. I was at Westpark Middle School the same years that Joe was there. Students were always most important to him and his compassion for the special needs students was very evident. He will be missed in RDPSD. Elizabeth Reid

Condolence: Pat and Jim,Jenny and Jeff, Tamara Kayley and Sawyer We are deeply saddened to hear of your devastating loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during these unbelievably difficult times. We have many memories of Joe throughout his life from kindergarten onward. He was indeed a uniquely dynamic and caring young man who left a big impression on everyone he met. I know he will be incredibly missed by all his friends but especially, his family.

Condolence: Dear Tamara, Kayley. Sawyer, Jim, Pat and all Joe's family, Our most sincere and deepest condolences on the loss of Joe. He was a passionate, dynamic change agent for education and we have lost a very special person. May the love of family and friends give you the strength and comfort to carry on. We are unable to be at "Joe's Last Inning" as we are away, but you are all in our thoughts and prayers. May Joe rest in peace.

Condolence: I taught Joe at RDC and everyday he challenged me to be a better teacher. It was great fun. Joe's passing is such a huge loss to teaching and learning. My deepest sympathies to the family.

Condolence: So very sorry and shocked to hear of the loss of Joe. You don't know me, but I am a teacher in Wisconsin. Joe and I had a few encounters over the past few years. I can only say, the world was a much better place with him. He was inspiring, funny, fun, and way ahead of his time. His brand of dedication is rare. No words can sooth such a loss, but just know that even aqaintences from far away held him in high esteem. I want to express my deepest sympathy to all his family.

Condolence: Dear Jim, Pat and Family: It is with profound sadness that I have learned of Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with yo in these difficult days. May there be strength and comfort in the joy and pride of Joe's life as you live the days ahead. I hope the love of family and friends and the sharing of respect from his many colleagues and followers will help you travel the journey you are now on. We will be with you in spirit at the "last inning" as we are in Arizona.

Condolence: Dear Tamara, Kayley, Sawyer, and the Bower and McLean families, While we did not personally meet Joe, we often read about him "pushing the limit" with regards to education in the Red Deer Advocate. We are very sorry to hear about your loss. By all accounts, Joe was a stellar husband, father, and family member. The community has lost a faithful servant who was a strong advocate for education. There are no words that we can put into print to comfort you as you deal with this immeasurable loss, other than to say, you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. Ross and Louise Pickett Lacombe, Alberta

Condolence: I met Joe on Twitter and was informed and enlightened by his blog. I feel a great loss and want to send heartfelt good wishes to his family.

Condolence: Our deepest condolences to the Bower family. Joe definitely affected and influenced all with his desire for change, growth in knowledge, and change in systems/policies. His sarcasm and sense of humour always kept us on our toes. We will genuinely miss his quick wit and smile. The Briaults

Condolence: We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. The entire world lost a great man who has done great things. He will continue to do great things through those who he has inspired. May all the memories you have of him help in your healing, and give you strength to get through this tough time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Errin and Alexandra Bishop ( Cappas)

Condolence: Jim, Pat & Family - Our Sincere & Deepest Condolences on the Loss of Joe. May all the Fond Memories of him help in your Healing Process. Our Hearts are with you all. Warren Sinclair

Condolence: We are very sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. We know you will miss him very much, but may you take comfort in your many memories of him.

Condolence: My deepest condolences to Tamara, Kayley, Sawyer and the entire family. Joe's love for children, teaching and his thirst for learning was only surpassed by the love of his family. Joe motivated and inspired me every single day at work. His laughter was infectious and his practical jokes always kept me on my toes. I'm going to miss him saying "sounds like a social worker job to me". Rest easy my friend- you will forever be in my heart.