Clifford Wayne “JOE” Hemus

It is with much love and sadness that we announce the death of Clifford Wayne “JOE” Hemus at 82 years of age, after a short time in hospital.

He was born January 10, 1943 in High River, AB and died on December 5, 2025 in Victoria, BC.

Joe had an adventurous life - 9 lives we like to say! He played a variety of sports (football, hockey, baseball, judo, rugby (prop), swimming 25 laps 5 days a week) loved the outdoors (hunting, hiking, and camping), he built and raced numerous cars, loved being on the ocean (commercial and recreational fishing), puttering in the garden, working on his Ham radio, and playing his harmonica with everyone on Sunday nights at Norway House. It was Joe’s love of aviation that provided poignant bookends to his life- as a young man he served as a pilot officer in the RCAF for 20 years. In the last couple of years he volunteered his time, experience, and enthusiasm for flight and restoration with the BC Aviation Museum. Joe was always known for telling a good story (not all were true!), learning a new skill, encouraging others to do what they enjoy, and having a great sense of humour no matter what the situation. Joe will be fondly remembered in one of his favourite places- sitting with family on a log on the beach by the ocean with a fire burning, hot dogs cooking, and the sun shining on his face.

Joe was predeceased by his mother and father Elva and Harold Hemus, and brother Dennis Hemus.

Joe is survived by his wife of 18 years, Karen Hemus, his twins -son Sean Hemus (Tracy) and daughter Jennifer Robins (Rick). Grandchildren- Colin, Victoria (Zach), Lena, Courtney, Tom (Angeli), Helena (Sewon), and Tim. Great-Granddaughter Emersyn.

He also leaves behind his Sister Lorraine “Suzy” Riddolls, Karen’s son Sean Patterson, and numerous extended family members. 

A gathering of friends and family to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at a later date.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made in memory of Joe to: The BC Aviation Museum-Lancaster FM104 engine restoration project

“Through adversity to the stars”