When Joe Eagle shared the news that he had cancer back in September 2023, it was a blow for all the people who knew him.
Eagle was a local legend. Although he no longer lived in town (having moved to Fort McMurray to work at Suncor), many of his friends still lived here.
Eagle passed away three months later, leaving a hole in the two communities. “He had no friend group,” says Shawn, who knew him since the age of 14. “Instead, everybody was his friend.”
Eagle cared about the people around him, both his friends and the people in his community. He was well-known for his annual donations to the local food bank during the holiday season, a tradition he held dear to his heart.
Gail Stedel—who knew him growing up—said when he passed: “Joe had a very special place with my daughter, who was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of 5. When we started doing the Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes, Joe immediately made a donation. He always supported us with a large donation each year and become a Golden Sneaker sponsor. He also supported another friend from Tumbler Ridge by donating for her child. He touched both our hearts so much.”
Now, three years after his passing, the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation has established a legacy fund in his name, honouring his commitment to philanthropy.
According to the Foundation, Joe had a way of making people feel connected. “From Tumbler Ridge, where he grew up and graduated, to Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region, where he lived and worked, he built relationships, gave back to his community, and helped others whenever he could.
“Through this endowment, his legacy will continue to create opportunities for community support for generations to come, helping fund initiatives that reflect the values he cared deeply about: community, kindness, perseverance, leadership, and education.”
Through the fund, other people can join in and help continue to make a difference in the lives of the people, just like Joe did.
If you are interested in contributing to the Joe Eagle Legacy Fund for a one time or ongoing amount, go to the Wood Buffalo Community Foundation Page at wbcfoundation.ca, and under the Donors & Funds drop down menu and select the appropriate link.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
