A service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday in Annapolis Royal Baptist Church with a reception in the Annapolis Royal branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Casey was born in Victoria Beach, the son of John William Casey and Laura Holmes.
Over the years Casey tried his hand as a fish plant operator and steamship pilot before representing Digby-Annapolis from 1970 to 1984 and again from 1988 to 1997. “He was always optimistic and upbeat,” said former Nova Scotia premier Gerald Regan about his life-long friend. “He knew more about the Digby Gut and the currents in the Bay then anyone. He could do so many different things and do them all well. He was quite an amazing man.”
Casey was probably the most popular member amongst the three parties in legislature during his years there, said Regan, who was premier from 1970-78.
Casey acted as deputy speaker in the House of Assembly and did so with great ability and was “tremendously dedicated to his constituency and the people of the constituency,” added the former premier.
Liberal leader Stephen McNeil said the province has lost a proud and devoted Nova Scotian.
He also noted Casey’s wonderful sense of humour and his love of telling stories. “Beyond politics, Joe’s dedication to his province led him to serve in the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Navy during the Second World War,” McNeil said.
Acting premier Frank Corbett offered his condolences to family and friends of Casey. “I was deeply saddened to hear that Joe Casey passed away,” said Corbett.
On behalf of the Municipality of Digby, “we appreciate all he did for the municipality during his years in government,” said Warden Jim Thurber.
Casey published two books, ‘The Wit and Wisdom of Joe Casey’ in 1995 and ‘The Life and Times of Joe Casey: From Fish to Politics’ in 2008.
He also received a lifetime achievement award in 2006 from Digby and Area Board of Trade.
The ferry operating between East Ferry and Tiverton was named after the former MLA.
Casey was married to Vera Gertrude McWhinnie and has three children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
