Joseph Tokarski, 87, a long time Barnard resident, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, April 13 surrounded by loved ones in Littleton, Colo.
Joe was born Sept. 6, 1938 in Bayonne, N.J., where he was raised and began his own family before falling in love with Barnard during a trip with his buddies in 1958. He sold his prized ‘64 Corvette, married his longtime sweetheart, Joan, and raised their five children at that very property he visited, 2411 Chateauguay Road.
Joe was a man of many hats. After serving in the United States Navy as a Submariner aboard the USS Angler, he became a skilled welder, a structural ironworker, a handyman, the owner and operator of TOKE Lumber, a beautiful artist and woodworker; truly a jack of all trades. He loved being outdoors and had an uncanny ability to tame any wild creature. He joined local politics in 1972, spending a few years as a lister before being elected Selectmen, a position which he held for 26 years. Joe also served on the Cemetery Commission well into his 80s.
Joe is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joan, his children Michael, Edmund, Robert, U Jonathan and Lucinda. He shared a special connection with his children in-law, Deidre, Marjie, Courtney, Emma and Nicholas. If Joe was anything, he was Pop to his twelve grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Madeline, Lucas, Quanah, Acer, Hayden, Asher, Ford, Maddox, Aven and Netta. He was also a great grandfather to Emerson, Brinley, Marin, Grayson, Jack and Parker . He found joy in each and every one of them and shared many of the same experiences with them as he did his own kids, mainly getting outside to enjoy the great outdoors. Family meant the world to Joe, he loved quietly but fiercely, gave his children roots to grow and wings to fly.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Legion – Woodstock.
