Joseph Melvin Capstick

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Melvin Capstick, age 85, on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Buchanan Memorial Hospital in Neil’s Harbour.

Born and raised in Bay Road Valley, Joe was the only son of the late Martin Henry and Catherine Anne (MacNeil) Capstick. Joe was the living embodiment of a true “jack of all trades.” Throughout his life, he held many roles, including lighthouse worker, store manager, and fisherman, and he earned numerous mechanical certifications through correspondence courses. His curiosity and passion for learning allowed him to develop a remarkable range of skills, from home repair to genealogy—so much so that his son often teased that Joe wouldn’t stop until he traced the family lineage back to the cavemen.

Joe was perhaps best known for his talent with technology. He was one of the first in the community to own a computer and, with his natural aptitude for repair, became the local go-to for PC maintenance, often sourcing parts from his carefully kept stockpile of salvaged machines. While learning was Joe’s lifelong passion, his greatest joy was always his family.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his wife, Neldia; his son, Martin (Natasha); and his cherished grandson, Layne.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Bay St. Lawrence Fire Department first responders, EHS paramedics, and the staff at both Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and Buchanan Memorial Hospital for their care and compassion. Sincere gratitude is also extended to the owners and employees of ACA’s General Store, Allan James MacDonald and family, and to Patsy MacKinnon and family for their unwavering support of Neldia and Martin during this difficult time.

There will be no visitation. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025 in St. Margaret's of Scotland Church at 11 am, as Joe would have wanted everyone to focus on their own families during this special time of year. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those in Joe’s community continue to share the skills, kindness, and generosity that were shown to him and his family during his final days. These gestures were seen, felt, and deeply appreciated.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Melvin Capstick, please visit our floral store.