Joe Smallwood was at peace, helped calm those around him, says son
Conception Bay North businessman Joe Smallwood, the grandson and namesake of Newfoundland and Labrador's first premier, passed away early Sunday following a two-year battle with cancer.
He was 60.
Smallwood was chairman of the Smallwood Group of Companies, which includes Russwood Poultry on Roaches Line, the largest egg producer in Newfoundland and Labrador.
His son, Joe Jr., said his father was at peace in the days leading up to his death, and spent his time trying to comfort and calm those around him.
"I've lost my father. I've lost my dad," Joe Jr. told CBC News Monday. "He was a significant part of my life."
Joe Jr. and his brother, Phillip, will carry on the family business.
A quiet, private person
Depending on what company he was keeping, Smallwood was either known as Joey, Joe or Joseph.
He was the grandson of Joseph R. Smallwood, who served as premier from 1949 to 1972, and son of the late Ramsay Smallwood, who died in 2011.
Unlike his grandfather, Joe Smallwood never entered politics, and was a very quiet, private individual.
He excelled in business, and was very community minded, said his son.
"No matter if he was dealing with something good or bad, he always had a calming way of doings things. It's not a character trait that I have, but one I'd like to have," said Joe Jr.
"If we were in a meeting or having a conversation, he would not speak often. But when he did, it was with purpose and people listened."
Prior to a meeting, Joe Jr. said his father would often remind his son that he has two ears and only one mouth, and to "listen twice as much as you talk."
"That will stay with me every day of my life," he said.
As for the Smallwood name, Joe Jr. said his father was proud of his family legacy, but added, "it was not a defining part of his life. He distinguished himself in his own right."
He had an interest in politics, but worked behind the scenes.
Joe Jr. said there are plans to establish a charity in his father's name, though details are yet to be finalized.
A funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. on Dec. 31 at the Anglican church in Port de Grave.
