Joseph Charles Garvey, 40, died unexpectedly at home on December 25, 2021.

Since becoming a Vashon resident in 2008, Joe made an extraordinary number of friends as a result of his active presence in the community. Many residents still consider Joe their favorite restaurant server, as he brought his charisma to The Hardware Store for many years, as well as May Kitchen, The Red Bike, and others. For the past six years, folks have enjoyed Joe’s hard work on their homes and properties as he excelled as an arborist, a carpenter, and an overall handiest of men. Joe served as President of the Vashon Eagles, where his leadership skills and kindness were appreciated by all.

Joe married the love of his life, Kaja Halse, here on Vashon in 2014. They loved travelling, and did so often and to many far away places.

Joe was born in Wausau, WI to Dr. Charles and Kathy Garvey. They shared with their son a passion for wilderness and outdoors. Joe attended elementary, middle, and high school in Wausau. He continued on to earn a BS from UW Madison in Wildlife Ecology. He was a favorite as a counselor at YMCA wilderness camps, and he taught English in Kuwait and South Korea.

Joe loved his family (and pets) more than anything else. He is survived by his cherished wife Kaja, his loving parents Chuck and Kathy, his wonderful sisters Abigail (Justin Wilson) and Anne (Jay Garvey Shah), his caring mother and father-in-law Thomas and Jenee Halse, and adoring brothers-in-law Jens and Erik Halse as well as many special nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

Joe was a joy to be around. His kindness and sense of humor will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been created to help with the families’ unexpected needs. Checks may be written to:

Joe Garvey Memorial Fund

c/o Island Funeral Service

PO Box 492

Vashon WA 98070