STELLARTON – Joseph William VanBuskirk, 66, Stellarton slipped peacefully into the arms of his Lord, at home on Monday, February 21, 2011. Born March 20, 1944 in Liverpool, he was the son of the late G.W. Claude and Edith Hattie (Peveril) VanBuskirk. He was an active member of First United Baptist Church, New Glasgow. Joe worked in the pulp and paper industry for over 30 years, retiring in 2004. He was an instrumental force in effecting positive environmental changes and awareness at Boat Harbour. Upon completion of Lay Pastor Training through the Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches, he responded to God's calling to serve churches in Guysborough, Port Bickerton, Port Hilford, Sonora, and Port Hawkesbury. He was a member of Keith Lodge No. 23, A.F. & A.M., Stellarton and the Stellarton Male Chorus. Volunteer service was always a priority to Joe as a way of serving his Lord and community. This included various choirs, the Pictou County Helpline, Camp Pagweak, The Baptist Foundation, Crandall University (formerly ABU) and the Nova Scotia Clean Water Task Force. Joe is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Delta (Blackburn); a devoted father to Shireen (Tom) Simko, Brockville, Ont.; Trina (Paul) Warren, Stellarton; Brent (Jacquelyn) VanBuskirk, Waverley; cherished grandfather to Sarah Simko, Nick, Katie and Hannah Warren, Jacob and Benjamin VanBuskirk; special brother to Leona (Owie) Methven, Bedford. Joe was very appreciative of the care received from the Oncology and Palliative Care Staff at Aberdeen Hospital and QEII Health Sciences Cancer Center, as well as those who shared his journey since the diagnosis of bowel cancer in 2004. The family will receive visitors 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, 536 Merigomish Road, New Glasgow. Funeral service to celebrate Joe’s life will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 in First United Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Grant officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will be held at a later date in Bedford. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Joe’s memory to First United Baptist Church – designated to Camp Pagweak Cabin Vision Fund, 896 East River Road, New Glasgow, NS B2H 3S7 or to any charity of choice. “His walk of faith with Jesus leaves footprints for us to follow.”