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Joseph Egger dies at 87 

John Egger–Joe Egger, born in Bayshore Hospital, l.l., New York, died at Danish Care Center, Atascadero, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. He was given TLC care by the nursing staff as he made a peaceful transition from this life to the next.

In the 87 years Joe inhabited Mother Earth he exemplified the sentiments inscribed on the headstone of his Scottish wife’s 18th century forebear: For honesty and probity the deceased had no superior, all who were of his acquaintance respected him while living and his two daughters and a son in testimony of their filial affection can only add their fond regard for a fine father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Following in his father’s footsteps who served with Teddy Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet prior to WWI, Joe served for four years on the U.S. aircraft carrier Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the Korean Conflict. As part of the Nato operations, Joe and a navy buddy were part of 3,000 sailors who descended on the city of Glasgow where Joe met Glasgow-born Maisie on a blind date. A two-year correspondence was followed a year later by marriage in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Toronto, Canada. Soon to follow would be their family of three: Peter, Kirstine, and Alison.

Peter (spouse Carol) extended this American-Scottish union with three children, Clint (beloved grandson, deceased), Katie and Spencer to his first wife, Kitty Kern. Katie married Jeff Garner, and added Hailey, Holden and Harper Maisie to the Egger tree. The U.S. Navy called Peter to follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps as a career sailor of 22 years.

Spencer, unmarried, carried on his grandfather and great-grandfather’s tradition by serving six years in the U.S. Navy

Kirstine Egger (spouses Brent Thomas and Bill Willoughby) grew more branches on the family tree with first son Michael Thomas and wife Kerri Reynolds and their three children: Hayli (who recently fought and won a hard battle with brain cancer), Joseph and Fischer.

Second son Christopher Thomas married Dawn Starbuck to add Camden and Brinley to the fold. Carrie Willoughby, married Justin Trammell, with Willow, the youngest great-grandchild.

Patrick Willoughby, Kirstine’s unmarried son, completing her brood.

Alison Egger and husband Dave Rendahl complete the Joe and Maisie Egger family tree thus far with Ryan and Matthew.

Before joining the navy Joe had worked in the insurance business in Wall Street, N.Y. After four years navy service, Joe attended the five-year electrical engineering program at Ohio State University on the G.l. bill. With his B.E.E. degree in hand, he worked for private industry with field trips of months’ duration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and St. Louis, Missouri. He was then employed as Chief of Engineering, CDEC, Fort Hunter Liggett until he suffered a stroke which ended his career.

He was an outstanding athlete, winning many trophies in baseball, football, and bowling. He was honored with the Hugh McGowan trophy for academics and athletics whilst a student at Mineola High School, long Island, N.Y. He also played baseball for the navy team. later, he was a long distance bicycle rider.

With it all, he was unassuming, and a calm influence. Just a good ol’ loyal Joe!’ to be so sorely missed by his ‘Duchess’ and family.

Ae Fond Kiss
Had we never lov’d sae kindly,
Had we never lov’d sae blindly,
Never met – or never parted –
We had ne’er been broken-hearted.

Fare-thee-wee, thou first and fairest!
Fare-thee-wee, thou best and dearest!
Thine be ilka joy and treasure,
Peace, Enjoyment, Love and Pleasure!

Ae fond kiss, and then we sever!
Ae farewell, alas, forever!
Deep in heart-wrung tears I’ll pledge thee,
Warring sighs and groans I’ll wage thee.
(Robert Burns 1759-1796}

A memorial service will be conducted by The Reverend Andy McComb, Saturday, Jan. 21, ll a.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 131th & Oak Streets, Paso Robles, to be followed by a catered luncheon by Vic’s of Paso Robles. Please contact (805) 440-0155 for further information.

It is requested that because of Joe’s lifelong interest in sports, such as the LA. Dodgers and Ohio State University football, that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Paso Robles Junior Baseball League.

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The news staff of the Paso Robles Daily News wrote or edited this story from local contributors and press releases. The news staff can be reached at info@pasoroblesdailynews.com.