It’s with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Joseph (Joe) Fergusson English on October 6, 2022. Joe was born May 4th, 1937, in Pictou, Nova Scotia. A longtime resident of the Yukon, Joe traveled north in 1957 and decided to call the Yukon home.

He worked in the hospitality/bar industry, eventually opening his own establishment, Joe’s Redneck Inn, known locally as Joe’s Free Pour. In 2005, The Beaver magazine featured a story on Joe, asking if he was the “Last of the Big-time Pourers.”

While his bar was a favourite stopover for those who wanted the authentic Yukon experience, he had many committed regulars whom he called friends. The many friends and acquaintances he forged over his years in the Yukon defined for him a life well lived.

For much of his life, Joe had a passion for hunting, gun collecting, and gun restoration.

A genuine representative of the Yukon’s colorful five percent, Joe was a well-known community figure who was also a standing member of the Yukon Order of Pioneers. He was also deeply proud of his Nova Scotia roots and spoke fondly of his hometown of Pictou. He is survived by his children, Jeff and Linda, and their spouses Laura Leah and Chris.

Joe was especially proud of his grandsons, Alexander and Ethan. He is also survived by his brother, George, his wife, Carol, and his sister, Mary, as well as many nieces and nephews. We are all sad to see you go, Joe.

We would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate care provided by the staff at the Whistle Bend care facility and the various support people and friends that assisted with Joe’s care over the last few years. We are grateful for the comfort and assistance you provided.

There will be a celebration of life for Joe on Saturday, November 12th at the Whitehorse Legion. Doors will open at 2:00 p.m. with the service to start at 2:30 p.m. All are invited.