Joe (Pino) Motta passed away in the palliative care unit of Michael Garron Hospital on May 15, 2021, at the age of 93. He died from dementia related complications.
Joe lived his adult life in Toronto, was born in Winnipeg, but grew up in Montreal and he had a second family in Bradford that he relied on in difficult times when he was a young adult. He spoke three languages - Italian, French and English.
Joe, as a mature student in his 30s, graduated from U of T in 1961. He especially enjoyed the philosophy courses but he was never academic in his approach to human thought. In those years he developed a way to critique his own actions and reasoning as well as those of others. After Teachers College he became a high school teacher in West Toronto (New Toronto Secondary School and Mimico High School). Over the 23 years he taught French, English and was a guidance counsellor. Halfway through his teaching career he got a Masters of Education. at OISE. He retired from teaching in 1987.
As a high school teacher Joe was pragmatic, grounded, and available, often willing to enter into helpful, verbal combat with a student when needed. He could also be delicate and patient with shy students as he established their trust. He was interested in what they had to say and he often brought clarity to the subject at hand.
Joe was comfortable with contradiction and he acted on principle without seeming self-righteous. He didn't believe in fighting but he was willing to fight if he had to. He was playful and gregarious, available but also private and retiring, especially later in life.
Joe was a farmer at heart, practical, hard working and a jack of all trades. He loved listening to jazz, and reading, especially books about secular Zen. He was a Montréal Canadiens fan early and then a Toronto Blue Jays fan. He and Olga enjoyed watching and having long conversations about the Jays.
Those of us who knew or loved Joe will remember their conversations with him. They were sometimes uncomfortable but always instructive and helpful. Thank you Joe.
Left to mourn are his long time partner Olga Philip, his brother-in-law Rene (Boots) Boutin, his niece JoAnn Schilb and his nephew Richard Boutin. The families here in Toronto include Jack and Karel Horsley and family, John Ingrao and family and Ron Rotteau.
Online condolences and stories about Joe can be made to etouch.ca
Instead of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada.
A Covid funeral will be held on Saturday May 22.