Loss of

LONG-TIME Pakenham man Joe Zaal has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
He passed away in Brisbane, where he moved to be closer to his son Jason and his family while in remission.
He enjoyed the company of Jason’s fiancee Kerrie and his adored grandkids, Jayde, Bailey, Kaden and Taylor and step grandchildren Tegan and Breanna.
Joe’s black three-legged cat Alfred also made the big move. Joe was always busy doing renovations below Jason and Kerrie’s house, converting the area into a self-contained unit. He called his address UTH (under the house). That was part of Joe’s unique sense of humour.
During his time in Pakenham Joe worked in the Pakenham Post Office and then with Victorian Railways on the Gippsland Line as a train driver. It was in Pakenham that he met Jenny Reynolds and they married at St James’ Anglican Church. They lived in Morwell and Traralgon where Joe went back to work at Telecom. Their son Jason was born in Traralgon. A year later drawn back to Pakenham Joe worked with Telecom, Valley Graphics and then many years with the Office of Corrections (Justice Department).
He was also an honorary probation officer and became a valued member of the Pakenham community with both Pakenham Rural and Pakenham Urban Fire Brigades.
His tireless voluntary work also included the Lions of Club of Pakenham where he served twice as president, Pakenham Apex Club and Scouts Australia.
Joe’s great love of the Australian bush encouraged him in to join the Scouting Movement first serving as an assistant Cub Leader then going on to Scout Leader, Assistant District Commissioner for Toomuc and Berwick Districts. Joe served the Scouting Community from 1975 until 1991. It was a great honour for Joe to be awarded Wood Beads and Medal of Merit at Gilwell Park, Joe’s favourite camping area.
Joe will be sadly missed by his family also including former daughter-in-law Fiona (Jayde and Bailey’s Mum), his siblings and many loved nieces and nephews.