Joe Poulin passed away today

[trickyvic3]

I just wanted to let you all know that Joe passed away this afternoon. He passed at home with me and Jennie. We did everything we could, but God called him home.

Thank you all for the love you have given Joe and us over the years.

Vic/Joe+Jennie

[Zippity]

Vic

I am so sorry :(

You guys were always in my thoughts. God speed.

[brassy]

This is a terrible development. There is no greater pain than the loss of one's child. Vic, I trust you know that you and Jennie will be in our prayers.

I hope no one feels it is inappropriate to mention in this thread that Joe's medical expenses over the last few years have decimated the Poulin's finances, to such an extent that the family is in danger of losing their home to foreclosure.

We're holding a fundraiser for the Poulins over at Slotblog, asking for monetary contributions for their benefit. Unlike many charities, there is zero administration cost deducted from any donation made via Slotblog. We have info on how to trasmit funds such that no PayPal fees are assessed, but even if donations are not made in that manner, every single penny donated for the Poulins will be sent on to them.

[New York Nick]

I am sorry for your loss, he is with god.

[RickB]

My deepest sympathy to you and your wife, Vic. I am so sorry to read this........................

[stevphens]

Vic, I deeply regret hearing the sad news. Now we must try to keep our eye on eternity, where the circle will be unbroken...

[La Cucaracha]

Very sorry to read this.
My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Mike K]

What a terrible loss for both of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers,

[Noose]

My sincerest condolences.

[oldweirdherald]

Vic,

I am so sad to hear this news, and am still at a loss for words.

Even though I have never met you in person, I feel that I have gotten to know you and Joe through your posts and our correspondence over these last several years.

The story of Joe's struggles through his recovery and setbacks, and your family's persistent faith & loving care have been an inspiration to so many of us fellow slot car racers and friends here on OWH.

I know that these struggles have been very difficult at times, but I also know that it was all worth it. When facing life's challenges, it always makes us so much more aware of the wonderful blessings we do have, and how precious the time is that we do share with those who are close to us.

I will be in touch with you to see how I can best help you and your family, in providing fellow slot racers and friends with ways to contribute donations to help ease the extreme financial obligations that you're dealing with.

My thoughts are with you, your wife Jennie, Joey Jr., and all your family.

Paul Kassens @ OWH

[GearBear]

My deepest sympathy to you and your wife, Vic. I am so sorry to read this.

[Phil I.]

I am so sorry to hear. He was with the people he loved and will always be in their harts.

God speed Joe.

Phil I.

[Ingram]

Vic,

I am sure the whole slot car community has you and your family in their prayers.

The thread about Joe's Track of Courage is one of the best stories of a community coming together to help a family in need....Hopefully we will be able to continue the story with your current needs.

Your family is in my prayers

[gascarnut]

My deepest condolences to you and your wife on this loss.

Your heroic efforts to care for Joe over the last few years have been a shining example to us all.

May your faith support you now in this time of mourning.

[JayGee]

Oh Gosh,

I was just on the controller thread, reading about your decision to sell the track. I left a response...then I saw this.

Vic and Jennie, I am so sorry...Mary Ann and I will pray for you. Joe's courage was such an inspiration to us. The short 24 hrs we spent in your home fitting the controller to Joe was filled with so much joy and laughter, a few tears and lots of other emotions.

We will always remember Joe and how he touched our lives.

Jeff & Mary Ann

[Zippity]

Thank you Jeff.

Guys, if you haven't already read or followed this story, please go to http://www.jaygeeracing.com/files/Joe_s_Track_of_Courage.pdf

[Mic Byrd]

Vic
Very sorry to hear of your loss.

[MantaRay]

Vic, My condolences to you and your family.
Joe was a fighter.....

[Slot Car Cave]

Thank you Jeff.

Guys, if you haven't already read or followed this story, please go to http://www.jaygeeracing.com/files/Joe_s_Track_of_Courage.pdf

Awesome story!

[trickyvic3]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time for us. I just want you all to know how much you touched Joe's life and ours over the years.
As most of you know, Joe Jennie and I had a very special bond that only became stronger over the years. We can do nothing but cry, and I know that's selfish but Joe was not only my son, but was my best friend/buddy. I don't know what I'm going to do without him.
My hart is broken in two, and the pain I am feeling right now is unbearable.

We are having a small service this Fri at a local funeral home from 3-6pm . Joe's wishes were to be cremated, have a small service and come back home to his room that he loved so much . We are doing just that.

Thank you all so much.
Vic/Joe+Jennie

[Zippity]

Crying is good for you.

I understand that we humans are the only mammals that do so :)

My tears and a warm heart go to you all.

[Greg N]

Vic,

I've been on the road, and I missed this. Please accept my sincere condolences. I will put you all in my prayers.

Greg

[trickyvic3]

Sorry I haven't been on for a bit, but Jennie suffered a major hart attack 2 days after Joe passed. She had no pulse and was basically dead when she hit the floor. We gave cpr until the emt's got here and they gave her a shot in the hart that brought back a faint pulse. She had to be shocked 7 times between our home and the hospital.

Once at the hospital they rushed her to the O.R. where they cleared a 100% blockage of the main artery and cooled her body temp 20degs using a arctic blanket . Installed a hart pump, and had her hart beating again. She was put on a ventilator and induced coma for a week. We didn't know at the time, but she also suffered a stroke. 3 weeks later and she is doing much better. The hart pump has been removed and she is holding her own. They are now working on her feet, as because of lack of blood she may loose part of her right foot.

Her speech is improving each day, and they are working on getting her to be able to transfer from bed to a walker. Still many unknowns, but she is a fighter like Joe and becoming stronger each day. She had a blood clot and suffered another hart attack last Sat night, but they were able to get to it quickly and no major damage was done. It only set her back 2 days. Very lucky !!

This has been the month from hell for me, but the good lord has spared my wife and I am forever grateful. I couldn't bare to loose her after loosing Joe.

Vic

[golftooter]

Joe, I went through experiencing my wife have a brain tumor and a 14 hr surgery to remove it two years ago and then the long recovery. I have read with amazement the dedication you and your wife had for Joe, and now what you are going through. My heart has ached with each post and my prayers are with you. It is only the strength of God that has sustained you so far, and He will continue to be with you. I think He cries with you.

[Phil I.]

VIC,
We are all there for you and Jennie. Pulling as hard as we can..

PHIL I.

[Greg N]

Vic,

I'll keep Joe, your wife, and you in my prayers!

Greg

[trickyvic3]

Thank you guys, just wondering if I'll ever be normal again, as it sure doesn't feel it right now. We haven't even had services for Joe yet because of what has happened.