Flatt: Joseph James Pinkett
October 14, 1928 – April 17, 2026
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Joe on April 17, 2026, in his 98th year. Loving husband of the late Elizabeth (Betty) Fagan (2011). Loving father of Mike (Laurie) of Calgary, Stephen of Edmonton, Lawrence (Julie) and Peter (AnnMarie) all of Dunnville.
Loving “Papa Joe” to Skylar (Sara), Janell (Mark), Emmett (Shawna), Rebecca (Brock), and Owen. Loving great grandpa to Reese, Vaeda, Jazzlyn, Wren, Ivy, Nadine, Naomi, Banks and Beckett.
Joe and Betty moved from Dunnville to Port Maitland (1959) where they raised their four boys while running their business, “Flatts Live Bait and Tackle”. Many remember Joe for sitting in the shade, under the maple tree, smoking his cigar while enjoying the views of Lake Erie. Our sincere thank you to the staff of Edgewater Gardens for the amazing care they gave to “Papa Joe” during his stay. The love and compassion you demonstrated for him was felt and appreciated by the family. A private family burial service will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the Edgewater Gardens Family Council or Edgewater Gardens Resident Council . Online condolences at www.jwhartfuneralhome.com.
“Rest in peace Papa Joe.”
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We have such loving memories of Papa Joe. He was a kind soul who loved to share his stories and give you “a few extra” minnows just to be sure you had enough. Sending our love to the family. He will be missed greatly.
Joe will be missed . I remember him from my youth working in his dad’s meat market. He and Betty lived down the street from us on Ross Avenue and I often babysat the boys . I later saw Joe often at Port Maitland after Burton and I moved there. Always a smile and a story. A life well lived
I remember Joe well..great sense of humour..story teller. My condolences
Bye——Uncle Joe-Fly with Eagles—-Jonny
Lawrence, Julie & Family
Sorry to hear of Joe’s passing.
Hold on to the Wonderful Memories you had with him.
Speak his Name often and that will help You, Your Children & all of the the Little Ones though this difficult time!
I wish my deepest sympathies to everyone.
Billy told me of Mr Flatt’s passing … blessings for almost 98 years! I remember him being a giant to the little girl I was growing up…his cigar, white shirt, black pants…in the little store in the basement of the old house with the little patio outside that had the jukebox. So many hours I spent there with all us kids, though I was really young. He was always so nice to me and I can hear and see him calling my name. Treasure your memories and speak of him often, as I am sure you do with Mom. Love and hugs to you all, those I know and those I have not met yet.
So sad to loose such an Icon and a legend
for me growing up on the pt Maitland road as the “Flatt boys Dad”
He always had an eye out for us kids
May your memories bring you comfort to a life well lived
Sincerely
Susan Turner
Our deepest condolences to all of Joe’s family. Many fond memories being at Flatt’s in Port Maitland.
Our sincere sympathy to all of Joe’s family. He was such a happy go lucky guy. May all your treasured memories help you in the days ahead.
Our condolences on the passing of Joe.
Our sincere condolences to the family. RIP Joe.
Our deepest condolences to all of Joes family. Thinking of you ❤️
Lawrence &Julie and family members:
Deepest condolences to all, Joe was one of a kind , enjoyed talking to him on many visits to Pt Maitland: He was a fixture under that tree and always had a great story:
Frank Sigsworth:
Very sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry to hear of Joe’s passing but pleased he has such a long life and great family. Many fond memories hanging around the pier and getting a treat at “Flatts”. I can’t imagine there weren’t many people from town he didn’t know. A very nice man. Rest in peace Joe. My condolences to all in his family.
Paul
Sending condolences Peter, Ann marie and family. Hugs❤️
Lawrence,Julie and Janelle and Mark. So very sorry to hear about Joe. He will be greatly missed. I think of him often. One of those special people. Prayers are with you.
Flatt Famly
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. We will miss seeing him under the Maple tree!
Rick & Judy
Sad to hear of Joe’s passing. Condolences to family and friends
Our deepest condolence’s to the Flatt Family on the loss of your amazing Dad.
Always a smile and a wave to welcome everyone.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.❤️
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Have many great memories of chatting with Joe when visiting the store.
Sincere condolences on the passing of your father Joe. Another icon gone. We have fond memories of him visiting our shop. Always a kind gentleman and friendly to everyone. He will be missed. Keep your memories close and speak of him often. Sincerely Dennis and Ella Allen.
To the Flatt Family,
I am really going to miss Joe. I fee like the 2 of us had a special bond – especially when I mentioned the word “chocolate”.
We are going to miss him and his jokes, singing and sense of humour at EWG.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mandie Marques – Business Office Manager
My condolences the the Flatt Family
I had the privilege of being one of many psws to care for Joe. He was the funniest and sweetest man. Rest easy Papa Joe.
So sorry to hear of Joes passing Howard remembers fondly of their motorcycle trips and the great times they had. Our condolences to all the family
So many wonderful memories of Flatts in Port Maitland during my childhood. Condolences to all Joe’s family.
Joanne & Mike
Sorry to hear of Joes passing We have fond memories and he will be missed Condolences to the family.
Our Condolences to the Flatt Family. a true local legend at Flatt’s, ” Papa Joe” will be remembered by all of us for His quick wit and infectious grin. he was a pillar of the Fort Maitland community and will be greatly missed at EWG.
Julie and all the Flatt family, our sincere condolences on the loss of Joe.
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a good man. My condolences.
A very kind soul has entered
Gods eternal rest.
Deepest condolences to the Family of Joe. What a wonderful man. He along with Betty will be missed by all the Port Maitland regulars…💙♥️
Ann Marie, Peter, Emmett and Shawna and the family
Joe and Betty were the goodwill ambassadors for Port Maitland.
May Joe rest in peace.
Lorne and Valerie Boyko
Our condolences to the Flatt family.
Joe will always be remembered from many anglers around the area for his kindness, professionalism as a businessman.
His voice, smile and opinions were always welcomed while purchasing bait and tackle.
One year we even brought him fresh veggies from the garden, which he enjoyed.
He will be missed.
Carey & Carol Crumb
Our thoughts and prayers to the Flatt family.
My deepest sympathies to everyone who knew Joe or ever set foot in his shop that had something for everyone. Especially I will keep his kids and their families in my prayers.
Like so many others on here, my fondest memories are my first time going into Flatt’s and either getting an ice cream cone or some snack. I remember them having some cooked food options and I even remember spending a large quantity of money to buy out his entire firework inventory when he was getting out of that side of the business. A great man who would bend over backwards to satisfy his loyal customers.
From my first memory in the 50’when bitten by the Flatt’s black cocker spaniel. The summers on Splatt’s Bay, the treats bought from the storen, the Blizzard of 77, to the more peaceful times and the Martines cleaning up bugs, where Joe sat watching time proceed, He and Betty, until her death, we’re touchstone in my life.
Enjoy your new location, enjoy the view and may your chair provide the comfort you deserve.
I am so sorry to the entire Flatt Family. Joe was such a nice guy. My husband and him bonded over fishing. Joe was always there to give a helping hand or just chat.
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to the entire family.
I’m sorry we are so late to hear of Joes passing. Ron and I and our 3 boys have fond memories of visiting him in his tackle shop and swapping stories. Ron has been visiting him with his dad since he was a young boy. He was an amazing man that has surely left his mark on many families beyond ours. Rest Easy Joe you were a wonderful man
Nothing Gold Can Stay