Buhagiar, Joseph Lawrence - age 83, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2013, in Soldiers Memorial Hospital, Middleton, with his loving wife of 57 years, Sandra, and their extended family by his side. Born on September 20, 1930 in Malta, the son of the late Paul and Nina Buhagiar (nee Micallef), as a young man, Joseph left his home in search of his vocation by immigrating to Canada. Ultimately, he joined and served in the Canadian Armed Forces. In Toronto, he met a young redheaded woman with freckles named Sandra (Sandy) Brushett. In her, he found the love of his life and a life of love. They were married and went on to raise a loving family. Originally, an Electronics Technician in the RCAF, he quickly became bored and re-mustered to Airframe Technician, where it was discovered that he had an innate ability for teaching others. Subsequently, he went on to train recruits at C.F.B. Cornwallis, where his true vocation made itself known. During his life, former recruits would approach him and acknowledge his influence on their lives. Eventually, promotion brought with it a posting to C.F.B. Greenwood, where he continued to teach others. Throughout his life, Joseph was involved in numerous community activities ranging from the St. John's Ambulance, Red Cross, the Greenwood Scuba Club, and Greenwood Roadrunners Club, to name a few. In 1981, Joseph's commitment to volunteerism and community service resulted in his being inducted into the Most Venerable Order of Hospitality of St. John of Jerusalem, by Governor General Ed Schreyer. After 27 years of service, he retired from the Canadian Armed Forces but never waivered in his commitment to community service. A particularly special passion for Joseph was the Scout Movement, which commenced when he joined the Sea Scouts in Malta and culminated after more than 65 years with his being awarded the Silver Acorn by Lord Baden Powell's great grandson. For "Scouter Joe" as many knew him, the scout movement allowed him to continue his vocation of helping to shape the lives of young people. Remembered for his kindness, generosity and sense of humor, Joseph will be greatly missed by his friends and family who are deeply saddened by his passing. Joseph is survived by his wife, Sandra; sons, Paul and his wife Arlene, Larry, and adopted' son, Jim Spurrell; daughter, Carmen (Smale); brothers, Carmel and John (Toronto, Ontario); grandchildren, Melissa Crow, and her husband, Tim, Michael and his partner, Chris, and Noah (Smale). He was predeceased by daughter, Jennifer Lynn (Gimli, Manitoba); father, Paul; mother, Nina; and, brothers Frank and Jack (all of Toronto, Ontario). Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 2:00PM, Sunday, October 6, 2013 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448, Rev. Michael Mugford officiating, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Boy Scouts of Canada or a charity of one's choice. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Soldiers Memorial Hospital for their kind, attentive care and support. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com