Joseph Patrick Proulx was born February 9, 1978 in Phoenix, Arizona and passed at the age of 48 in Liberty Lake, Washington. Joe is survived by his four children Aidan, Madeleine, Michael, and Hannah, his parents Richard and Cheryl, his four siblings Nicole, Laura, Mark and Kevin, and several aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends and brothers and sisters-in-arms.

Joe was a vivacious and adventurous soul who loved working on engines, exploring the outdoors and, most of all, playing with his four children.

Joe grew up in Arizona. In his youth he participated in various activities such as Cub Scouts, football, weightlifting, playing with the family dogs and car mechanics. Joe joined the Navy after high school in 1996 to see the world. He was a jet engine mechanic on the USS Carl Vinson until 2000. After the Navy he attended trade school in Washington state to become an underwater welder, an enlivened career that had him both hanging from cranes in the air as well as diving deep in the Columbia River.

A lover of history and his country, Joe loved learning about the world around him. He collected artifacts from many places in the US, constantly read books, and explored nature. Joe greatly enjoyed using his knowledge, strength and skills to help his friends and family, making survival paracord bracelets, fixing vehicles, assisting with yard work and house projects. Stalwart and steady, he liked to be busy.

Joe was not a perfect man, but he loved God, loved his family, loved his country and dedicated himself to live up to his potential. His bravery to overcome the many challenges in life is commendable. His death affects us all, but our love for Joseph and our faith in God will keep us strong, just like Joe.