The Essence of Joe Tilley
Enthusiastic ~ Dedicated ~ Caring Open ~ Curious ~ Loyal
I met Joe Tilley at the hockey alumni event. I have been one of the official photographers at this event from December 2023. My challenge is not recognizing people or often even knowing their names. This is not new, I wish I could have a grasp of people’s names. On may occasions, I found myself taking pictures then asking who I just photographed – I’m not proud of that fact, but it is what it is.
Paul Patskou, once again played a pivotal role. He gave me Joe’s name and suggested I pursue him vigorusly because he would have a great story about passion and lived a life of purpose. Boy, was he right on?
This time it was different, because I met Joe on many occasions, but he was always behind my TV screen doing something sports related– sometimes, irreverent, sometimes fun, sometimes serious. Joe was the Sports broadcaster in Bell media’s CTV. He recently retired after 34 years. He worked in Alberta then got a break (he credits Pat Marsden and a fortuitous break at CTV Toronto’s station.)
Joe said there were two types of drunks – the social ones and the private ones. In his case he was a social one – but he eventually faced that head on by making a hard decision. It was going to be the bottle or his newfound activity of boxing. He chose training in a gym over drinking. He trained hard, he found that the two were not compatible, it had to be one or the other. Boxing became a passion, and he was good at it. So good in fact, that he became a Golden Glove Welterweight champion three times in Alberta.
On the education front, he went from being a high school dropout to eventually graduate from university. He eventually graduated from the Unversity of Alberta with a BA in Drama with an English minor.
FAMILY:
Joe is married to Penny-Claire. They met in Penticton BC in 1979 and were married May 1st, 1982, and have three children.
Tyler, the eldest, is an accomplished boxer in his own right. He was a champion boxer in Ontario. I wonder where he gets that from? He is also making a living as an artist in the far east.
Daughter, Maddie-Jo, is the author, journalism student and broadcaster. After finding that she wrote a book about appreciation, goal setting and gratitude, I ordered a copy. I may have to order several more as gifts for the most important people in my life. “Drawn Dreams” is right down my alley because of the type of planning process I did with my clients. Maddie-Jo is also a budding comedian.
Spencer, unfortunately was battling a long grueling fight with his addiction demons and lost his battle and is no longer with us.
THE INTERVIEW:
At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.
That time came when I was 19, realizing I was wasting my life away on booze.
I was able to stop drinking and start training. Boxing seemed like the last door on the last house, on the last street. It changed my life. Drinking became a problem again later and I found recovery.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?
Alcohol has been my biggest problem. I later went for treatment when I was 35 and found the rooms of recovery. I learned that not only can I live without booze, but I can function as the best version of myself.
What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share?
I have learned that helping others was the best way to get me out of depression, anxiety, and self-centred fear. Sharing my story can be helpful for others.
Alternatively, what hint would you tell a younger version of yourself?
Buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride!
Ultimately, it’s worth it.
There must have been some fun moments during live TV, what are some of yours?
· I once referred to Pittsburgh as Titsburgh
· When I was new to Ontario – I called Kapuskasing “Kapoos Kasing”
· I said Mike Tyson and Razor Ruddock were going to fart in March (versus fight)
· Once got the studio phone cord tangled with the Mic cord. Bill Hutchinson and I spent the first minute of the broadcast untangling it.
LINKS AND REFERENCES:
Joe’s last broadcast on CTV was such a touching show that I had to share a link to it. Joe's last show on CTV
Joe also has been hosting a blog called, “Joe Tilley’s Great Canadian show”.
Joe's Great Canadian Sports Show
Credit to "Bereaved Families of Ontario” for the work they do such important work. Bereaved Families of Ontario
Here is an interview with Joe Siddall which is also very memorable as Joe Sidell also lost a son. They both acknowledge their losses in such a heartfelt way. Joe Siddell interview - Sharing the loss of a child
At the hockey alumni lunch