Joseph 'Joe' Moore

On Monday, October 16, 2023, a true servant of the community, Joseph (Joe) Antone Moore, passed away in his home on Beaver Island at the age of 73.

Joe was born August 10, 1950. Despite hardships in his home, Joe was able to work during his high school years while attending night school. His remarkable efforts led him to graduate a year before his class.

Joe received scholarships to attend college based on his musical abilities, specifically the violin. One of his college professors mentored Joe on a trip to Europe where Joe was able to play viola in the places where the great classical composers had their pieces first performed. His love of music never diminished.

After college, Joe and his wife Phyllis moved to Beaver Island.  Here, Joe would become a school teacher, and guide many students to gain both confidence and achievement.

Realizing the serious need for emergency medicine on Beaver Island, Joe was instrumental in forming BIEMS (Beaver Island Emergency Medical Services). This entity, and Joe specifically, have saved a staggering number of lives. As part of his work in growing BIEMS, Joe worked with his team to gain Advanced Life Support and air ambulance options for residents and visitors to the Island.  As the organization continued to grow nearer to the needs of those on the Island, Joe personally trained and mentored many residents to assist their community.  He trained generations of volunteers that would save many more lives after his retirement from emergency medicine as a paramedic.

While teaching full time, and being on call for those on Beaver Island, Joe made time to provide music for several Island churches each week. Joe also worked to maintain a website that streamed events, and provided needed local news for those away from the Island.

As we look back on the life of this true servant of the community, we can truly see a selfless individual.

Joe is survived by his son and two daughters – Phillip Moore, Courtney Moore, and Andrea Moore (Tyler Miller); his daughter-in-law Jessica Moore and two granddaughters, Lily and Katie Moore; as well as several brothers and sisters.

Financial assistance to help the family lay this selfless man to rest can be given at

https://gofund.me/2c0da907

A memorial service will be held on Beaver Island in July of 2024.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com