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Nov 5, 2017
The family of Julio (Joe) Braga regretfully announce his passing on the evening of November 5, 2017.

Joe was born in Bear Creek Yukon in 1931 as the youngest child of John and Angela Braga. Joe lived in the Bear Creek compound for a few years before moving into Dawson City.  

Joe and his siblings Ada, Willie and Mike grew up in Dawson, attending Catholic School and partaking in the true sense of community that existed in Dawson.  Joe spent the remainder of his life never venturing too far from home with the exception of some early work experiences and a few trips outside to see family and gamble at the poker slots in Las Vegas.

In 1967 Joe met Marlene and knew he found the woman he would spend the rest of his life with.  Joe and Marlene raised their four children Valerie, Wayne (Kandice), Cindy, and Tina in Dawson.  His later years were spent with his family who meant the world to him including his grandchildren Mindy, Roslyn, Scott, Haley, Matthew, Liam, Giana, and great grandchildren Fiona, Lily and recently Eliza, as well as the many nephews and nieces who stayed connected and shared stories with him.

As a true Yukon pioneer, Joe worked on a steamboat starting when he was 16 before moving on to learn how to operate a dredge (he worked on dredges #8, #11, Thistle Creek and Clear Creek).  He also worked on the Mobile Oil cat trains up the Dempster before he went on to YG Highways where he became an expert equipment and transport truck driver for 30 years until he retired in 1994.  

After retirement he continued driving heavy equipment for family friends until he decided he had enough working.

Joe enjoyed golfing for many years at the Top of the World course and socializing with his many friends.  He enjoyed spending time with past and current Dawsonites - you knew you were loved if you were teased by Joe.

The family would like to express their gratitude to our friends who assisted us during Joe's illness, especially Mike Palma, Rick Gillespie, Gerry & Dina Grenon, and Kluane Freight.  

Joe's family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nursing staff at the Dawson City Hospital.

Joe is survived by his wife and children and their families, nephews and nieces, and predeceased by his parents, siblings and nephew Michael Braga.

According to Julio's wishes, a service will be held in the summer to commemorate an amazing life.  Details will be shared at a later date.



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