Joseph Paul Alix, age 65, of Windham, NH, passed away at Highpoint Hospice on October 13, 2021. During his last few months, cancer weakened his body but did not undermine his spirits as he enjoyed many visits from family and friends, old and new. His sense of humor, kind spirit and willingness to listen were a blessing. As we visited, Joe told us that he believed his final purpose was to help us, his family, prepare for his passing. This task he did well! We enjoyed many visits with great conversations, music, food, video games, and an occasional shot of whiskey.

Joseph was the sixth of thirteen children born to Ernest and Lucette Alix.  During his younger years, he was often seen cavorting about with two of his brothers, Francis and Albert.  They quickly became known as the "three little boys" and spent many hours doing regular "little boy" stuff building model cars, fishing, and playing army.  It was a surprise when they became concerned for local wildlife and hatched a plan to save the frogs living nearby. The boys protected the frogs by lighting firecrackers in the mouths of the snakes that would have had them for lunch. This rascally character Joe developed with his brothers clearly carried into adulthood. Recently, he revealed that several years ago he secretly mixed a handful of marijuana into the batch of chili at the family Christmas Eve party!

Building model cars and growing up at his dad's garage sparked Joseph's interest in all things automotive. This area seemed to be his calling and after graduating from Central Catholic High School, Joe learned how to do body work and honed his skills working for various local businesses.  Eventually, he opened his own autobody repair shop right alongside his dad and brother, Ernest, at Ernie's Garage. He quickly developed a reputation for doing excellent work and for never charging enough. Many customers came not just for the inexpensive body work, but also to talk with Joe. He was never too busy to talk about cars or anything else weighing on a person's mind. He was always willing to listen and offer advice when he could. His hospitality, humor, and wisdom became as much of a draw as his body work skills.

During his years at the garage, Joseph built his own race car from scratch, painstakingly welding and assembling each piece. It not only looked good, but it was also fast. With the 750hp engine, Joseph was able to post a respectable time of 9.6 at New England Dragway. That race car was proof of his capability as an engineer, designer, craftsman, and driver. Interestingly, our dad had a dream of building his own car someday. Joe actually made it happen!

Cars were fun for our brother, but his real purpose in life centered around people.  Joe unselfishly cared for our parents as they aged. They wanted to live out their lives in their own home, and he made that possible. His devotion and care for our parents was a blessing to the whole family.  In addition to caring for our parents, Joe lovingly raised an "awesome daughter", Jessica, who, besides being an intelligent, hard-working and kind woman, became his "best friend" (his words).

Joseph is survived by his daughter, Jessica and her husband Mike Boulerice, his twelve siblings and their spouses—Ernest (Joyce), Alfred (Moira), Rose (Dave) Rinaldo, Anne-Marie (Gerry) Campbell-StJean, Theresa (Glenn) Paradis, Frank (Stephanie), Albert (Jackie), Mary (Mike) Dahlberg, Margaret (Steve) Stuart, Paul (Marcia), Cathy (Patrick) St. Ledger, Joyce (John) McDonald, and several nieces and nephews, including those who knew him as "Hoser", and nephew, Josh, who spent Friday overnights at the hospice and called Uncle Joe his best friend.

To honor Joe's memory, please be creative, let your spirit shine, find your purpose and do what you were meant to do.

There are no calling hours or funeral services.  Memorial donations may be made to: The Marist Brothers Provincial Development Office, 4200 West 115 ^th St., Chicago, IL  60655.