- Ralph Huenemann's first wife was also found dead under very mysterious
circumstances. Joanne Huenemann was found dead on May 30, 1975, in Manning
Park. During a conversation with Mr. Huenemann on November 8th 1990, he
told me his first wife was murdered. We asked the RCMP for
information into the death of Joanne Huenemann and were told we could not
have any information at all.
The Spotlight - Princeton - June
4, 1975
Sudden Death in Manning Park
Joanne Huenemann, 36 of Wilson Road in Delta was found dead in the
Lightening Lake campsite on Friday May 30th. An employee of the Parks
branch found her body about 12:30 p.m. that day.
There was no indication of foul play, according to the local RCMP detachment,
and Coroner Bernie Mason has ordered an autopsy, but no results are yet
available.
The Delta Optimist - June 11, 1975
Active in community affairs, well liked by her friends and associates
at Deltassist, Jo Ann Huenemann of 5095 Wilson Drive, died last week.
She was 35.
Mrs. Huenemann's body was found slumped over a picnic table in Manning
Park around noon, Friday, May 30, by a Parks Branch employee.
Investigating the case in Princeton RCMP Corporal Fred Simpson, "An
autopsy will be performed."
Corporal Simpson said it looked as if Mrs. Huenemann had been reading
a book at the time of her death. She had been staying alone at Manning
Park Lodge for a few days, when she was reported missing Thursday.
Her car was found parked at the side of the road above the picnic tables.
"She must have parked it then walked down to one of the tables where
she was found," Corporal Simpson said.
Mrs. Huenemann and Rev. George Morrison founded Deltassist, an information
centre for Delta. She resigned her position with the group near the
end of March for personal reasons. Two weeks prior to her death,
the group honored her by presenting her with a life-time membership.
"We thought very highly of her," said Ken Atkey, immediate past president
of the organization. "She and Rev. George Morrison started Deltassist
in October, 1972. As Deltassist grew, she grew with it," he said.
Mrs. Huenemann began as co-ordinator and eventually became executive
director. "She was also our first paid employee," added Atkey.
Atkey said Mrs. Huenemann was responsible for most of the group's present
programs, such as the LatchKey Society in South Park Elementary School,
(a daycare centre), and the Deltassist Special Transport, for transporting
people to doctor's offices or treatment centres. She also worked
with the family courts.
"I don't know of anyone who did more work for the community than she
did," Atkey said. "She was held in tremendous esteem"
Mrs. Huenemann is survived by her husband, Ralph, son Geoffrey, and
daughter Laura, mother, Mrs. L. Mildred Jones, sister Mrs. Roberta Schaalman,
and two brothers Clark and Wesley Jones.
A memorial service was held last week. The service was conducted
by Rev. George Morrison, first president and founder of Deltassist, in
the Latchkey quarters at South Park Elementary School, a project sponsored
and developed by Mrs. Huenemann and her husband Ralph. Many friends,
follow workers and close relatives were in attendance.
Tributes to Mrs. Huenemann and her service to the community have been
expressed by representatives of all levels of government in Delta, while
donations for a memorial fund have been made by friends and admirers.