Vlade William Joyner

Vlade William Joyner, son, brother, uncle, and adventurer, died on October 20th, 2013.

Vlade had a whit and charm unlike any other. Vlade's light was bright. He lit up a room, most of the time intentionally, but often without trying. Words to make you blush were always at the tip of his tongue. Vlade could instantly charm his way into your heart, but then zing you with an off the cuff joke. Most of the time you didn't mind. You always smiled.

Vlade took great pride in his training and work as a welder. He completed his welder's certification at Job Corps in Anaconda. He was proud of his talents in the welding shop. For Christmas, he welded an LSU pennant for his dad and a rose for his mom. He had his own fashion sense, which usually involved jeans, work boots, a white t-shirt, and clean socks. Whenever possible, he supported his Dad's alma mater, and his favorite team with an LSU t-shirt or hat. He prided himself on never wearing a tie. He wore collared shirts reluctantly and sparingly.

Vlade sought adventure at every turn. If it involved speed, heights, or any hint of danger, he was game. He skied fast and boasted about epic crashes. He loved to be on anything with wheels. If you were willing to look, he would show you his six-pack. If you weren't willing to look, he would show you his six-pack anyway. Because he was always busy and semi-occasionally gym obsessed, he needed serious calories. His favorite treat was Twinkies and sweetened condensed milk. The Twinkies were used for dipping.

Vlade had a lifelong hate of eight-legged creatures. His voice could reach surprising, unknown octaves when encountering them. Bats were recently added to the list after his apartment had numerous unwelcome visitors. But above all, Vlade hated the saxophone. He never forgave his parents for conscription into the school band. One of his happiest days was when his band days were finally over. As payback for a lifetime of practical jokes and witty comments, don't be surprised if his family hires a saxophonist to play taps with his childhood saxophone at his burial site.

Vlade is survived by his best pal, his dog Peaches, his cats, Catfish and Splash, and his pet badger that he always wanted, but never had. Vlade was recently predeceased by his hamster, Hammy.

Vlade is also survived by his loving parents Jay McLeod Joyner and Pamela Kay Joyner; his siblings Eleana Grace Joyner, Travis McLeod Joyner, Tyler Harrison Joyner, Sarah Ashley Joyner, and Bridget Sample Joyner; his niece Caroline Sample Joyner, whom he loved dearly; his Grandparents, Bob and Nancy Foisy; and his many aunts, uncles, and cousins who are too numerous to name. Vlade was preceded in death by his loving Grandparents, Albert and Violet Joyner, whom he cherished and who met him with loving arms.

Vlade's family will always remember the joy of finding their son and brother, who God chose to be their blood and kin. They praise God for his life and thank God for Vlade's impact on theirs. He will be missed every waking moment of their lives. As a family, we choose to celebrate that it happened, not that it's over. We believe that God has blessed our family beyond measure. We are committed to sharing the life-lessons we learned from Vlade with others. We promise to carry his unmatched positivity and zeal for life forward and promise to show unconditional love to those who need it most.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Emma's House in Hamilton, Montana (www.emmashousecac.org).