Grand Joe,
Looking back at the years spent with SOBA Dallas, we see your fingerprints on every milestone our chapter has achieved. As one of the foundational "First 20" Sobans who stepped up to revive the chapter in the early 2010s, he didn’t just attend meetings. He built the very table where we all now sit. Whether it was the precision of our meeting days, the smoke and laughter of our BBQ events, or the prestige of our conventions, Joe brought a unique style and an unmistakable presence to everything he touched. It remains a profound privilege to have shared the spirit of SOBANism with a man of such character, style, and unwavering dedication.

 

Grand Joe understood that the strength of our union lay in its future, and he added value to the mission that ensured the Sasse legacy lived on in the Diaspora. He was an advocate for the next generation, constantly reaching out to encourage younger Sobans to join the Union and find their voice within the system. Because of his efforts, the vision of bridge the gap between generations became a tangible reality in our chapter. While SOBA Dallas will never be quite the same without his guidance and flair, we carry forward the encouragement he gave us and the standards he set.

 

Soban 2104 (of SOBA 1970 & 1971), continue to rest well. Our time with you will never be more than a memory away.

 

Sobanly,
Philbert Mac Etchu
Vice President, SOBA Dallas