Joseph "Joe" Boothby

December 16th, 1963 - January 9th, 2021

Memorial

Mementos

Joe had a huge heart, an unforgettable smile, and love for family, friends, dogs, community, and San Francisco. He was the first friend you called when you needed help or advice. He was the dad at every event. He was the co-worker who was nominated for every team. He was the dog guy with four dogs in tow. He was the softball coach who led with humor and inclusiveness. Born in San Francisco, he was raised and lived most of his life in the Bay Area. His deep love for animals led to a career in animal welfare, first at Pets Unlimited and later at the San Francisco SPCA, where he was the Director of Information Services, Technology, and Facilities. More recently, he was consulting with senior dog rescue Muttville. Joe will be missed and mourned by a large number of friends and family. He is survived by his daughters Petra and Sydney; his brother Jack Boothby and his wife Sheilah; his brother Paul and his wife Trisha. He is predeceased by his parents, Iku and Robert Boothby. Memorial donations may be made to Muttville. Please help us defray the cost of the memorial.

Events

PAST EVENT

Celebration of Life for Joseph Boothby

Feb 7th, 2021

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

(GMT-7:00) Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Joseph’s life with a heartfelt message.

Rebecca Roman

It had many years since we had connected except through Facebook. Listening to his service I realize that his light was the light I knew. Clearly, Joe had a magic that touched souls, warmed hearts and made a difference. Peace and comfort to those that endure his passing.

Published March 20th, 2021

Shade Paul

I keep thinking about how much Omar, my dog, loved Joe. Joe gave him the nickname "Bro-mar" and whenever I couldn't find Omar in my office at the SPCA, I knew Joe had come to get him to hang with him and his pack. Whenever Omar saw Joe, he'd start dancing for joy and zoom towards him so fast that he couldn't stop.

Published February 12th, 2021

Vanessa Walling-Sisi

Joe somehow roped my husband into the kittens softball thing and one day after practice he invited us to see his office at the SFSPCA and to tour the beautiful campus. We ended up in some corner of the building where the saddest cases of animal neglect were being treated, and a dog the volunteers had named "Sweetheart" was being held. She was a bull mastiff and had a tumor, broken jaw, untreated eye infections and more. I don't think it was a coincidence that Joe took us down there to see her. He said she was looking for "fospice" (foster/hospice) and only had months to live. As we drove home (not even across the Bay Bridge) my husband said, "call Joe. I want her." A volunteer paid for her surgeries and we took her home to make her comfortable (we renamed her "Lucky") and she lived for 4 and half more years. Joe successfully tricked another friend/family into adopting a dog and changing their lives (and the dogs') forever. I miss you Joe, but I don't miss seeing you share a spoon of peanut butter with all the dogs...that is still gross to think about. Love to all those who were touched by Joe (and tricked into a rescue). ❤ Vanessa (Kaleda's sister)

Published February 7th, 2021

Michelle Morgan

I forgot to add this second part of the Bodhi's first day at work memory during the memorial - In addition to when Joe put both me and my new rescue dog, Bodhi, at ease on our first day at work together I remember them coming to check in with me. They casually walked through the hospital to the pharmacy where I was working and Joe said "He won't get in the elevator or go down the stairs" to which I replied that we hadn't fully desensitized those building bits yet. I would have told him this but he had solved the Bodhi worrying issue too quickly for me to have discussed this with him! He shrugged his shoulders and picked Bodhi up like a baby (B is 65lbs!) and sauntered out of the hospital to take Bodhi to pee outside. It was not only adorable, but also how I remember Joe - concise, big hearted, and a problem solver. Bodhi and I are forever indebted to "Uncle Joe" and his kindness.

Published February 12th, 2021