Joel R. Hastings Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Joel Ross Hastings, 46, was taken suddenly to be with the Lord on May 26, 2016. He was born July 22, 1969, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and was married to Charise (Harrison). An Ontario resident, he spent his childhood in North Bay and Windsor. He earned degrees in organ (BM) and piano (MM, DMA) from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. At the time of his death, he was on the piano faculty at Florida State University in Tallahassee. He performed in venues across North America and Europe and made a number of recordings. Previously, he played the organ at churches in the Windsor and Detroit areas, and was the organist at First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor for eleven years. His intuitive nature--the ability to perceive people beyond the surface--touched many around him. The same spirit guided his approach to music at every level, from recital programming to phrase shaping. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he was dedicated to improving as a man, musician, and teacher through the guidance of his Christian faith. He is survived by his wife, his parents John and Sharon (Stewart) Hastings, his brother Ian (Meaghan) Hastings, his nephew Joseph Henry Hastings, and his niece Willa Grace Hastings. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. for family, and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for friends, at the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor (517 E. Washington Street). A memorial service will be held at the same location on Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 11:00 A.M., followed by a light lunch reception. Visitation will also take place at the Church from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 11:00 A.M. An additional memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. at St. Peter's Anglican Church, 4784 Thomasville Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32309. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassion International by website http://www.compassion.com/donate/joel-hastings.htm or by envelopes available at the church.

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Joel R. Hastings

July 22, 1969 - May 26, 2016