Joseph (Joe) Torres Flores

Port Orchard - Joseph (Joe) Torres Flores, passed away February 23, 2021, in Yokosuka, Japan, while on a temporary assignment for his job. Joe was born January 3, 1953 in Hagatna, Guam, and lived in Yona, Guam until the age of 12, when he moved with his family to Bremerton, WA. Joe graduated from West Bremerton High School in 1971. In 1976, Joe accepted a welding apprenticeship from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. Though he started as a welder, he settled in as a Nuclear Inspector Supervisor with Code 139, until his death.

Joe's greatest joy came from spending time with family, friends, and his work family. He loved traveling, golfing, watching sports, making new friends, and he especially loved sharing his adventures with his wife, Kathi, whom Joe married in June of 2001. When Joe married Kathi, he, and his daughter, Jaimie, opened their hearts and lives to Kathi, and her 4 children, their spouses, and, grandchildren. It was at this time that Joe became known as "Papa Joe". Spending time at Papa Joe's meant driving his mule, sledding down his hill, sliding on the water slides (that got bigger as years passed), watching games on his large TV, or eating whatever Papa Joe grilled for them. A good time was always guaranteed to happen. Each family member was unique and treasured by him, and he was determined to assure that they believed it.

While working for PSNS, he was given many opportunities to travel. He and Kathi spent several months each year, for over 12 years, in the country of Japan. He loved the culture, but he especially loved the kind people. They hosted many family members, or friends, in their Yokosuka apartment because they wanted others to experience the beauty and peace, they had discovered there themselves. On his travels, Joe loved to sample local cuisine. He searched throughout New England for the most delicious lobster roll, discovered that Maine really did have the best blueberry pie, was known to drive miles out of his way to find the best Amish sticky buns, and claimed the best spaghetti could be found in Tokyo, Japan. Every day was a new adventure, and he had an extraordinary gift for celebrating each and every day with enthusiasm, passion, and generosity.

Joe was proceeded in death by his father Benjamin Flores, his mother Dolores Flores, and his brother, Robert Flores. His is survived by his daughter Jaimie Flores (April), daughter Corinne Worth (Mike), sons, Tom Higbee (Lenore), Dustin Higbee (Aimee), Alan Higbee, and 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Arthur, Tom, and Clifton Flores, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would also like to acknowledge that Joe is survived by his work family from Code 139. No services are planned at this time.

Joe leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love. In the midst of sadness, we who love him most, we find peace in knowing that we are forever changed because of the lessons learned from Joe. He has taught us all how to live a life of integrity, and most importantly, to show love to others, and love what you are doing daily. Joe would probably say that there are only two regrets in how he lived his life. The first regret would be that there was no way he could leave this world without causing some sadness and pain. The second regret? That he never found the perfect golf clubs that would improve his score…though he tried. Asta ki manali'e' hit ta'lo' (Until we all meet again).

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kitsapsun/obituary.aspx?n=joseph-torres-flores-joe&pid=197954357&fbclid=IwAR1AYYBwUZT-oEOED4Z2NrVBt_sYBrUCpnfCxQXhR5