Vancouver artist and HIV advocate Joe Average dies at 67 [Video]

Renowned Vancouver artist Joe Average, whose colourful work adorns murals and banners around the city, died at age 67 Tuesday, according to family and friends.

“It is with very heavy hearts that we must tell you that our beloved brother Joe Brock Average passed away peacefully in his sleep on Christmas Eve,” reads a message posted to social media by siblings Karin and Mark. “We would like to say how much we appreciate the love and support of his many friends.”

Joe Average, also known as Brock David Tebbutt, was appointed to the Order of B.C. in 2021 and the Order of Canada in June 2024. In 2019, he designed the commemorative Equality Coin for the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 50th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality.

According to his biography, Joe Average was diagnosed HIV positive at age 27 and subsequently decided to dedicate the rest of …