The late Joel Sharp, originally from Monrovia, California, was a cherished member of the tango community in Bellingham, Washington. Known for his warm heart and vibrant spirit, Joel passed away after a battle with cancer, leaving behind his beloved partner, Karly Layos, and many grieving friends and family members.
Joel attended Monrovia High School and later moved to Bellingham, where he became a beloved tanguero and teacher. He was known for his playful nature and his ability to make everyone feel included and special. As Anjolie York shared on Facebook, "He wasn’t the uncle that you trusted to keep your kid out of trouble, but he was by far the most fun tango uncle ever!" Joel’s joyous spirit was evident in the way he interacted with others, especially children. Anjolie fondly remembered how Joel would scoop up her daughter at tango events, creating delightful memories filled with laughter and balloons.
Karly Layos expressed her gratitude for the shared memories and the support she has received. "He so loved our Tango family and had said he wanted to come home. We tried getting it into motion, but the Cancer took him way too fast," Karly wrote. Despite the challenges, Karly is determined to bring Joel back to Washington, where they both felt most at home.
A fundraiser organized by Barbara Warren on behalf of Karly has been set up to assist with the expenses of moving back to Washington and scattering Joel’s ashes in a place they cherished. The GoFundMe campaign, titled "Assist Karly in Taking Joel Home," has raised $2,080 of its $10,000 goal so far. The donations are essential as Karly had to stop working to care for Joel in his final days, and she now faces financial difficulties in managing the move.
The outpouring of love and support from the community has been immense. Friends like Jennifer Linds, David Beaumier, and Laurie Lusk have all expressed their condolences and shared beautiful memories of Joel. Laurie humorously noted, "My brother was certainly not the Uncle to keep your kids outta trouble. He’d keep them safe but mischief was afoot! Lol."
Joel’s impact on his community and loved ones was profound. His friend, Brittany Flores, recalled, "Joel was a huge part of our lives growing up in Monrovia and Pasadena…he was an incredible artist and always remained a dear friend in my heart and the hearts of our friend group." Michael Flores added, "Joel was simply a beautiful soul and I am so glad of the time we had together as brothers. So sorry to hear of his passing. Love you, Joel. You’ll forever be in our hearts."
As Karly continues to navigate this difficult time, the support from the community remains crucial. Donations and shared memories not only help with the practicalities of the move but also honor Joel’s legacy and the joy he brought to so many lives.
To support Karly and help bring Joel home, you can donate to the GoFundMe campaign here.
Note:This post was written and edited by Grayson Lee, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.