Earl George Beck

Earl was born on the farm in Saskatchewan near Huronville on August 14, 1925 - although someone told a little fib to get into the Navy. He was the second oldest of 5 children born to Andrew and Irene Beck. His siblings were Harold, Arnold, Gerald and Shirley.

In February 1943 Earl and 2 buddies went down to the Naval Recruitment office, and while one of his buddies was rejected, before he knew what was happening to him, he found himself enlisted in the Navy! After serving on the HMCS “Queen” and HMS “Roxborough”, among others, he was discharged in Regina in October 1945 traveled with another buddy to Trail, BC for work. While there he met a young lady by the name of Gertrude Hamm and they got married in November 1947.

Their union was blessed with 4 children - Gail, Layne, Gregg and Karen.

Gert and Earl divorced in 1970, and Dad got remarried to his second wife Gail. Although divorced in 1988, they continued to have an “interesting” relationship of one sort or another until Dad passed away. “Mom” Gail is part of our family and will continue to be.

Earl was a wireless operator during WWII and after the war became a lineman for West Kootenay Power and Light. When he left Trail to move to Prince George in the early 60’s, he went to work for BC Hydro in the construction division as a wireman/electrician, eventually obtaining his master electrician status. In 1980, Gail and Earl moved to Nanoose Bay on the island, where Earl started his own business - Nanoose Bay Electric. Shortly after Gail and Earl separated, Earl moved to Vancouver and worked in commercial construction for a few years. Eventually retiring, Earl took on the job of building manager for a 30-suite building just to keep busy. He only stopped “working” about 5 years ago.

During all this time, Earl loved his activities! Golf, curling, baseball - he was always active. He was very proud of Gregg when Gregg’s Little League baseball team won the Canadian championship, and went on to compete for the World’s. Earl was an active bonspieler and loved traveling to bonspiels throughout Canada. He played some world class teams and won many titles. He continued to play hockey, until he broke his ankle in Nanoose Bay.

In later years, Earl loved his sports from the comfort of his Lazy Boy! He liked nothing better than to raz his granddaughter Kimberley about the Saskatchewan Rough Riders!

Dad had strong opinions, had his own views on everything in his world, and a lot of times, it was his way or the highway! He met friends all over the place - the coffee shop, the used car lot, the Briar patch and many others! He enjoyed their individuality and treasured all their visits! He was a congenial host and loved their

company over a good meal - and it showed in obvious ways!

In later years, nothing made him happier than to spend time with his great-grandchildren and if he had one regret, it would be that he would no longer be able to watch them grow up, as he did his grandchildren.

Earl liked being in control. And he was in control to the very end. He liked to do things his way. He was able to stay at home the way he wanted, was not dependent on any one, and maintained his dignity.

He will be missed. . . .

* * * * * * * * * *

Beloved Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and “Big Papa,” passed away at home after a brief illness on Sunday, October 16, 2011. Dad was born and raised in Saskatchewan. When in Regina with a couple of buddies, he “accidentally” joined the Navy. While serving in the Navy, he obtained his certification as journeyman electrician, a trade his sons eventually followed. Dad truly lived life to the fullest. He was an avid curler and baseball and hockey player in his day; in his later years he followed these sports with a passion from his lazy boy recliner! There was nothing he liked better than good conversation over a great meal with family and friends. He jumped right in to play games and colour with his great-grandchildren!

Dad was predeceased by his sons, Layne and Gregg; and his brothers Harold, Arnold and Gerald. Left to miss his love and presence are daughters Gail (Robert) and Karen (Bruce); grandchildren Tali, Tarok (Wanda) and Kimberley (Jed); great-grandchildren Kenna, Desi, Austin, Ava and Deacon; best friend and former wife, Gail; sister Shirley; sisters-in-law Fran and Lottie, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Funeral Home, Abbotsford, BC.