Dr. Bill (FWH) Beamish

Dr. Bill (FWH) Beamish, a distinguished zoologist and internationally recognized authority in fish biology, passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2025, at the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, British Columbia. He was one month shy of his 90th birthday.

Bill’s passion for natural science developed early, as he explored the countryside around Toronto every Sunday afternoon after church, alongside his father Professor Fred Beamish and younger brother Dick. In high school and at the University of Toronto, Bill was an exceptional athlete in basketball and football. A 6-foot-6 inch, 230-pound offensive tackle, he played for the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, a team that won the intercollegiate championship in 1957 and were later inducted into the UofT Sports Hall of Fame in 2015.

Preferring research over a professional career with the Toronto Argonauts, Bill received a Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. He then embarked on a short research career at the Canadian Federal Government’s Saint Andrew’s Biological Station, followed by longer tenure as a professor at the University of Guelph. He retired at the age of 65 from the University in Guelph in 2001 and started a second career at the Burapha University in Bangsaen, Chonburi, Thailand. There he was recognized as a “Thai ichthyologist” and published numerous studies with Thai researchers that advanced an understanding of aquatic ecosystems in Southeast Asia, including the Mae Khong basin. He taught and carried out research in Thailand until 2018, when he returned to Canada to live on Vancouver Island, with occasional trips back to Thailand.

Bill had a natural curiosity for anything involving fish. He studied their physiology, feeding and growth and reproductive habits as well as their taxonomy. He was a world authority on lamprey, one of the most successful fishes on the planet having survived for over 360 million years. He mentored both undergraduate and graduate students in Canada and Thailand and served for many years as a commissioner for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. His career achievements were recognized by the F.E.J. Fry Medal in 2001, the highest honour awarded by the Canadian Society of Zoologists.

Bill’s impact went far beyond science. He had a sharp wit, a warm sense of humour, and a genuine interest in people and the world around him. He was quick to laugh, eager to connect and described by his football teammates as one of the kindest people you would ever meet – likely something he inherited from his mother, Dorothy, who was known to never have an unkind word to say about anyone. He loved weekend walks and spending time in his garden, especially with his roses, irises, orchids, and any black or blue coloured flower.

He made a second home in Thailand, forming many close friendships though his work in the field and the University. He remained close with friends, colleagues and former student across continents – always keeping in touch, engaged and thoughtful.

Above all, Bill loved his family deeply. He shared many meaningful years with his late wife Lois, and in recent decades built a life with his dear wife Chuntee, who survives him. He is also survived by his daughter Ann; sons Bob, Eric, Ninj and Jay; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his brother Dick.

Bill will be remembered for his scientific legacy, his humour and warmth, and a curiosity that shaped a life well lived.

Thank you Bill, you will be missed.