Jack John Massie Bean

John (Jack) Massie Bean was a natural leader. He was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Jack always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Jack was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

       His parents were John Massie Bean and Laura Evelyn Thompson. Jack was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia with his younger sister Laura (Loll). He was optimistic in his outlook on life. Armed with a cheerful nature, Jack was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic. Blessed with a balanced attitude, Jack was able to relate well with others.

      As a young child, Jack showed his creative ability in many ways. He was outgoing and animated. Jack enjoyed new activities and pursued a variety of interests and took part in track and field. In 1938 while living at Chesterfield School for Boys in North Vancouver he took delight in caring for his teacher's horse. Later in High School Jack reported "I resided in close proximity to the Varsity Theatre with numerous friends who apparently didn't need to study, so we spent most of our time with sports and investigating the amenities of the local soda shops. Ultimately this brought on my first serious negotiating experience with the University Hill School principal to grant me a pass into grade 9 if I left his school, and with the Lord Byng High School principal to get into grade 10 in September of 1941."

    Known to others as a focused, logical and open-minded, Jack was able to utilize these qualities to succeed. His curious nature was spurred by employing a hands-on approach to learning. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of British Columbia in 1950.

      Friends and acquaintances found Jack an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Jack was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. While growing up, some of his life-long friends were Bob Hickman, Danny Wallace and Fraser Wiggins. Young Jack enjoyed taking the ferry from Vancouver to the North Shore and hiking Hollyburn Mountain with friends.

Jack was married and divorced twice, and widowed once from a common-law marriage. First wife Norma (nee Zink) was the mother of his children John, Margaret, Roger and Barbara. They divorced in the late 1960's, but continued to visit up to his last days. Dorothy (nee Beebe) was his second wife. They too divorced and Dorothy predeceased Jack by several years. Claire Gillespie was his common-law wife for 13 years until her death in 2004.

       Very much like a kid himself, Jack identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire common sense skills. Jack was blessed with four children, two sons, John and Roger and two daughters Margaret and Barbara and six grandchildren, Johnny, Tamara, Alex, Michael, Kate and Frances.

      Jack was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Jack’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Jack could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was as a Consulting Mechanical Engineer. Jack started his own business JM Bean & Co Ltd. In 1963. In 1989 Jack, sold his company to his employees. In 2012, JM Bean & Co Ltd. celebrated its 50th year of business.

      Jack was a navigator with the Royal Canadian Air Force at the close of WWII. He was stationed in Canada. In basic training Jack demonstrated that he was a cool thinker and was once given the task of ensuring the Company water supply did not freeze overnight. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

      Jack enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were woodworking and carpentry, traveling, skiing and spending time with his grandchildren. Jack was an early computer user, his office equipment was upgraded regularly including IBM Selectric typewriters, word processors and computers. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      He was enthusiastic and confident. In his youth Jack rode his bike around Point Grey making deliveries for a local grocery store. Later in life he enjoyed recreational activities like skiing, walking, attending fitness classes. He also enjoyed watching his grandson Michael play hockey.

      Jack was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Jack worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Jack was an active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and a life member of the Association of Professional Engineers of British Columbia.

      Travel and vacations were experiences that Jack truly enjoyed. He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favourite vacations included following his daughter Barbara to New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Greece, England and France. He also enjoyed trips with his sister Loll to Africa and the Mediterranean.

     After Jack sold his business in 1989 he continued to work as a Consultant for several years. In retirement, he found pleasure in building a house at Birch Bay,WA, USA.

      Jack passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 13, 2012 at Evergreen House, Lions Gate Hospital, North Vancouver, British Columbia. He is survived by his first wife Norma, children John (Peggy), Margaret (Dennis), Roger (Laurie), Barbara (Hugh) and his grandchildren Johnny (Pamela), Tamara, Alex, Michael, Kate and Frances. Services were held at First Memorial Funeral Services Boal Chapel. Jack's ashes rest in Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby, BC.

      Jack was the kind of person who could win others over easily. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes and stories. If Jack had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember John (Jack) Massie Bean.

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John (Jack) Massie Bean

1925 to October 13, 2012

Dad led a lively life. He was an avid traveler and storyteller. As the owner and founder of J.M. Bean and Co. Ltd. consulting engineers he traveled extensively around BC working on federal, provincial and municipal facilities as well as private industries. On retirement he traveled the world - Turkey, Greece, Europe, China, New Zealand, Australia, Africa. Survived by his children John (Peggy), Margaret (Dennis), Roger (Laurie), Barbara (Hugh), 6 grandchildren and first wife Norma. Predeceased by former wives Dorothy Beebe and Claire Gillespie. Donations to Alzheimer's Society. Memorial Service: Saturday November 24 at 2:00pm at the Boal Chapel at 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.