Joan Elizabeth Beattie

Joan was born in Grace Hospital in Winnipeg on June 26, 1938, to Davina (Kyle) Panting (1897-1948) and Alfred John Panting (1881-1960). She is predeceased by both her parents, her step-sisters, Isabel Jean Panting and Grace Hamlin, her golden retrievers Lock and Key and her shitzu Bella.

Joan left Winnipeg in 1960 to move to Toronto. Before settling in, she spent six months travelling throughout Europe and the British Isles. Upon her return she began working with Shell Canada as a Human Resources Officer. Joan and James Hoatson Beattie were married in Toronto on August 18, 1968. In 1973, Joan and Jim left Toronto to begin a new adventure in North Saanich, BC. Sixteen years later, in 1989, Joan and Jim separated.

For ten years, Joan worked for Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey as well as for Elections Canada and BC Elections. In 1990 she was appointed Returning Officer for Saanich North and the Gulf Islands and continued in that position until 2008. From November 1982 to 1984, Joan served the community as an elected Councillor for the District of North Saanich. Joan also enjoyed working at Panorama Recreation Centre from 1989 to 2003, first in the tennis program and later, coordinating the operations of the reception area.

Among the many things Joan loved, golf, curling, tennis, duplicate bridge, watching NFL football and volunteering ranked highest. Joan excelled as a volunteer. Her knowledge, experience and attention to detail was reflected in each position she held. She was a joy to have on any Board or Committee. Her passion for the community began as Campaign Chair for the Saanich Peninsula Canadian Cancer Drive and followed with numerous other positions held throughout the Saanich Peninsula and Greater Victoria area.

Some of Joan’s outstanding contributions include committee member and then Chair of the Peninsula Celebrations Society (formerly Sidney Days), an appointment to the Peninsula Recreation Commission Board then elected as Commission Chair, and board member and then Chair of the Peninsula Community Association (now Beacon Services). Joan also served as a board member for the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, and the Memorial Park Society and volunteered for the Victoria Airport Authority Red Coats as well as the annual Poppy Campaign for the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #37.

As an avid curler for many years, Joan was on several curling executives and bonspiel committees at Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club where she played. She also volunteered at various curling events in the Greater Victoria area including The 2005 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship and as a Director at the 2009 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, to name just a few.

Joan, affectionately known as Ms. Daisy, Mrs. Claus and the Dog Whisperer wanted to express her sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those that have walked this incredible adventure of her life, with her, in particular her longtime friends Sheri, Karen and Theresa. The love, laughter and shenanigans shared gave her the strength to walk this last leg with pride, dignity and grace. Joan also wanted to recognize the extraordinary compassionate care she received by the staff at The Saanich Peninsula Hospital.

A Celebration of Joan’s Life will take place on October 24, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Capital City Yacht Club at 10630 Blue Heron Road, Sidney. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The BC Cancer Society or the SPCA in Joan’s name.