Desmond Stephen Beck

If there was ever a person who wanted to heal all the wrongs in the world, it was Desmond Stephen Beck. He was an idealist who sought to bring harmony to those around him. Even though Desmond was enthusiastic and generous, it was sometimes difficult for him to boast about his accomplishments. Desmond had strong personal convictions, making it hard for him to relinquish those ideals he held dearest to himself. He fought for what he believed in. Despite his outer strengths and beliefs, Desmond sometimes struggled in his efforts to see the world as completely positive. Desmond's life motto was always to hope for the best and work hard towards that end, but be prepared for some of life's disappointments. This philosophy was a continual driving force in his life, but it did not extinguish the bright light that defined the dreamer in Desmond, something that was always there and that he readily shared with everyone around him.

      Desmond was born on May 13, 1935 at Cobalt Hospital in Cobalt, Ontario. His parents were Francis Enright who passed away when Des was 16 yrs. old. He then lived with his aunt and uncle (Charlotte and William Beck) who formally adopted Des on December 20th, 1954. Desmond was born in Cobalt, moved to Kirkland Lake and then Wawa. As a youngster, Desmond demonstrated an excellent vocabulary and command of language. He was a compassionate person, a quality that he would carry with him throughout his life. Even at a young age, Desmond was sensitive to his parents’ moods and worked hard to please them and live up to their expectations.

      Throughout his life, Desmond showed a remarkable ability to mend relationships. This was true even with his siblings. Desmond was caring, diplomatic and tolerant of the feelings of those around him. Desmond was raised with four siblings. He had four younger sisters Cathy, Connie, Fiona and Leslie. Desmond was constantly involved in activities with his brothers and sisters. Desmond and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As a young boy, Desmond lived a childhood filled with fantasy. He was generally in pursuit of his own identity, but he was also adaptable to almost any situation he faced. Desmond took part in hockey, bike riding, skiing, basketball and football. In his spare time he liked drawing and building go carts. However, to Desmond, the most fun to be had was simply playing, and spending time with his many friends.

      High school was a time for Desmond to seek out knowledge. He enjoyed learning and had a natural interest in gathering information. Desmond had a flair for the poetic and was very expressive and articulate, especially when it came to his writing. Desmond took his education seriously. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Although he dropped out of highschool to work in the mines in Wawa, he received his GED in the late 60's.

      Desmond's love of learning carried over to his college years. He applied himself scholastically, and he developed a particular interest in the humanities. In fact, Desmond often viewed himself as a bit of a scholar when it came to his studies. He attended Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario from 1970-1974, then attended Teachers College in North Bay , Ontario. He also pursued graduate school, earning his Teachers Certificate in June of 1975.

      While those who did not know him well found Desmond to be somewhat reserved until they got to know him, he was an authentic and devoted friend. Desmond was a tranquil person, with an easygoing and open-minded attitude towards life. He presented a pleasant face to the outside world but concealed the pain and discomfort he felt over his own friends’ difficulties. Desmond sought to achieve harmony with everyone and possessed the ability to mend conflicts and avoid interpersonal struggles. While growing up, some of his best friends were Harry Kirkmeyer, Jimmy Cannon, Floyd Flaukner, Abbie Anderson, Nicky Boyle, and Doug Burry.

      The desire for romance was always present in Desmond's life. He succeeded in finding it on December 31, 1956, when Desmond exchanged wedding vows with Maureen Richards at St. Monica Catholic Church of Wawa, Ontario. Desmond cared passionately for Maureen. His deep loyalty and a strong commitment to his vows brought a sense of completeness to their marriage.

      Desmond was a gentle person who held deep feelings for his children. He enjoyed having fun with his kids and was at times fiercely protective of them. Desmond showed great empathy in his willingness to give every family member a voice in family decisions. He was blessed with four children, Debbie, Bill, Steve and Susie. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Brandon, Jayda, Alyssa, Emily and Kelly who passed away at birth.

      Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Desmond was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. Desmond worked well with fellow employees and showed great cooperation in reaching common goals. Though he had a tendency to take on too many tasks, himself; Desmond showed great patience with complicated situations. He was ingenious and trusted his intuition. For Desmond, the application of logic could be optional, and while that sometimes bothered his co-workers, Desmond always seemed to be able to get the job done. He was most comfortable working on the projects and jobs that he strongly supported. His primary occupation was a Crane Operator at Algoma Steel. He had many jobs such as car salesman, 6th grade school teacher at St. Theresa's School, started up the Soup Kitchen and Drop in Center on Queen St., and also a security guard at the airport. Desmond always tried to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

      Desmond was an Army veteran honorably discharged. He served from Feb. 1955 to March 1958. He was in Canada. Through his hard work and dedication, he achieved the rank of Gunner. Desmond was extremely loyal, and that was a quality that others noticed and appreciated.

      Desmond enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were painting and drawing, coaching hockey, reading, writing poetry and also childrens books for his grandchildren and nephews. Desmond was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but he was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Desmond's tremendous enthusiasm for the activities he enjoyed also influenced the pleasure he drew from sports. Recreational sports included coaching hockey. Desmond also enjoyed watching sports and liked following his favorite teams whenever he got the chance to do so. Tops on his list were hockey.

      Desmond was an eternal idealist, and his deep concern for others made him a valuable asset to the many clubs and organizations to which he belonged. Because he truly wanted to make a difference, Desmond was actively involved in these kinds of groups throughout his life. Desmond was passionate in his beliefs and being a very skilled communicator, he could really come alive when involved in a project. Throughout his later years, Desmond was an active member of the Canadian Legion, NDP party, also Co-op Housing board of directors and many committee's at the church.

      With a calling to help others and a fierce conviction for the causes in which he believed, Desmond would work hard for his values and principles. Desmond was a loyal member of several community groups, serving on committees for the Co-op board of Directors and many committee's at Central United Church. Politically, Desmond belonged to the NDP party and ran for Alderman in the early 80's.

      Desmond took all of his personal and moral obligations seriously. Desmond was a strong defender of his faith. He was a member of Central United Church for 20 years. During that time, he served as a lay minister and served on many committees.

      Being a selfless person, Desmond did not seek approval from his peers, but he valued the recognition he received for his good deeds. Some of his most prestigious awards included Certificate of Merit from VON Algoma Hospice Volunteer Program May 27, 1996 and Certificate of completion as a Lay Minister on May 3, 1997.

      Desmond enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. Taking trips provided the chance for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and see new things. Favorite vacations included his sister's camp in Goulais, going on short trips to Michigan and playing his luck at the Casino's.

      Desmond was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Desmond's favorites was his dog Maggie and his 2 cats Harley and Boots. They were best friends, Maggie is 11 years old and his 2 cats are 6 years old.

      Though Desmond always appeared to be dreaming of greener pastures, he was accepting of retirement when it finally came in 1990, although he continued to work part time jobs until 2004. Long-range planning skills served him well in preparing for the “golden years.” He stayed in Sault Ste. Marie. In retirement, he found new pleasure in being more active in the church. He also worked at the airport as a security guard until he was 70 years old. Even in retirement, Desmond continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Desmond passed away on June 19, 2013 at Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He died from complications related to a cancerous tumor in his abdomen.

      Desmond Stephen Beck was someone who was able to see the world as a good and honorable place. He viewed the people who inhabited it as essentially good. A person who tended to see the world in terms of black and white, Desmond tried to focus on the good he saw, knowing that there were times he would have to compromise. He was selfless and deeply committed to all things positive and good. Desmond was a person who would keep his eye on tomorrow and constantly held onto his dreams. He was capable of being mystical at times, and he could be the seer or shaman of a group. It was this exceptional insight and quiet reserve that that became Desmond's trademark qualities for all who knew him, and it was one of the many reasons why all who knew him loved Desmond Stephen Beck.

BECK, Desmond Stephen – Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Sault Area Hospital on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Maureen for 56 years. Loving father of Debbie Jourdin (Roy), Bill Beck, Steve Beck (Ruby) and Susan Hall (Dave). Grandfather of Brandon, Jayda Jourdin (Erik) and Alyssa and Emily Beck. Brother of Cathie Klages (Jerry), Fiona Williams (Mike), Leslie Walker (Bill) and the late Connie Beck. Brother-in-law of Peter Mearow (Laurie). Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his companions Maggie, Harley and Boots. Des served honourably in the Army for 3 years. Many careers in his life included Mail Carrier, Teacher, Steelworker, working with Hospice and as a Lay Minister with the United Church for several years. He enjoyed reading, history, politics and also sitting by the campfire singing Irish songs at his sister’s camp in Goulais. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at Central United Church on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 3 p.m. Rev. Laurie Milito officiating. Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Sault Area Hospital. Memorial contributions to Central United Church would be appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are requested to assemble at Central United Church on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 3 pm for a memorial service for the late Desmond Beck.

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BECK, Desmond Stephen – Passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Sault Area Hospital on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at the age of 78. Beloved husband of Maureen for 56 years. Loving father of Debbie Jourdin (Roy), Bill Beck, Steve Beck (Ruby) and Susan Hall (Dave). Grandfather of Brandon, Jayda Jourdin (Erik) and Alyssa and Emily Beck. Brother of Cathie Klages (Jerry), Fiona Williams (Mike), Leslie Walker (Bill) and the late Connie Beck. Brother-in-law of Peter Mearow (Laurie). Sadly missed by many nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed by his companions Maggie, Harley and Boots. Des served honourably in the Army for 3 years. Many careers in his life included Mail Carrier, Teacher, Steelworker, working with Hospice and as a Lay Minister with the United Church for several years. He enjoyed reading, history, politics and also sitting by the campfire singing Irish songs at his sister’s camp in Goulais. Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, June 21, 2013 from 6 – 9 pm. Funeral service will be celebrated at Central United Church on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 3 p.m. Rev. Laurie Milito officiating. Special thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Sault Area Hospital. Memorial contributions to Central United Church would be appreciated by the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.arthurfuneralhome.com

At the going down of the sun

And in the morning

We will remember them.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion are requested to assemble at Central United Church on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 3 pm for a memorial service for the late Desmond Beck.