Courtney Beck

It is with profound sadness that the Beck family announces the death of Margaret Jane Courtney (nee McEwen) who died peacefully on Sept. 21, surrounded by family.

Courtney is survived by her spouse Detlef; daughters Lauren and Letah; sons-in-law David Pouvreau and Jordan Addison; grandchildren Jaia, Jace, Elia and Camille; and siblings Cameron, Clive and Cathie McEwen

Born in Regina on May 19, 1948, her family enjoyed spending time at Lake Katepwa. The prairie wind and expansive horizons were in Courtney’s DNA – a prairie girl at heart (who loved her meat and potatoes!)

After graduating high-school in Calgary, Courtney headed for the coast–Vancouver. After getting her degree in Psychology at UBC, Courtney spent some time working in hospital labs.

But it was in teaching that Courtney found her true calling, graduating from the Education program at SFU in 1972, as Top Student Teacher of that year. For her final teaching practicum, Courtney–lured by the prospect of free housing and paid return flights to Vancouver–took a leap of faith and went north to Kitimat, BC.

Upon her arrival in Kitimat, a record snowfall closed all of the schools for the first time in history. With time to spare, Courtney visited a local theater group’s rehearsal and met Detlef Beck. After walks in the snow and chips at Helen’s Cafe, the couple knew they had something special.

They married on May 8, 1976 in the Kitimat United Church. Two daughters soon followed.

They spent much time exploring the mountains, camping, boating, skating, cross-country skiing, and having weenie roasts in the snow.

In 1994, the Beck family moved to the Cowichan Valley, where Courtney continued her teaching career. After retiring from the public school system, she continued to share her passion with others at Malaspina College, supervising and mentoring student teachers.

Courtney and Detlef then moved to Victoria, where they enjoyed long walks along the Gorge and Courtney volunteered her time at the BC museum as a docent.

With the arrival of a grandchild in 2011, Courtney and Detlef moved to Coquitlam, BC to be near their family. Courtney continued to teach at ‘Nana School’ every day, her grand-kids Jaia and Jace comprising the student body: Once a teacher, always a teacher!

She volunteered at the Eagle Ridge Hospital Thrift Shop, enjoyed gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. Courtney and Detlef continued exploring the world in their tent trailer, completing a memorable three-month, cross-Canada trip, among other adventures.

Courtney was the family archivist, with prodigious powers of recall that enabled her to remember dates and events with data-bank accuracy.

Courtney was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, nana and educator. Courtney saw the strength and beauty in everyone. She was immensely loved. Her family will cherish the wonderful memories that she created, and will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crossroads Hospice Society in Port Moody.

https://crossroadshospice.org/pages/donate

A Celebration of Life is being planned for Spring 2024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at below for the Beck family.