Stephen Paul Beamish

Stephen was the youngest of 6 siblings, the beloved baby of Charlotte and Louis Beamish’s full family. As a child, he was the envied and spoiled youngest, and as he grew he became a strong and important tie to the family for his older siblings. Growing up Stephen loved making his friends and family smile with Sesame Street puppet shows, as well as being gullible enough to consistently fall for his older brother Mike’s “candy in the basement” trick.

Stephen first attended school in Alymer, Quebec, at an English Catholic school. This early part of his education easily explains his poor spelling. He finished secondary school at Parkview Education Centre in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Because many of his credits were filled in Quebec, Stephen was able to explore different electives and discovered his passion for photography. He followed this passion to Holland College and created a beautiful volume of artistic work, as well as capturing many postcard photos and weddings. His photography can still be found on occasion in the touristy shops of the Charlottetown boardwalk. Stephen later returned to Holland College and completed a diploma in Information Technology, and thus began his illustrious career in tech, consulting and sales. Through his work, he got to travel, see the world, and enjoy street food he never could have imagined.

Friendships that Steve made from early childhood through to his college days remained strong. He was a friend who would reach out, not just to congratulate a milestone, but to recount his favorite memories and stories. Stephen often shared tales of the antics he and his friends growing up would get into. His ability to make lasting friendships continued throughout his adult life. Steve gathered friendships through work, hobbies and fellow supportive karate, music, track, rugby and dance parents. His circle of friends was diverse and widespread.

37 years ago, Stephen met Tracey. 24 years later, after many moves through 3 provinces, they welcomed their first daughter Megan in Nova Scotia, followed two years later by Abigail. Nova Scotia was as far from his family Stephen had ever lived, so he and Tracey created family ties with the Blackmores, the Hills and the Curries, and enjoyed their friendship and company while raising their children together.

While Stephen had made a name for himself as a terrific son, a loving husband and an admirable employee, nothing compared to the great father he was. He spent holidays forming and upholding traditions and making unforgettable memories. Stephen gave his family lots of stories to tell, and any place he visited is filled with moments with his daughters.

Stephen is survived by his wife Tracey, daughters Megan and Abigail, fur-daughter Luna, grandcats Stella and Shrimp, mother Charlotte, siblings Joan (husband Guy, daughters Lisa and Justine), Bob (wife Dolores, daughters Christine and Michelle), Carol (daughters Stephanie and Sarah), Pat (partner Doug, daughters Katie and Emma) and Mike (wife Carol, children Stacey, Greg, David, Paul and Scott). He is predeceased by his father, Louis, whom he has missed dearly since his passing.

In lieu of flowers, Stephen wished for donations to be made to his BMO Ride for Cancer page (https://fundraise.yourrideforcancer.ca/fundraisers/stephenbeamish/road-100km), or the Terry Fox Foundation. To remember Stephen and his spirit, take a moment to reach out to your family, buy a stranger groceries, throw a great party, wear a loud Hawaiian shirt. He lives on in all of us.