Donald "Don" Harold Beck

Born March 8, 1933 in the northeastern village of Pouce Coupe BC (pop. 892), Don passed away peacefully at home on March 5, 2021, just 3 days shy of his 88th birthday, with his bride of 65 years near his side. Survived by his loving wife Jean (née Holloway), daughter Sandy, son-in-law Stewart, granddaughter Michelle, son David, daughter-in-law Jeannine and her children Amy, Melissa and Dustin.

As a young man, Don excelled at fast pitch softball and gymnastics when he wasn't working at a logging or fishing camp, or joining his Dad on a tugboat. It was those early years of hard, manual labour that forged a sharp mind and a steel body with a soft heart. His professional journey literally took him from the mail room to the corner suite. Hard work, integrity, and honesty endeared Don to all he worked with, and played with. From his austere beginning in a remote community, to Vancouver, where he graduated from Kitsilano Secondary school in 1952. It was following graduation that Don took a job in the mailroom at Northwestern Insurance, later Unigard, and retired at age 60 as an executive with ICBC.

Don and Jean raised their children in North Vancouver where Don volunteered many hours coaching softball, soccer and making sure the family pool was warm and clean every summer morning before he left for work. There were those special times with son David, dirt biking weekends and framing houses, where Don would pick up used, bent nails and straighten them out, proclaiming 'a nail saved, is a nail earned.' In later years, helping plant and care for daughter Sandy's massive vegetable garden brought him particular joy, and Don's relationship with son-in-law Stewart was extremely close. Don was the father Stewart never had. By far, Don's greatest love was his granddaughter Michelle. He and Jean never missed a chance to see her dance recitals or sports games and they treasured weekly family dinners where his soft-spoken words of encouragement resonated throughout Michelle's upbringing. Don was a true gentleman of the old school. Always immaculately dressed, his ready smile, firm handshake, warm embrace and his moral compass would best be described as the Gold Standard for husbands, fathers, grandfathers and friends. Don's wisdom was often called upon during his 28 years of retirement. Between his love of travel with Jean, especially winters in Palm Desert, Don could always be found lending a helping hand. Don was a builder. He could fix anything. A man of many talents, his contributions to the West Vancouver Lawn Bowling Club, including teaching, umpiring, greens-keeping and especially the construction of the new clubhouse, earned the admiration of his fellow members who responded to his kindness with a lifetime membership.

When his health began to fade, Don would indulge in a hearty bowl of ice cream, enjoy the panoramic ocean view from his seawall condo and reminisce about a fortunate life well-lived. To be in Don and Jean's home, was like being in your own. The door was always open, the fridge full, the glass never half-empty, and Don's unwavering care and attention to how you were doing made everyone feel special. In his 88 years, he never once uttered an unkind word about anybody. Don was truly a class act.

In his final few years, Don battled the inner demon of dementia with courage and determination. The ever-present glint in his eye would let you know that everything was okay. Mercifully, he was able to live at home because of his amazing caregiver Coleen, who responded to the challenges with love and compassion. The Beck family would also like to thank family physician Dr. Marc Boileau and his assistant Nikki for their decades-long service. They also give thanks to Mariz, Trixie, Sheila, Eryn and Elaine for their kindness, and to all who have reached out.

A private, family service will be held to honour the life of an incredible man.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Beck family.