Robert Lawson Beck

The joy-filled adventure that was Rob Beck's life came to an end on March 9, 2019. Rob's journey was one of passion, laughter, discovery, and deep commitment to family, friends, work, and community. His passing came with peaceful grace and gentle dignity.

Robert Lawson Beck was born in Charlottetown, PEI, on October 26, 1946, and passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He is survived by his wife Deborah and step-daughter Laurel MacInnis; brothers Jock (Gwen), Scott (Christine), Cam (Roxanne), and sister Nancy; stepmother-in-law Audrey Dicks; brother-in-law Brian (Barb) Dicks and sisters-in-law Cheryl (Dana) Morgan, Roberta (Terry) Keough, and Pam MacKenzie; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins and extended family. Rob was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Annabelle (“Flea” Lawson) Beck; his brother Sandy; his mother-in-law Elaine (Andrews) Dicks and father-in-law Robert Dicks.

Rob's love of the people in his life was endless. He was a friend to many, to those he knew from his childhood to those he met by chance a month ago. He remembered your name and greeted you with a smile. He was an optimist. Because he looked for the good in others always, he invariably found the good and rejoiced in it.

Rob brought that sense of celebration and goodness to everything he gave his energy to. He also brought his intelligence, his quick wit, and his keen analytical skills. He was a consummate sales professional and loyal employee. During his thirty-year career as an account executive with CTV-Bellmedia, Rob welcomed each business day with enthusiasm and nurtured his relationships with clients, many of whom became cherished friends.

Rob always contributed to his community as a dedicated volunteer. Diabetes Canada benefited from his involvement on a provincial and national level, as did countless other organizations, including the Nova Scotia Leadership Prayer Breakfast Steering Committee, Nova Scotia Health, Habitat for Humanity, the Saint John Board of Trade, the Halifax Board of Trade, the PEI Council for Small Business, and the Christmas Daddies Telethon. Rob was active in yacht clubs across the Maritime provinces and was a senior member of Armdale Yacht Club. Rob revelled in every moment he spent on the water.

As the salt air was in Rob's blood, so too was music. He grew up surrounded by music and spent his life sharing the joy it brought him with others. He played numerous instruments, but found special delight in playing the guitar. He performed in various bands over the years and loved nothing better than passing the time jamming with friends.

Music was a language Rob always spoke and it was one that ultimately helped him communicate his deep, abiding beliefs. Within the embrace of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir, especially, Rob expressed the joy, comfort, and boundless truth he found in his Christian faith. He never felt the need to preach his faith. He sang it, he shared it, he lived it every day.

We invite you to join us in celebrating Rob's life. A funeral service (followed by a reception in the church hall) will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 633 Pockwock Road, Upper Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia. An informal gathering for any and all will also be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the Armdale Yacht Club, 75 Burgee Run, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Please be aware that all events will be scent-free. No flowers by request. Donations in Rob's memory may be made to the Diabetes Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by J.A. Snow Funeral Home.