June 20, 1923 - June 15, 2015
It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of Ken Beasley in his 92nd
year on June 15, 2015 at University Hospital of London, Ontario. Ken
is survived by his wife Jeanne and his daughters Terrie and Dorothy
(David) and grandchildren Natalie, Andrew and Caroline De Rose.
Predeceased by his wife Margaret, sister Joy, brother-in-law Bill
Molloy, sister-in-law Joyce and stepsons Michael and Philip Therrien.
Remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews and their children.
Ken was born and raised in Manitoba. He joined the RCAF and served as a
Mosquito pilot in Europe during the Second World War. After his return
to civilian life, he met his young sweetheart Margaret. He took up a
job in the Marathon Corporation pulp mill in order to afford to start a
life with her. They married in 1947 and Marg soon moved to Marathon to
accompany him. They raised their family in their house on Croy Court,
sending their daughters off to university and life in the wide world.
Ken pursued a life-long career with the pulp mill through its various
owners, American Can and James River. He rose to be Pulp Mill
Superintendent and retired in 1985. He and Marg then moved to London,
Ontario where they pursued their passions for travel, cards (bridge),
and cooking with friends. Margaret lost her battle with cancer in
1987.
Ken continued his avid bridge play where he met his new love
Jeanne who shared his passions. They married in 1988 and travelled the
world and pursued an active life in London centred on cards, especially
bridge, friends, and fine dining until Ken lost his sight in 2009. Ken
and Jeanne moved into Longworth Retirement Residence in the same year
where they were very happy. Despite his loss of sight, Ken was able to
continue to play cribbage.
Ken always devoted himself to community
service. He was a life-long member of Royal Canadian Legion branch 183
in Marathon. When he moved to London, Ken joined the Kiwanis Club. He
also volunteered at Parkwood Veterans Hospital and read with young
children.
Ken was immensely proud of his family and will be sorely
missed by them.
Funeral service will be held at Needham Funeral Home
(520 Dundas St) London on Saturday, June 20, at 10 am with visitation 1
hour prior. Internment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu
of flowers, donations to CNIB or your charity of choice in Ken's
memory. Online condolences may be left at: www.needhamfuneralhome.com.
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