Obituary of James Kenneth Beattie

Jim Beattie, loving husband, father, son, brother, friend and hero, passed away quietly at home surrounded by those he loved, on December 31, 2008 at the age 53 years. Jim enjoyed early family years in Hamilton, ON, sharing summer holidays at the lake, and late winter night hockey games with his three brothers on the backyard rink. He moved to Calgary in 1980 to pursue a career as a landman in the energy business. His devotion to family, love of life, sense of humour and high ethical standards are what his many friends and colleagues will remember. Jim’s dedication and love for his wife Gail and his daughter Lauren were the centerpieces of his life. His canine friends Quinn, Bozley and Bella brought Jim much amusement and joy. Jim’s journey with ALS during the last few years defined the depth of his faith, his character and his love. With a motto of “adapt and continue”, Jim and Gail took each new phase as a challenge, and Jim’s victory is that he never lost his faith, dignity, manhood, humanity or sense of humour. They were lifted up in prayer and deed by the tremendous support of many. Jim’s family would like to thank their church family, caregiver angels Leala and Donna, Contact Energy, the CAPL, the ALS society, ALS Clinic, Calgary Health Region, and their many friends. Special thanks to his faithful and loyal buddies Clark, Rodger and Dave for their unwavering support over the last 4 years.James will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his wife Gail Amundrud; daughter, Lauren (fiancé Kyle); mother, Jean of Okotoks, AB; brothers, Michael (Lora) of Houston, Texas, David (Dana) of Canmore, AB and Paul (Kelsey) of Hamilton, ON; extended family of Amundruds, St-Louis and Heinens, nephews and nieces, Ryan, Samantha, Scott, Gillian, Claire, Daniel, Erik, Kirsten, Justin, Alex and Matt. He was predeceased by his father Donald. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Rock Pointe Church ( 255024 Lochend Road NW) on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.remembering.ca. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Suite 400, 320 – 23 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 0J2, www.alsab.ca .In living memory of James Beattie a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.