Obituary of Clarence Edwin Beckstead

Clarence Edwin (Ted) Beckstead died peacefully on Thursday, May 5, 2005 at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. His three children (Jamie, Douglas, and Patty) were with him when he died, and were grateful to be able to tell him how much they admired the strength and perseverance he demonstrated throughout his whole life. Born on October 12, 1917, in Napinka, MB, Ted grew up in the Great Depression, which taught him about sacrifice and determination, and he took these qualities with him when he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in the summer of 1940. He spent the next five years overseas in World War II, setting up permanent Radar installations in Britain, and leading a mobile Radar Unit, which became part of the D-Day invasion force. He often told stories about the War years, and many times he commented that he was fortunate to have returned home when so many others did not. He was able to see his parents again, James and Carrie Beckstead and reunite with his brother Lewis, and his sisters Winona and Gwen. He married his sweetheart, Marguerite, and they spent fifty-four years together until her death in 2001. He cared for her at home when arthritis incapacitated her in the last years of her life. He saw his children marry: Jamie to Mora, Douglas to Andrienne, and Patty to Denis. He took great delight in his grandchildren, Claire, Paul, and Jocelyn. He played baseball in his younger years and loved watching it in his retirement. When he joined the R.C.A.F., he left a job at the Hardware store in Crystal City, MB, and when he retired at the age of seventy-two he was once again working in hardware. Ted was reliable and steadfast in everything he did: in the Air Force, in his work, and toward his family. He did not complain; he did the right thing. To an old soldier who always did his duty, May you now rest in peace. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, May 13, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. John Pentland, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Poppy Fund, #109, 315 – 10 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0W2 Telephone: (403) 265-6304. In living memory of Ted Beckstead, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, Telephone: (403) 276-2296.