Condolences
Dear Dianne and family,
Diana and I are very sorry to hear of Colin’s passing. We very much enjoyed our time at Senior’s Bowling these past few years, and especially having Colin “At the helm”. Colin always seemed upbeat and kept the fun in bowling. He will be missed and we hope that your fond memories of Colin help you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Ed & Diana Reuther
Dianne, Sean, Clint, and Michael,
We are so saddened to hear of Colin's illness and passing. We will always remember him as warm, loving, and quietly witty. He was such a great husband, father, and grandfather, and you will miss him terribly. Dianne, we know your loss is overwhelming, and your whole world is upside down; be comforted that you and Colin raised amazing boys who love you and will lift you up if you let them. You are in our thoughts everyday. Rick and Barb Artzen, and Don and Daryl Borth
It was with real sadness we heard of Colin's passing. We knew Colin through the Southwest Seniors Thursday dance sessions. Not being the best dancers in the bunch we were helped out at times when Colin and Dianne would split us up to show us the steps.. He was such a nice man and we will remember his ready smile and friendly disposition.
With heart felt condolences to Dianne & Family
As President of the Southwest Seniors, I know I speak for our entire group as we send condolences to the Beattie family.
Colin and Dianne have been active members of our club, It is so unfortunate our group cannot be together, at this time due to the pandemic, to share thoughts and memories of Colin.
-Larry Newel
My name is Bert Stromstedt, and Colin and I were best of friends from the age of 4 when we both lived in Berwyn (our birthdays are 5 days apart, with me as the "senior"). I was the "farm-boy" and Colin was "the town kid". We knew he would forever be the "town kid" when during a visit to our farm at the age of 5, and witnessing my dad milking the cows and putting fresh milk on the table, he stated "I want milk from a bottle (the Beatties had bottled milk delivered to their house), not cow's milk!"
We remained very close through school til Grade 9, when he moved with his family to Calgary. Although I did get a chance to visit him during the summer when we were 15, and Colin reciprocated with a visit to my home when we were 16, the distance somewhat set our lives apart. We did re-connect when I, as a banker getting transferred throughout Alberta, was transferred to Calgary in 1965. In June, 1970, it took a nanosecond for me to decide Colin should be Best Man at my wedding to my lovely bride Louise. Colin reciprocated again, and I was Best Man at Colin's wedding to his beautiful bride Diane the next year.
Although we were separated by distance as we raised our families (we're the ones that kept moving; Colin and Diane remained in Calgary), we did make an effort to keep in touch with each other. When we "scored" an invitation to Sean's wedding, we learned first-hand just how close Colin and Diane's family really is, and I wouldn't have imagined it any other way!
We have lived in Port Hardy on the north end of Vancouver Island since 2007, and have only had a chance to visit the Beatties on a couple of occasions. Thanks to technology, though, we've communicated back and forth, most recently since Colin was diagnosed with cancer, fighting such a brave fight with dignity.
Since yesterday, when I spoke with Diane and Michael and learned of Colin's passing, I have been flooded with memories of my friend, who was such an important part of my life. To avoid turning this into a book (there is probably enough material), I'd like to select a couple of memories that stand out for me:
1) When Colin visited me in Berwyn when we were 16, we had a chance to do what 16-year-old boys tend to do (yes, we
somehow got hold of a few bottles of beer). After downing 1 or 2 each, we naturally got a little tipsy, and as long as I live, I'll
remember his observation. He said "You know, Bert, I've concluded that it's the foam that makes you drunk!" When I
reminded him many years later of his quote, he didn't recall it at all, so maybe he was affected by the alcohol a bit more
than I was.
2) About 10 years ago, Colin sent me a scanned picture of our Grade 1-2 class in Berwyn school. He'd done an amazing job of
identifying faces and names of a majority of the 28 kids, and I was fortunately able to remember the rest. Although he didn't
"live" in the past, it was obviously important for him to have a bit of connection with where he and I came from, and for that,
and so much else, I will be eternally grateful.
Some people come into our lives and leave little or no mark. Then there are those who come into our lives and leave an indelible imprint that can't help but enrich us. For me, that was Colin.
Diane, Clint, Sean, and Michael (and families, of course), I am very honored to be able to call Colin my friend. I share your grief, but we have our memories to treasure.
While I have lots of happy memories of our uncle, Colin, when we would visit Calgary when I was growing up, some of my most precious memories are more recent, from times when we got the chance to spend time together as adults. Meeting up in England to share company, explore old churches, and search for spots related to our family history was such an amazing experience! I think often of that trip and of the great conversations we shared. I will miss you, Colin! Many hugs to you, Dianne, Sean, Clint and Michael. You are in my thoughts constantly right now.
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