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ALAN BEACHELL 1924 - 2015 Alan Beachell of Rosser, Manitoba passed away peacefully with family at his side on July 17, 2015. Alan was predeceased by his parents Percy and Stella Beachell, his sister Joy (Ashley), his first wife Doris (Turnbull), his daughter Bonnie (Hamilton), and his second wife Laurie Potovsky. He is survived by his sons Laurie (Judy McKelvey) and Jim (Arla), his daughter Lee Hogg (Ian) and his son-in-law Grant Hamilton, plus eight grandchildren Lynn (Paul), Dawn (Colin), Scott (Jessica), Deanna (Greg), Tyler (Ashlee), Kristin (Luc), Craig (Mandy), Erin (Evan) and 16 great-grandkids. As Dad said "I am 90 years old and have had a very good life doing the things I loved doing. Rosser has been my home for all of those years and I can think of no other place I would sooner be. The country has been good to me." Alan married Doris Turnbull in 1948 and they had four children, Bonnie, Laurie, Jim and Lee. The family all remained close to Rosser. As a family we have had many opportunities to share a story, a laugh or a tear and a joke with Dad. After Mom's death in 1986, Dad married Laurie Potovsky in 1988 and her sons Mark and Steve also became part of the clan. Dad took over running the Beachell farm "Rawcliffe Grange" when he was 17. He farmed until he was 85 retiring in 2010. He and Jim farmed together for 37 years, all without a fight. Last year we celebrated 125 years of Beachells farming the original homestead. Alan was engaged in municipal, provincial and federal politics. He was Reeve of the RM of Rosser for 28 years, a Liberal candidate in the 1972 provincial election, a founding member of the Reform Party of Canada, and a Reform Party candidate in the 1988 federal election. Besides farming, Dad delivered fuel, sold hail insurance and served on numerous boards: Assessment Review Board of Manitoba, Portage Mutual Insurance and was President of the Union of Manitoba Municipalities. Dad also coached kid's hockey. He was always interested in the welfare of his neighbours and friends. In his final year he put together a narrative of his 90 years in Rosser. Dad had a quick wit, a skill in telling a good joke and a very positive outlook on life. His stories have entertained many and he was often asked to tell them again and again. Dad loved to read, work in his garden and keep connected to his family, friends and neighbours. The Beachell family wishes to thank the many neighbours who helped Dad and us through some difficult times and also joined us for "happy hour". Thank you to all the homecare workers and nurses who, in a professional and caring manner, made Dad's last weeks at home possible. Dad will be greatly missed but he has left a legacy of love, laughter and caring. It was Dad's wish that neighbours and friends gather to celebrate a life well lived. Join us at Anderson's Hitch'n Post, 2079 Ridge Road, Grosse Isle, Manitoba at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Dad loved poetry and would recite pieces from memory, a favourite was "The Finest Things". The finest things in life are those we neither sell nor buy, A bursting bud, a bird that sings, A glowing Western sky, And friends to love, they are indeed well worth their weight in gold And may you know the gladness which such things forever hold. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 2014-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Thank you to the Beachell family for allowing me to be a part of Alan's care. Alan was a very special man, kind, thoughtful, full of great stories and knew how to throw in a good laugh. An amazing person! - Posted by: Joanne oliver (Private Healthcare Worker for Alan ) on: Jul 22, 2015
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My condolences to family and friends. - Posted by: Amy Ascani (Niece by marriage) on: Jul 21, 2015
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Condolences to the Beachell Family on behalf of The Roche Family..The Rosser area has lost a great pillar of the community..Alan always had the Rosser community's best interests at heart..He will surely missed by all friends, neighbors and especially family.. All the best in a difficult time--The Roche Family - Posted by: Bruce Roche -c/o Roche Family (Friends of the family) on: Jul 20, 2015
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Sincere condolences to Mr. Beachell's family. We will miss Mr. Beachell's gentle smile And friendly wave hello. When Tim & I moved to Rosser Mr. Beachell welcomed us to the town of Rosser. He kindly brought us the best veggies from his garden. He also gave us the best strawberry plants one could receive! Never expecting anything in return just a true gentleman and so humble. Thank you Mr. Beachell for everything! - Posted by: The Zaretzky Family (Neighbour) on: Jul 20, 2015
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A true gentlemen, with always a story to tell and a lesson learned. It was so great to see him at the 125 party last summer and see the spark that was always in his eyes. Happy hour will continue for evermore. - Posted by: Bruce Beaton And Valerie Bruce (former neighbour) on: Jul 20, 2015
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Our heartfelt sympathies to all the family. Alan was the last of an era and we are so happy to have spent time with him last year sharing stories in the love and warmth of the family. He will be sorely missed and will live on in our hearts and all the great memories will keep him alive eternally. There is a wonderful reunion going on in heaven right now! - Posted by: Denise Beachell (2nd cousin) on: Jul 18, 2015
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Alan was a dear, sweet man whose devotion to family, friends and acquaintances, defined his long and amazing life. We knew him as our dear friend Laurie's husband. After our many visits to the farm, we could not help but admire his wit, intelligence and generosity of spirit even as illness was ending his life. Sheldon's last words to him were: you know you are my idol. Without skipping a beat, Alan retorted, you should aim higher. We all had a good chuckle over that one. What a guy! We will miss our visits. May he rest in peace with all those who have gone before him. - Posted by: Sheldon and Sandy Glass (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2015
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Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father, grandfather and great-grandfather. It was so nice to see his big smile at the wedding just a few weeks back. Please know that we are thinking of you all at this sad time. Carol & Wally Sawchuk - Posted by: Carol & Wally Sawchuk (New friend of family) on: Jul 18, 2015
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Sorry to learn of Alan's passing. He had a long and fulfilling life. While we both served in municipal government, we would frequently meet at UMM, MAUM, or AMM conferences, and sometimes FCM ones too. Alan's late aunt, Kay, was my Grade I teacher and Alan and I would often chat about our memories of her. Sincere condolences to Alan's family in your loss. - Posted by: Jae Eadie (municipal government colleague) on: Jul 18, 2015
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Across the track neighbours for 8 years and have many good memories of the Rosser days. Lynne's Dad and Alan had many common political interests which were shared when the Peasley's came to Rosser to visit. Alan's campaign trailer graced our east yard one election. We will be thinking of you all on Thursday as you share memories of an amazing man. Fred & Lynne Sutton - Posted by: Fred & Lynne Sutton (Family Friends) on: Jul 18, 2015
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Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.He was an extraordinary man whose presence will be missed by many. - Posted by: Fred and Jo-Ann Gittoes (friends) on: Jul 18, 2015