James Charles Russell “Russ” BEATTY
1913-2002
Of Comox, passed peacefully away at home, after a courageous battle with cancer, on Saturday, June 1st, 2002 at age 89.
He leaves to mourn his passing; his loving wife of 61 years, Ethel (nee Brown); his three children Douglas Russell Beatty of Comox, BC; Donna Louise Grant (Ross) of Crofton, BC and Dr. Kenneth Charles Beatty (Ethne) of St. John’s, NF. His three sisters Kay Hamlyn of Regina, SK; Muriel (Don) Bowman of Regina, SK and Margurite Botter of Medicine Hat, AB. His two grandchildren, Andrew (Barbara) Grant - parents to greatgrandchildren - William and Fiona Grant of Crofton, BC and Ian Grant (Laurissa) of Mission, BC. His many nieces and nephews will greatly miss their “uncle puff”. Russ was predeceased by an infant son David, his only brother Flying Officer Alvin Beatty of Barford, SK, a casualty of World War Two, in 1943; his mother Clara Beatty of Regina, SK in 1959; his father William Beatty of Vancouver, BC in 1974; and his brother-in-law Thomas A. “Tony” Botter of Medicine Hat, AB on April 19, 2002.
Russ wan born on May 5th, 1913 in Kaleida, Manitoba, Coming from sturdy pioneering stock, Russ tried his hand at many things before signing up for the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1940. He retired from the RCAF in 1963 as a Flight Sergeant after serving 24 years. He had the privilege of going to England to set up a new supply depot in 1952 and received a Coronation Medal. His career in the forces took he and his family to many parts of Canada and everywhere he was he put all his effort into providing the best life for his family that he could, taking on many extra jobs to improve our quality of life. He was a Cub Master, while stationed at Lincoln Park in Calgary. He very much enjoyed taking his sons hunting and fishing, he enjoyed the outdoors and many good times were had camping across Canada. He served as an elder of the United Church for several years. On retiring from the RCAF, Russ worked for Canadian Pacific Airlines and Ash Temple, a dental supply firm, until retiring to the good life in Comox on Vancouver Island in 1980. He very much enjoyed curling all his life, particularly in the Senior’s League of the Comox Valley Curling Club and loved his vegetable garden. Having a good rapport with horses and children he enjoyed volunteering with the disabled riding program, he would do anything to help a neighbour or anyone in need. Growing up, our home was fondly referred to as Beatty’s Hotel, as Dad was always generously offering hospitality to friends and family alike.
He set a fine example to all by being the living embodiment of a life well and truly lived. He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
The family wishes to thank all those who assisted in the care of Russ and particularly; Dr. Don Blacklock, Dr. Barbara Fehlau, Dr. James Chartrand, the Home Care Nurses and Community Health Care Workers. The family thanks John and Peggy Lalonde, Taffy and Sky, without your help we would not have made it through this very tough time.
A Service of Remembrance, in Celebration of his life will be held on Friday, June 7th at 2 p.m. from the CHAPEL of COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1101 RYAN ROAD, with fellowship and refreshments to follow in the “Garden Room” of the funeral home.
For those wishing, donations in Russ’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, Comox Valley Unit, #102-1509 Cliffe Ave., Courtenay, BC V9N 2K6