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BECKERMAN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-12-08 published
LAURIN, L. Kenneth
Peacefully and without pain or incident, on December 7, 2005 at his beloved Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital in his 82nd year, L. Kenneth LAURIN, Immediate Past President of the Hospital Auxiliary and member of the Board. Former Corporate Secretary, Treasurer, and partner for more than 20 years at Cooper Lybrand, and previously a senior financial officer at Singer and Johnson & Johnson Canada. Predeceased by his beloved wife Emmy Pfenning LAURIN and his brother William Alfred LAURIN of Montreal. Survived by his daughter, Susan BECKERMAN of Prince Rupert, British Columbia his sister-in-law Dolores LAURIN (Regina,) his niece Kathryn LAURIN and her husband Read JORGENSEN (Regina,) his nephew William LAURIN and his wife Lori ALTER (Toronto,) his beloved grandnephews Will and Sheanan Kenneth LAURIN, his cousin Donn WILSON and his wife Lillian, and a host of their loving children and grandchildren in the Burns, Brown and Wilson families of Hamilton, Whitby and Aurora, Ontario. He will also be missed by his close Friends including Dick and Kate CAPPON of Oakville, "the Litchfield Gang," and innumerable others across the country. Ken was born in Montreal on February 17, 1924, was educated at Daniel O'Connell school, and volunteered for service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943. He qualified as a Pilot Officer and survived some of the most dangerous flying of the war on Wellington bombers in Europe and later on air transport over "the hump" of the Hymalayas in support of the British Army in Burma. He continued to fly in the Reserves after the war until the advent of jet fighters convinced him that accounting was his true calling. Ken and Emmy lived in Montreal for many years, and built a beautiful vacation home at Jay Peak in Vermont that they continued to retreat to after moving to Toronto in 1980 and on to Oakville in 1989. Ken was a man of tremendous charm and charisma, combined with a savvy and determined mind. His personal talents seemed limitless, from stained glass work through music and writing. His last days were spent surrounded by the love of Friends and family, and concerned and professional care from the staff of Three East at Oakville Trafalgar. Funeral service on Saturday, December 10 at 11 a.m., at Oakview Funeral Home, 56 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, Ontario L6K 1C7, 905-842-2252. Visitation one hour prior. Interment at St. Jude's Cemetery, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ken may be made on-line to the Oakville Hospital Foundation at www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com

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BECKERMAN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-03-01 published
BECKERMAN, Jack▲
On Sunday, February 27, 2005 at Shalom Village, Hamilton. Jack BECKERMAN, beloved husband of the late Dorothy. Loving father of Maxine and Irwin STEINBERG, Susan▲ and Peter SANDLER, Alan, and Stephan and Rachelli. Cherished grandfather of Deborah, David and Claudia, Ellen and David, Jonathan and Tammy, Bernardo, Jonah, and great-grandfather of Taryn, Abigail, Naomi, and Caitlyn. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Faye and Irving KORNBLUM, Eve and the late Ben FINKELSTEIN, and the late Miriam and Sam FINKELSTEIN. At Benjamin's▲ Park▲ Memorial▲ Chapel, 2401 Steeles Avenue West (2 lights west of Dufferin), for service on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2005 at 10: 00 a.m. Interment Temple Sinai section of Pardes Shalom Cemetery. Shiva 14 Anvil Millway. If desired, donations may be made to the Jack and Dorothy Beckerman Memorial Fund c/o The Benjamin Foundation, 3429 Bathurst Street, Toronto, M6A 2C3, 416-780-0324.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-04-29 published
GIBSON, Timothy Andrew
Suddenly with his loving mother Susan by his side in Toronto on Tuesday, April 26th, 2005, Timothy Andrew GIBSON in his 33rd year. son of David (Marion) GIBSON. Dear brother of Keith and step brother of Leigh, Frank, and Jane. He will be very sadly missed by his grandparents Mabel and Leslie PIERCE, and Helen and Arthur GIBSON as well as by many uncles, aunts, and cousins. Fondly remembered by his great uncle Gordon (Joyce) PIERCE in England, great aunt Jean LYONS in Australia, great aunt Mag (Fred) MORRIS of Montreal and great uncle Bill BECKETT of Thedford. Visitation in the Lloyd R. Needham Funeral Chapel (520 Dundas Street, London) on Sunday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the funeral service will be conducted on Monday, May 2nd, 2005 at 1: 00 pm. Cremation to follow with a private interment at St. Peter's Cemetery to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tim's name can be made to The Toronto Lung Transplant Civitan Club Building Fund, 48 Manor Haven Road, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2J1

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-02-09 published
Margaret S. GAIRNS
By Christine BECKETT, Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - Page A18
Teacher, wag. Born July 26, 1910, in Toronto. Died January 10, 2005, following a stroke, aged 94.
Margaret GAIRNS' exemplary teaching of English at Toronto's Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute embodied that school's excellence. She taught two or three generations of some families: in 1937-38 she taught my father, and in 1967-68 she taught me.
Born in Toronto, an only child of only children, Margaret stayed with her Scots parents all their lives. She spoke proudly of them often -- the father an avid gardener, the mother artistically inclined. Not yet 21, she took her B.A. from Victoria College. (In later years, GAIRNS also earned her M.A.)
Fellow grads and lifelong closest Friends Marjorie and Walter MANN became English teachers in Ottawa; Margaret always holidayed with them, marking papers during travel. Another dear Ottawa friend was the New Democratic Party's Stanley KNOWLES. Gretchen and Susan MANN claimed they had four parents -- "Mom, Dad, Stanley, and Marg!" Margaret was very proud of her two daughters, and they in turn stood by her all her life.
As a teacher, Margaret GAIRNS was not flamboyant. She did not believe in entertaining a class, and she did not fraternize. Passionate, precise and proud, she could be sardonically merciless three grammar or spelling mistakes on a paper and a student said goodbye to an A. Teaching the great works of English literature, GAIRNS shone brilliantly. She honed student thought to an edge coals were heaped on those who misquoted sources. Yet she stayed open to new ways. When asked if a class could sit in a circle, she agreed to try it, liked it, and boasted of it for years. At 93, revisiting her teaching notes for King Lear, she declared them "not too bad."
Margaret could be an irascible wag. During retirement, from her modest home she watched two adjoining properties nearby used to erect one pretentious house with Doric pillars. She threatened to tack a message to those pillars -- "My name is Ozymandias..." finally relenting only because "whoever bought such a house wouldn't know the reference."
Margaret did not go easy. At her final residence, she walked daily, grumped energetically, haunted the library, sought good conversation, music and culture. A visiting violinist who performed Vaughan Williams's The Lark Ascending was asked, "You do know the reference?" He didn't. She did. By heart.
Incurably independent, she had fathomless reserves of feeling. Admirers? Many. Married? Never! Kids? Thousands.
Margaret GAIRNS was a staunch benefactress of Victoria University in the U of T. She never trumpeted this. She simply, quietly, built up her country. At 94, she seemed a permanent part of it. She had extraordinary backbone and indomitable spirit; courage always to say what she thought; a love of avocado salad and single-malt pride in her Scots heritage; a penchant for public speaking and being the centre of attention; joy in her students; zest for travel, often by ocean liner; high standards, caustic wit, a rich laugh, and hope for a better world -- not just in the afterlife, where she might be now, chatting with Stanley Knowles, Tommy Douglas, maybe discussing Lear with the Bard himself -- but here and now in this life. She worked long, hard and humbly for that.
A devoted member of Deer Park United Church, Margaret GAIRNS co-planned her own memorial service with her minister, who declared her wishes "clear and forceful." These were for brevity, simplicity, the poetry of the King James Bible, the dignity of Scottish psalter hymns, Shakespeare, and Bach. It was an honour to have known her at all, a blessing it could be for so long. Doubt not that it is now "Margaret [we] mourn for" -- she would know the reference and forgive us our tears.
Christine BECKETT is a friend of Margaret.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-03-17 published
CHILVERS, Violet▼ (née DOWNING)
Suddenly at her home on Sunday, March 13, 2005. Loved mother of Jean SUTHERLAND and her partner Gary CASKENNETTE, Richard▼ and his wife Barbara▼ and Joan BECKETT and her husband John. Dear sister of the late William, Sydney, Joseph, Arthur, Frederick and Grace LUNDY. Loving▼ grandmother of Joanie HARPER, Jennifer ROGERS and her husband Mike, Johnathan CHILVERS and Samantha CHILVERS and great-grandmother of Matthew ROGERS. Fondly▼ remembered by the Cleveland family. Sadly missed by her nieces and nephews. Immeasurably missed by all. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 2nd 2005 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church (3200 Bayview Ave., north of Finch). Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke's would be appreciated.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-03-26 published
Royce FRITH, Lawyer, Politician, Diplomat 1923-2005
As canny as he was charming, he never seriously ran for office and instead horse-traded his way into the Senate before being sent to London as High Commissioner, writes Sandra MARTIN. An enthusiastic amateur thespian, he above all relished the drama of the 1995 turbot wars against Spanish fishermen
Saturday, March 26, 2005, Page S9
Tall, patrician, and impeccably dressed, Royce FRITH was a natural communicator who moved through life with charm and grace. A lawyer by training, a Liberal by avocation, and a performer by instinct, he had the potential to be either chief justice of the Supreme Court or prime minister. That he was neither was a mystery to many, but the most likely explanation was fourfold: He was intensely private; his many talents, which included acting and singing, tempted him to enjoy life in the broadest sense; he needed to make a living; and, although he relished influence, he wasn't hungry enough to seek real power.
Mr. FRITH suffered two great tragedies in his life -- the breakdown of his marriage followed by his estranged wife's premature death in 1976, and the death four years later of his son Greg from malignant melanoma at age 25 -- but he kept his anguish to himself and never really spoke about these losses even with his closest Friends. He maintained the same strict privacy in the last few years about his own struggle with cancer. Even many of his closest Friends did not know the extent of his illness.
He served his country as a member of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, as a Senator during the Trudeau and Mulroney eras, and perhaps most famously as the High Commissioner to England and Northern Ireland who saved Canada House and who rallied British fishermen to the Canadian cause during the "turbot war" with the Spanish in the mid-1990s.
Earlier this week, senators from all sides of the Upper Chamber rose to pay tribute to Mr. FRITH. Liberal Joyce FAIRBURN noted that he had "cut a swath through this place with a potent mix of intellect, talent, humour, stubbornness, skill and commitment that challenged the rest of us to think and act well beyond the boundaries of this chamber." Conservative Lowell MURRAY, who had often "crossed swords" with Mr. FRITH, especially during the 1990 G.S.T. filibuster, praised him as "a model of bilingualism," and an "enjoyable, engaging and interesting companion and a great raconteur." Long-time political strategist Dorothy DAVEY, speaking on behalf of herself and her husband, former Senator Keith DAVEY, said, "he brought intelligence and élan to every position he held and joy and warmth to every Friendship he graced and every room he entered,"
Royce Herbert FRITH was born in Lachine, Quebec, the only son of George Harry FIRTH and Annie Beatrice ROYCE. He was educated at Lachine High School and transferred to Parkdale Collegiate after the family moved to Toronto in the mid-1930s. He graduated from the University of Toronto in 1946 and Osgoode Hall in 1949 and then did a Diplôme d' études supérieures (droit) at the University of Ottawa. By then, he had married Elizabeth DAVISON, a professional singer whom he had met through The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
Back in Toronto, the FRITHs lived in Leaside and Mr. FRITH practised law on his own for nearly two years before joining two colleagues to form the firm of Magwood, Frith and Pocock. He made his political affiliation to the Liberal party early, serving as national treasurer of the Young Liberal Association in 1949. He got involved in local politics by sitting on Leaside town council in 1951 and 1952 and serving as reeve in 1953. He won the nomination as the provincial Liberal candidate for York East in 1955, but lost by more than 7,000 votes to Hollis BECKETT, the Conservative candidate.
He never ran for public office again. Former Senator John NICHOL thinks of Mr. FRITH as a Renaissance man. He speculates that he didn't actively pursue a career in elected politics because "his interests were so broad, in the arts and music, that I don't think he wanted to limit himself to the treadmill existence of an member of Parliament, or worse, a cabinet minister."
Instead he became a strategist and an organizer, becoming president of the Ontario Liberal Association in 1960, a position he held until 1962. By then, he was one of the key members of Cell 13, a group organized by Keith DAVEY, then national director of the Liberal Party, to build up electoral support for Lester PEARSON and his brand of reform liberalism throughout the country after the party's disastrous showings in the 1957 and 1958 federal elections. One of Cell 13's key activities, as described by Christina McCall-Newman in her book Grits, was "travelling show-and tell demonstrations of canvassing, speaking, and advertising methods" for novice candidates, collected under the rubric of the School of Practical Politics. Mr. FRITH, was a key trainer in these "campaign colleges."
Before the 1963 election that gave Mr. PEARSON his first minority government, the perfectly bilingual Mr. FRITH was a practising lawyer, the host of a television program called Telepoll on the newly formed CTV network, and an applicant before the Board of Broadcast Governors for a licence to establish a private radio station in Windsor, close to the border with the United States.
He got the licence, much to the annoyance of Windsor member of Parliament Paul MARTIN, who thought it should go to a local, and four months later relinquished it in favour of his silent partner, media czar Geoffrey STIRLING.
Mr. DAVEY was not pleased at these public rufflings of Liberal party solidarity, which provided John DIEFENBAKER with fuel for his scathing wit. In his 1986 book, The Rainmaker, he wrote: "Though never quite a dilettante, Royce was not prepared to commit totally to anything, least of all a political career." He went on to say that he regarded Mr. FRITH as "a squandered political resource" who might even have been prime minister. "Too often, however, he slid by on his remarkable personality."
Mr. PEARSON did not share that view. One of his first acts as Prime Minister was to establish the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, with Mr. FRITH as one of ten commissioners. He served the Commission faithfully and well, saying at one point in the hearings that: "If one section of the country sees it as consisting of a majority and a minority while the other sees it as an equal partnership, this does not provide a fertile ground for the exchange of culture. Until we can find ways to change these attitudes, the present conflict will continue."
Earlier this week, Keith SPICER, who was appointed Canada's first Commissioner of Official Languages by Pierre TRUDEAU in 1970, paid tribute to Mr. FRITH who served as his legal adviser. "Royce's advice, in those days when language was still a minefield of anger, misunderstanding and prejudice, was fundamental to the success of the Official Languages Act."
As canny as he was charming, Mr. FRITH struck himself an advantageous deal when the Liberals wanted him to be Ontario campaign manager in the late 1970s. Perhaps Mr. FRITH knew how hard it would be to deliver Ontario to the Liberals in the wake of Mr. TRUDEAU's imposition of the War Measures Act and wage and price controls. He was willing to give up his lucrative law practice to serve the party but he asked for, and received, an appointment to the Senate in 1977. He then took on running the Ontario campaign in the 1979 election, the election that saw Mr. TRUDEAU trounced by Joe CLARK's Progressive Conservatives.
In the Senate, Mr. FRITH was an active and gifted debater and served as deputy leader of the government from 1980 to 1984, deputy leader of the Opposition from 1984 to 1991 and leader of the Opposition from 1991. Working in Ottawa gave him the opportunity to spend more time in nearby Perth, his mother's ancestral home in the Ottawa Valley, and to indulge his passion for amateur theatricals, including playing Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. "Quite frankly," said Senator David SMITH, "he was better looking than Rex Harrison and he had a real polish and flair."
He resigned his Senate seat in 1994, five years before mandatory retirement at age 75, to become High Commissioner to London, his final and most triumphant period of public life. He waged two major campaigns. Under his predecessor Fredrik EATON, appointed by Brian MULRONEY, there was a serious danger that the lease on Canada House in its flagship location in Trafalgar Square in London, was going to be allowed to lapse. Mr. FRITH was appalled and did his utmost to point out that losing Canada House was going to be a blow to Canadian tradition and prestige. He also discovered that under the terms of the lease, Canada had to restore the building to its original condition before handing it back to the Crown. Instead of saving money, giving up Canada House was going to cost a great deal. That proved a winning argument in those cost-conscious days.
Former Liberal Cabinet minister Brian Tobin, now a lawyer in the private sector, had trained as a young candidate with Mr. FRITH in one of the many campaign colleges. He appreciated Mr. FRITH's brand of Liberalism. "He understood the private sector very well, but he also had a huge heart and understood that not only did you have to produce wealth in this society, you have to be fair to those who have fewer advantages."
But what really endeared Mr. FRITH to him was the role he played in the turbot wars when Mr. Tobin was federal minister of fisheries. Members of the fishing community in Cornwall started flying Canadian flags because they were upset by the over-fishing that they themselves were seeing by the Spanish and the Portuguese and they sympathized with Canada's position. Mr. FRITH went to visit them to say thank you. "He did a marvellous job," said Mr. Tobin. "He was such an articulate, persuasive personality that he could walk into a community he had never been in before in his life at a time like that and really embody Canada in the most positive sense of the word."
When asked if he had a favourite memory of Mr. FRITH, he said, "I see this big tall guy in a bow tie with chiselled features, big grin, flashing eyes looking for the next big cause, bare knuckles and all, to embrace. And that's Royce."
If Mr. FRITH was disappointed when he was recalled in 1996 to make way for former Cabinet minister Roy MacLaren to succeed him in London, he kept it to himself.
The Vancouver law firm now called Borden Ladner Gervais invited him to join them as a consultant on British and European affairs. The climate was better than in Ottawa and he had Friends there, especially former Senators John Nichol and George Van Roggen. He quickly became the centre of a social circle that revolved around the Vancouver Symphony, the board of Pearson College and the Vancouver Club. "Royce would walk in every day," said David Smith, "looking like he had just come off Jermyn Street, tailored by Savile Row. I never needed to book anything [when I went to Vancouver], all I had to do was go to the Vancouver Club and there he would be looking like a million dollars."
Mr. FRITH's daughter Valerie also moved to Vancouver where she taught for a number of years in the publishing program at Simon Fraser University. He never remarried, although he had many close women Friends, most notably Hillary Haggan in recent years.
Royce Herbert FRITH was born in Lachine, Quebec, on November 12, 1923. He died of pneumonia as a complication of malignant myeloma at home in Vancouver on March 17, 2005. He was 81. He is survived by his daughter Valerie and her family.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-01-24 published
BELLIS, Jacqueline M. (BECKETT)
Passed away suddenly at Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Alliston, Ontario on Thursday, January 20, 2005, in her 83rd year. Predeceased by her beloved husband Sam. Loved mother of Jacqueline and her husband Craig MILLAGE. She will be greatly missed by family and Friends. If so desired, memorial donations to Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation Alliston would be appreciated. Private cremation and arrangements entrusted to W. John Thomas Funeral Home, 244 Victoria St. E., Alliston, Ontario, (705) 435-5101.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-04 published
EMOND, Gary Ernest
At New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York on February 2nd, 2005 following a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 53. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend Sandra and will be sorely missed by his children Taryn (Johnathan) BECKETT and Alexander EMOND as well as his granddaughter Emma BECKETT. Gary was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Bernadette EMOND. He is survived by his sister Linda (Doug) GRIEVE, and his brothers Rick (Irene), Bob (Bonnie), and Glenn (Margaret) and his many nieces and nephews. Gary will be missed by his extended family along with many Friends and his co-workers at BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. in Toronto and New York City. Family and Friends will be received at Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Road, Scarborough (between Eglinton and St. Clair Aves. E.) from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 6, 2005. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 7, 2005 at 10 a.m. at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 717 Kennedy Rd., Scarborough. Interment in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-16 published
BECKETT, Hazel Veronica
Peacefully in her sleep at her residence on February 13th, 2005 at the age of fifty-four. Hazel, beloved daughter of the late Gerald and Mary BECKETT. Loving sister of Gerry (Marlene,) Linda (Tony), Greg (Patricia), Frances, Glen (Gail), Mary (George), Joan (John), John (Maria). She will be fondly remembered by her 31 nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at the Washington & Johnston Funeral Home, 717 Queen Street East (parking entrance off Broadview Avenue), 416-465-3577, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16th, 2005. The Funeral Service for Hazel will be held on Thursday, February 17th, 2005 at 11 a.m. in St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, 120 First Street (at Gerrard). Interment to follow in Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Scarborough.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-19 published
MacFAYDEN, Douglas Richard
Suddenly, on February 17, 2005, in his 58th year. son of the late Keith MacFAYDEN and the late Elizabeth BECKETT. Step-son of Grace MacFAYDEN and George BECKETT. Doug will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his children Tara, Caitlin and Spencer MacFAYDEN and their mothers Karen MacFAYDEN, and Nancy DYE. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins and Friends to mourn him. Visitation will take place at Pine Hills Visitation Chapel and Reception Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd., Scarborough, (north of St. Clair) from 6-9 p.m. Monday February 21. Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Tuesday, February 22 at 1 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverdale Centre, 312 Broadview Ave. Toronto Ontario M4M 2G5.

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BECKETT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-03-17 published
CHILVERS, Violet▲ (née DOWNING)
Suddenly, at her home, on Sunday, March 13, 2005. Loved mother of Jean SUTHERLAND and her partner Gary CASKENNETTE, Richard▲ and his wife Barbara,▲ and Joan BECKETT and her husband John. Dear sister of the late William, Sydney, Joseph, Arthur, Frederick, and Grace LUNDY. Loving▲ grandmother of Joanie HARPER, Jennifer ROGERS and her husband Mike, Johnathan CHILVERS, and Samantha CHILVERS, and great-grandmother of Matthew ROGERS. Fondly▲ remembered by the Cleveland family. Sadly missed by her nieces and nephews. Immeasurably missed by all. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 2 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church (3200 Bayview Ave., north of Finch). Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Luke's would be appreciated.

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2005-04-06 published
POLLARD, Alan▼ Roy▼ " Big▼ Al"
At the Grey Bruce Health Services, Southampton on Monday, April 4, 2005, at the age of 63 years, Al POLLARD of Port Elgin. Husband of Jackie POLLARD. Father▼ of Sue and her husband Francis TOUSSAINT of France, Kim and her husband Jim THEDE of Burgoyne, and Al Jr., and his wife Cindy of Omemee. Papa to Jamie, Sarah, Kristen, Chad and Nicole. Brother of Bob POLLARD and his wife Barb▼ of Scarborough, Russ POLLARD and his wife Mary▼ Anne▼ of Brantford, and Win and her husband Ray BECKFORD of Havelock. Predeceased by his brothers Dick and Ken, by his sister Barb, and by his sister-in-law Connie POLLARD. Surviving▼ also are his sister-in-law Marjorie POLLARD, and his brother-in-law Jack PORTER. Friends▼ may call at the W. Kent Milroy Port Elgin Chapel, 510 Mill Street, Port Elgin (Town of Saugeen Shores) from 7: 00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening. A private family funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Peter STOPFORD officiating. Memorial contributions to the Thameswood Lodge in London, or the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Service would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Portrait and memorial online at www.milroyfuneralhomes.com
Page A2

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-05 published
McBEAN, Franceita (1920-2005)
Peacefully, on January 29, 2005 in her 85th year. Dear mother of Gloria BECKFORD and the late Christine FORSKIN (2002.) Loving grandmother of Lorington, Winslow, and Nadine FOSKIN; Georgia LINDSAY, Claudine GAYLE and Lori-Anne BECKFORD. Franceita will be sadly missed by her five great-grandchildren and by her sisters Martha and Catherine FERRILL, Winnifred FOREMAN, Elaine McBEAN and the late Carmen McBEAN (2001;) nephews Linval CHISHOLM, Leon CARNEY, Trenton RICKETTS, Brian SAMUELS; and by many relatives and Friends. A funeral service will be held at the Apple Creek Seventh Day Adventist Church, 700 Apple Creek Boulevard, Markham (905-946-8751 - off Warden, north of Highway 7) on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 at 10 o'clock. Interment Elgin Mills Cemetery, Richmond Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca) or to a charity of your choice.

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-04-06 published
POLLARD, Alan▲ Roy▲ " Big▲ Al"
At the Grey Bruce Health Services, Southampton on Monday, April 4, 2005, at the age of 63 years, Al POLLARD of Port Elgin. Husband of Jackie POLLARD. Father▲ of Sue and her husband Francis TOUSSAINT of France, Kim and her husband Jim THEDE of Burgoyne, and Al Jr. and his wife Cindy of Omemee. Papa to Jamie, Sarah, Kristen, Chad and Nicole. Brother of Bob POLLARD and his wife Barb▲ of Scarborough, Russ POLLARD and his wife Mary▲ Anne▲ of Brantford, and Win and her husband Ray BECKFORD of Havelock. Predeceased by his brothers Dick and Ken, by his sister Barb, and by his sister-in-law Connie POLLARD. Surviving▲ also are his sister-in-law Marjorie POLLARD, and his brother-in-law Jack PORTER. Friends▲ may call at the W. Kent Milroy Port Elgin Chapel, 510 Mill Street, Port Elgin (Town of Saugeen Shores) from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening. A private family funeral service will be conducted with Pastor Peter STOPFORD officiating. Memorial contributions to Thameswood Lodge in London or the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, Palliative Care Service would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Portrait and memorial online at www.milroyfuneralhomes.com

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-05-21 published
RYAN, Edmund Joseph
At home, with his family by his side, Uncle Ed passed away on May 18, 2005 in his 87th year. He was the beloved brother and friend of John RYAN and Mary RYAN and will be forever missed. He was predeceased by his brother Jim and sister-in-law Kay. Edmund was the much loved uncle of Frank RYAN (Gail,) Jim RYAN (Gennifer,) Joe RYAN (Lori,) Kevin RYAN, Mary ELLIOT/ELLIOTT (Craig) and Patty BRADLEY (the late Graham.) He will always be remembered by Susie PENNY and her family. As a great-uncle, he had a special place in his heart for Laura, Erin, Theresa, Lindsay, John and Kathleen. A sincere thank you to his caregiver Marvi BECKFORD. Edmund, his sister and two brothers were raised on Baccalieu Island, Newfoundland. As the fourth and last generation of RYANs to be lighthouse keepers on Baccalieu, Uncle Ed was part of a legacy that kept the light burning on Baccalieu for almost a century. A bachelor for life, Uncle Ed moved to Toronto with the rest of the family in the early fifties where he devoted his life to his faith, his family and his work. Uncle Ed was born on November 11, 1918, the day Word War I ended. The irony of his birthday is not missed by those who knew this man and his gentle spirit. Resting at the Paul O'Conner Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E. (between Warden and Pharmacy) from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral Mass on Wednesday morning at 10: 00 a.m. in Precious Blood Church (Lawrence east of Victoria Park). Interment Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-10-29 published
Body of boy, 12, found in basement
Family engulfed in pre-dawn horror
By Scott SIMMIE and Dale Anne FREED, Staff Reporters, Page A1
It was shortly before 3 a.m. yesterday when residents at the north end of Coady Ave. in Leslieville awoke to a horrifying sound: Guttural, almost feral, screams of shock and grief.
"Mommy, Mommy, Mommeeee," wailed a distraught girl in her teens, lying collapsed on the sidewalk. "No, Mommy, nooo!" she cried, lit both by the streetlight and the flashing red from the first police cruiser on the scene.
Inside 96 Coady Ave., the body of a 12-year-old boy had just been discovered in the basement, the body of her brother, Jamie CHAVEZ.
The cause of his death has not yet been determined. An autopsy yesterday was inconclusive.
"Information collected at this point has not given us a conclusive cause of death," coroner Dr. Trevor GILLMORE said last night.
"Further testing and investigation will be required."
Homicide detectives were monitoring the case pending definitive autopsy results, police spokesperson George CHRISTOPOULOS said last night.
Neighbour Louise COLE, who lives several houses down the block, said she heard the dead boy's older brother, Abel, 18, yell to his mother, Karen CHAVEZ, from the basement of 96 Coady: "Mom, I found him."
COLE said Abel told her he noticed a "bin" in the basement. "He gave it a kick and opened the lid and there was his brother."
The mother called police as soon as Abel found the body, COLE said. It was the second time she called police in the early-morning hours, COLE said. CHAVEZ had called police about 1: 30 a.m. when she found Jamie missing after she got home from work, COLE said. Police searched the house but found no trace of the boy, the neighbour said.
CHAVEZ had phoned COLE before she called police the first time, hoping he might be at her home, where he often visited. But she hadn't seen him.
When police left after finding nothing on the first call, COLE said, she told Abel to "go look in the (backyard) shed."
The shed was locked, and Abel went to the basement to find a screwdriver to break the lock. That's when he found his brother.
In addition to Abel, Jamie's sisters, Vanessa, 16, and Veronica, 14, two teenage cousins and an 18-year-old friend of Abel who has been living in the house for six months were also in the house Thursday night.
Another friend of Abel said he knew Jamie made it home from school. "I saw him at about 7 p.m. He was washing dishes in the kitchen," said the friend, Jermaine, who wouldn't give his last name. "He was by himself. They were in the living room. It was all cool.
"I left at about 7: 30 p.m. They were just eating chocolate cake."
CHAVEZ had separated from her husband, Alex, about two months ago and was working nights at a packaging and labelling factory to support her family, said COLE's husband, Ronald.
A mass for Jamie, a Grade 7 student at St. Joseph's Catholic school, was held yesterday at the neighbouring Catholic church. His classmates presented poems and memories, principal Anthony TACOMA said after the mass as grieving students walked by, some holding a remembrance poster about Jamie, one holding a candle. Grief counsellors, a social worker and a school psychologist were called in to help students and staff deal with the death, he said.
"He was a very well-liked boy (and) a hard-working student," said TACOMA, who had tossed a football with Jamie and his Friends the day before he died.
It was a long and difficult day on Coady Ave. yesterday.
The screams of the sister who had collapsed on the sidewalk became part of a disturbing chorus as at least two teenage boys and the mother, in utter panic, ran shrieking up and down the sidewalk.
Helter-skelter they ran, bolting frantically back and forth in any direction except toward the house from which they'd come. Within minutes, five police cars and two ambulances had arrived, along with a paramedic supervisor vehicle.
"My baby, my baby," screamed the mother with such anguish that one neighbour who heard her said she got goosebumps.
Officers quickly began cordoning off the area with yellow police tape, asking a freelance television cameraman who was videotaping on a porch across from the home to move to the far end of the one-way street.
One of the teen boys who'd been running finally stopped, exhausted and numb, and buried his head against an officer's shoulder. The policeman wrapped his arm around the boy, gently patting his back.
Another teen emerged from the neighbouring half of the semi-detached home.
"How are you doing tonight?" asked another officer, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
As night began to fall, police took out more yellow tape and began marking off the front yard of the home.
Asked if it was now a crime scene, an officer replied: "It always was."
Across the street, three teenage girls stood silently holding a photocopy of what appeared to be a school photo of Jamie.
"When I first heard the news I started bursting out crying," said Shaneika BECKFORD, 15. "It's really sad. I don't know why it had to happen.
"I need to know why he died. I just saw him yesterday."

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BECKFORD o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-11-29 published
TAVIGNOT, Margaret Melbourne
It is with great sadness that the family of Melba TAVIGNOT announces her passing on November 28, 2005 in Toronto. Loving and devoted wife of Maurice (Mo) TAVIGNOT of East York, wonderful and supportive mother to Mary Lou DOUGLAS/DOUGLASS (John) of Markham, and Helen ESPOSITO (John) of Pickering, doting grandmother to Jennifer DOUGLAS/DOUGLASS (Michael BECKFORD) of Ajax, Stefanie DICKERSON (Aaron) of Ajax, Danielle ESPOSITO (Christian BARNARD) of Victoria, Scott DOUGLAS/DOUGLASS of Toronto, and Derek ESPOSITO of Pickering; loving great-grandmother to Jordan, Hannah, Aidan, Abigail and John. Born in Cavan, County Cavan, Ireland in 1922, she later travelled to London, England where she trained as a nurse. During World War 2, she met the love of her life Mo, a member of the Irish Regiment of the Canadian Army. After the war they settled in East York. A devoted and compassionate nurse. A long standing member of her church choir and the community Legion. A lover of horses and horse racing. A true Irish colleen, with always a smile and a song for all she met. She will be sadly missed. Resting at the Paul O'Conner Funeral Home, 1939 Lawrence Ave. E (between Warden and Pharmacy) from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, November 29th, 2005. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, November 30th, 2005 in Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, 3170 St. Clair Ave. E. (at Victoria Park) at 11 a.m. Interment in Holy Cross Cemetery, 8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill.

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BECKINGHAM o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-10-11 published
STEWARD/STEWART/STUART, Robert▼ A.▼ " Bob▼"
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert A. "Bob" STEWARD/STEWART/STUART of London announce his passing, after a long struggle with Alzheimers disease, at Parkwood Hospital, London on Sunday, October 9th, 2005 in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Susan (BECKINGHAM) STEWARD/STEWART/STUART. Dear father of David STEWARD/STEWART/STUART and his wife Carol▼ of Surrey, British Columbia., and Danny STEWARD/STEWART/STUART and his wife Sharon▼ of Victoria, British Columbia. Dear brother of Patricia ASHTON and her husband Hilton "H.R." of Gracefield Québec and Winnie DOBBIN of Oregon. Son-in-law▼ of George BECKINGHAM of London. Predeceased by his sister Jean CUBBON and his brother Walter STEWARD/STEWART/STUART. Loving▼ grandfather of Sherry CHAMBERLAIN and David STEWARD/STEWART/STUART, and his 3 great-grandchildren. Also will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Bob served his country for 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He was proud to be a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Lambeth Branch #501, a founding member of the Royal Canadian Naval Association of London and a long standing member of the Chiefs and P.O.'s Association of Victoria, British Columbia. At Bob's request, there will be no funeral visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place with a private family interment of cremated remains in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London (433-5184) entrusted with arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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BECKINGHAM o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-10-11 published
STEWARD/STEWART/STUART, Robert▲ A.▲ " Bob▲"
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert A. "Bob" STEWARD/STEWART/STUART of London announce his passing, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, at Parkwood Hospital, London on Sunday, October 9th, 2005 in his 83rd year. Beloved husband of Susan (BECKINGHAM) STEWARD/STEWART/STUART. Dear father of David STEWARD/STEWART/STUART and his wife Carol▲ of Surrey, British Columbia, and Danny STEWARD/STEWART/STUART and his wife Sharon▲ of Victoria, British Columbia. Dear brother of Patricia ASHTON and her husband Hilton "H.R." of GRACEFIELD, Québec, and Winnie DOBBIN of Oregon. Son-in-law▲ of George BECKINGHAM of London. Predeceased by his sister Jean CUBBON and his brother Walter STEWARD/STEWART/STUART. Loving▲ grandfather of Sherry CHAMBERLAIN and David STEWARD/STEWART/STUART, and his 3 great-grandchildren. Also will be remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Bob served his country for 21 years in the Royal Canadian Navy retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He was proud to be a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Lambeth Branch 501, a founding member of the Royal Canadian Naval Association of London and a longstanding member of the Chiefs and P.O.'s Association of Victoria, British Columbia. At Bob's request, there will be no funeral visitation or funeral service. Cremation has taken place with a private family interment of cremated remains in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London (1-877-246-7186), entrusted with arrangements. As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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BECKLES o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-11-20 published
One suspect shot in killing
By Canadian Press, Sun., November 20, 2005
Toronto -- Toronto police are looking for only one male suspect in the shooting of an 18-year-old man gunned down at church while attending the funeral of his slain friend.
Investigators now believe the three males seen running from the church Friday were potential witnesses: to the shooting.
The▼ victim has been identified as Amon BECKLES.
BECKLES was attending the funeral of his friend, Jamal HEMMINGS. He was with HEMMINGS when the 17-year-old teen was shot dead November 9.
Police▼ Chief▼ Bill▼ Blair says BECKLES had spoken to homicide officers about HEMMINGS' slaying, but said police had no reason to believe the man was at any risk.

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BECKLES o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-10-03 published
CAUSTON, Shirley Agnes (née DODD)
Peacefully at her home in Wilfrid on Friday September 30, 2005 at the age of 75 years. Shirley CAUSTON (née DODD) beloved wife of 56 years to Gordon CAUSTON. Loving mother of Janice BECKLES and her husband Guy of Oshawa and Glenn CAUSTON and his wife Josephine of Innisfil. Loving grandmother of Brandy Leigh, Aaron and Stephanie (Andy) and great grandmother of Morgan and Payton. Dear sister of Tom DODD and his wife Pat of Port Moody, British Columbia. Resting at the Taylor Funeral Home, 20846 Dalton Road, Sutton, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral Service in the chapel Wednesday at 2: 00 p.m. Cremation to follow. Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

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BECKLES o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-11-20 published
'He died as a man. He died as a friend'
The Victim, Father, role model, passionate reggae dancer, Amon BECKLES was a centrepiece in his family
By Jessica LEEDER and Dale Anne FREED Staff Reporters
Amon BECKLES was a star reggae dancer with dreams of going professional, a daddy to an 18-month-old daughter, and a Central Tech student on the brink of adult life.
To his four younger siblings, who grew up in awe of everything from his PlayStation and basketball prowess to his addiction to mayonnaise "sangwiches", he was a family centrepiece.
"He was a role model in my life," one brother said.
The likeable 18-year-old's dreams were cut short Friday when he was shot in the neck just outside the Toronto West Seventh-day Adventist Church on Albion Rd. where he had come to mourn his best friend, Jamal HEMMINGS, 17, his reggae partner and a homicide victim.
Nadia BECKLES, Amon's mother, was in the church when she heard gunshots. "I didn't know it was my son," she said. "I just heard somebody say his name."
A day later, she's planning for his funeral.
"I want them to know his death will not go in vain. He died as a man. He died as a friend."
BECKLES's family, gathered to mourn their own in the cramped living room of his grandmother's west Toronto house last night, spoke out on the condition none of their names be used. But not because they're scared. "We are handling it in our own way," said an aunt. "I don't know what to think right now. I'm in shock."
Even in his absence, BECKLES brought laughter to his family, many of whom grew up dancing at his side in a group run by two aunts called No Mercy.
"We'd dance in the gym, outside, in the back streets, everywhere," said one of BECKLES's cousins. "We loved to dance. We'd do it instead of doing nothing. We're still close as a family. Since the death happened, we're just..." she trailed off.
The teen was with her cousin at HEMMINGS's funeral. She said HEMMINGS was "pretty much a part of our family" and grew up dancing reggae with them.
"Jamal and Amon were best Friends; wherever Jamal was, you'd find Amon. They were like brothers," said Jamal's father, Michael HEMMINGS.
BECKLES was with HEMMINGS the night of November 9 when HEMMINGS was fatally shot, said Det. Sgt. Mario DITOMMASO. Just over a week later, BECKLES himself became a homicide statistic -- number 69 for the year -- gunned down outside the church where he'd gone to mourn his friend.
"Friends of his were trying to give him cardio-pulmonary resuscitation," said Const. Ewan MacLEOD, who arrived on scene just before 1 p.m. Friday.
Minutes before Pastor Andrew KING began the funeral service, he said he was told "shooters are in the church."
Even though KING knew there could be violence, he decided not to call police on advice from members of a community housing group who gave him the grim news, he told the Star.
"Two people from the community housing group came up and whispered to me that shooters were in the church," KING said yesterday outside a church service held at a nearby high school while forensic identification officers finished their probe of his Seventh-day Adventist Church.
He said he and the housing workers spoke about what to do. "They advised me not to call the police. I was apprehensive."
But KING thought they would all be safe inside the church. "We were terrified of the situation but we put our safety in the Lord Jesus Christ and we were protected.
"At the end of the service I realized there were guns in the church, more than I'd like to know. At lot of people were in there packing (guns)."
Suddenly the church filled with "popping noises," the sound of gunfire, the pastor recalled. "All of a sudden there was pandemonium. We realized someone had been gunned down outside the church.
"We asked everyone to lie down quietly inside the sanctuary and not to move. We didn't know what was going on outside," he said. "I was looking at a casket in front of me. I realized there's another dead person outside the front of the church."
Det. Colin RAY said KING should have called police. "If he knew ahead of time there were guns in the church -- guns can only lead to disaster -- he should have called police."
BECKLES's grandmother said police "failed my grand_son. They can't correct that failure. He's dead.
"Anybody with any kind of sense at all would know there should have been somebody (from the police) there. In my opinion they did not serve and protect my grand_son."
Police▲ Chief▲ Bill▲ Blair said BECKLES had spoken to homicide officers about HEMMINGS's slaying, but said police had no reason to believe the man was at any risk. "There was no indication that he was attending that funeral service or that he was at any risk, otherwise steps would have been taken."
Blair's spokesman Mark Pugash could not say if police will attend BECKLES's funeral. "Assessments are made in each case on what is necessary. Clearly one of our greatest concerns... is protecting public safety."
BECKLES's family said yesterday they believe he died simply because he knew what happened the night HEMMINGS was shot.
"They've▲ got who they wanted," BECKLES's grandmother said, adding she does not know if her grand_son knew the shooter's identity. But she did offer one guarantee: "There was absolutely no gang activity. None."
Police▲ confirmed yesterday that BECKLES was a "potential material witness" to HEMMINGS's killing. But DITOMMASO said he was more than a witness: police had also been looking into BECKLES's own activities. He was known to police and was "the subject of an ongoing investigation," DITOMMASO said, adding the teen was interviewed once after HEMMINGS's death.
"His information was not very accurate," DITOMASSO said.
"If he had been more forthcoming to police, it's entirely possible the people responsible for the original homicide (of HEMMINGS) would have been arrested," said Pugash.
Although the shooting occurred in the heart of Crips gang territory DITOMMASO said the death was not gang related.
DITOMMASO said police have narrowed witnesses' descriptions to a single suspect. He was described as wearing a three-quarter-length blue, hooded coat, a dark baseball cap and dark pants.

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BECKLES o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-11-27 published
Amon BECKLES, 18: Loved to the end
Funerals are for the living and Amon BECKLES is no longer among the quick.
Couldn't hear the singing of Friends, the sobbing of family -- Amon! Amon! -- the cooing of a beautiful daughter, contented baby sounds that turned into occasional cranky crying over the course of a two-hour service.
Moesha is 18 months old. Her father was 18 years old.
She wore her hair in cute pink barrettes and was passed lovingly from lap to lap in the first pew.
He wore a dark suit and was laid out in an open casket at the front of the church.
Mourners converged there to keen and embrace before the lid was closed and the service began. The grieving mother collapses but strong arms lift her up; almost carry the broken woman to her seat.
A few teenage girls wear T-shirts depicting the deceased -- tall, lanky, handsome -- and below the picture, a legend, his epitaph: "A Friend Till The End."
And this is the end: A dead teenager, an early grave, one more slain black Toronto youth.
A week and a day ago, it was BECKLES who came to mourn a murdered friend -- not at this church, but at another quite like it, where swaying arms are held high during the singing of hymns and pastors deliver righteous sermons in fervid tones, peppered with interjections from the faithful of Yeah! and Amen!
They take their Bible seriously at the Abundant Life Assembly. They take their God seriously, and joyfully as well, but too often, this past year, with sorrow for their lost sons.
Seven times, said one pastor, has he attended at the funeral of a young man felled by bullets.
Four times, said the local member of provincial parliament, has he done the same.
One hundred and twenty gunshot victims over the past five years in this city, said another reverend.
The community, this community in particular, is being torn asunder by violence, and nobody knows that so well as the other mothers who came to church yesterday, themselves having buried sons. It is a heartbroken constituency that Nadia BECKLES now joins.
They believe that prayers can heal, that a strong faith can turn youths away from the intoxication of firearms and the gangbanging culture. But their church and their families are up against a formidable foe -- the alliance of the street with its macho strut, its drugs and dealing, the guns easily obtained and so frequently fired.
Just eight days ago, against the urgings of his mother and grandparents, BECKLES went to pay his respects at the West Toronto Seventh Day Adventist Church, there to see off his closest friend, Jamal HEMMINGS, Toronto's 66th homicide this year, the 46th shooting death. Outside the front door of that church -- reportedly because he knew too much, he had been with HEMMINGS when the latter was slain -- BECKLES became the city's 69th homicide victim and 48th by a firearm.
This time, though, police were present and watchful; scout cars parked outside, officers in and out of uniform inside.
Yet the threat remains, as does the fear that more blood will be spilled in retaliatory assassinations. If not on this day, among these mourners, then some other day or night, in another parking lot or street corner or suburban strip mall.
There will be more funerals, more babies to grow up without fathers, more hand wringing by politicians, pastors and police.
"Our faith community will not allow this to continue, will not allow this to happen again," vowed Reverend Don MEREDITH, one of the Christian leaders invited to offer "words of condolence" at the service.
"This is a wake-up call for our churches that disobey the command of God to go into the world. The world around us is our community. It's not over across the sea. It's about reaching out to our young people right around every one of you. You don't know our young people because you haven't gone out from behind the pulpits! You have failed and you need to get out into the streets."
Those angry dead-end streets where guns reign and killing is a casual option.
"They brought it to the steps of the church," MEREDITH thundered. "Where will it end? In the foyer, in the congregation, at the altar?
"I say to our parents... be parents. I will not candy coat it. You need to teach your women to be ladies. You need to teach your young men to be men."
There is a lot of scattershot blame out there right now and, I suggest, the good reverend is being too harsh with parents. Young men, young women as well, are not easy to control, no more so in this religiously conservative faith community. Faith is a comfort and a source of strength but it is not the answer for many young people and parents, however strict, cannot make it so.
Amon BECKLES was clearly raised a God-fearing boy and may yet have been a God-fearing young man when he crumpled, mortally wounded, on the pavement. Active in his church's youth circle, singing with the choir.
But there were dire complications in his life of late, predicaments that -- whether he brought them on himself or not -- he never shared with police, who might have done something to save his life.
If he revealed those problems to his Friends, tear-stained young people who crowded into the church yesterday, what could they do about it? What might some of them do about it now?
BECKLES' doting grandmother, Angela BECKLES, a sturdy woman strong of character, rose from her seat to describe the boy who was the first of her grandchildren, a youngster who loved to dance, who brought smiles to Friends and family, who could charm his way into nearly everybody's heart.
"Amon gave me 18 beautiful years. I loved him. Amon was a loving, caring person.... He was raised in love, regardless of what the media is saying. He was loved."
Loved also, by the teenage girl, Camille CHAMBERS, who sang so sweetly a song she'd written for young BECKLES.
Loved also by another young woman, Stacey EVERSLEY, whose poem of remembrance, "Cuz, What Can We Say!" was printed and distributed to the congregation: "You began the day like any normal day. Who was to know it would have ended this way?"
But Amon BECKLES, with his family making arrangements to get him out of the country, did know and he was scared.
Make a joyful sound and dance if you want, Mrs. BECKLES told the young people at this funeral. Dance for Amon, because that's what he would have wanted.
"Miss him. But let him go."
No more killing, then.

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BECKLEY o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-07-13 published
BECKLEY, Mary Loraine (née SANDERSON)
Mary, in her 94th year on July 12th, 2005 at Versa Care Centre, Uxbridge. Born in Brantford Township, eldest daughter of Lawrence SANDERSON and Bessie RUTHERFORD. Predeceased by her beloved husband Bert in 1996; and her sister Joyce in 2003. Survived by her brother Richard (Dick) SANDERSON (Marjorie) and brother-in-law John STAPLES, nieces and nephews Robert SANDERSON (Francine,) Alex LAWRENCE (Ann), Phyllis MALETTE (Paul), Joy O'MALLEY (Jim), Lloyd BECKLEY (Joan,) Joan BANKS (Frank,) Reg WOOD (Doreen,) Valerie DAINTON (Les), and others, many great- and great-grand-nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, Loraine's request is to please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Low & Low Funeral Home, Uxbridge (905-852-3073).

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BECKMAN o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-05-17 published
JAMES, Dawn (Phyllis LANDRIGAN) "Dawn of Isis"
Peacefully into spirit on May 12, 2005 after courageously and gracefully facing a long illness. Dawn radiated her love to brighten the lives of many, including life partner Paul BERTRAM, children Melody James (Frank HUGHES), David LANDRIGAN (Sue RICHER), and Laurie SHEPHERD; grandchildren Michael SHEPHERD, Shawn LANDRIGAN, Bill BECKMAN, and Sara BECKMAN; sisters Iris BARBER and Patricia SCHEGOSKY. An instructor in the feminine spirituality of Egyptian dance, Dawn was a beloved inspiration to her many dance students, who will continue to honour the tradition of the Temple of Isis Dancers. She will stay in our hearts forever. Cremation May 18, Memorial Mass May 21, 10: 30 a.m. at Saint John Chrysostom Church, 732 Ontario Street, Newmarket.

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BECKMANN o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2005-11-02 published
LANG, Barry Owen Griffiths
Peacefully, at the Grey Bruce Health Services in Owen Sound, on Monday evening, October 31st, 2005. Barry Owen Griffiths LANG, of Owen Sound, in his 73rd year. Loving father of Debbie LANG and her friend, Otto BECKMANN, of Owen Sound; Kelly LANG and his wife, Valerie, of Shallow Lake; Darcy Q., of Creemore; Kevin LANG and his friend, Leah McCOMB, of Owen Sound; Colleen WHITLOW and her friend, Mike, of Florida; Bill LANG and his wife, Sherri, of Petawawa; Philip LANG, of Owen Sound. Proud grandfather of Christine, Adam, Matthew, Tyler, Melissa, John and Chris LANG Zachary and Stratus KORINIS; and Emily Q. and seven great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Shirley WENZEL and her husband, Gerry, of Saskatoon. Predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Alice LANG. Friends may call at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 - 14th Street West, Owen Sound (376-7492) on Thursday from 2: 00 to 4:00 and 7: 00 to 9:00p.m. A Funeral Service for Barry LANG will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, November 4th, 2005 at 11: 00 a.m. with Reverend Kristal McGEE officiating. Interment in Boyd Cemetery, Shallow Lake. If so desired, the family would appreciate donations to the Lung Association, the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #6, Owen Sound or the charity of your choice as your expression of sympathy.

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BECKMANN o@ca.on.middlesex_county.london.london_free_press 2005-03-12 published
LESTER, Phyllis Marguerite (MacDONALD)
Phyllis Marguerite (MacDONALD) LESTER, age 48, of R.R.#1 Brigden as the result of a tragic motorcycle accident enroute to the Keys in Florida on February 21, 2005. Loving wife and best friend for 31 years to Alan LESTER. Dearly loved mother to Robert and Wendy; James and Neena LESTER. Cherished Nanny to Marissa and Conner. Dear daughter-in-law to Ross and Bonnie LESTER. Loving sister-in-law to Charlene LESTER and Colin BECKMANN. Phyllis is also survived by six sisters, Marlene, Beverly, Barbara, Shirley, Pauline, Lois and three brothers, Bob, Larry and Paul. As well as all who have had the opportunity to have Phyllis touch their lives. She will be forever missed and always remembered. Predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Wilfred MacDONALD. Phyllis was a Personal Care Worker for the Canadian Red Cross for fourteen years. The last three years she worked at Lambton Meadowview Villa in Petrolia. Phyllis and Alan were world travellers with their good Friends Roger and Kay FRANTZ of Tiffin, Ohio. Friends will be received at the Steadman Brothers Funeral Home, Brigden on Monday March 14, 2005 from 1 to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be on Tuesday March 15, 2005 at 1: 30pm. Interment Bear Creek Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Red Cross, Breast Cancer Society or Meadowview Villa Garden Area Fund. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through sbrothersfuneral@hotmai l.com. 864-1193.

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BECKNER o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-02-23 published
BECKNER, Nelson Edward
(World War 2 Veteran)
Retired longtime employee of Northern Telecom and 1st member of the Brampton Chapter of the Gideon Bible Society. Called home to be with the Lord from his residence at the Brampton Meadows Long Term Care, on Tuesday, February 22nd, 2005 at the age of 83 years. Nelson, beloved husband of Isabel BECKNER (née CLARK.) Loving father of Nancy and her husband Gary RANEY, Carolyn and her husband Richard JOLLY, Margaret and her husband Kevin OATES, and Bill and his wife Darlene. He will be missed by his grandchildren David (Jennifer), Suzanne (Glenn), Brian, Leanne (Wayne), Dan (Brenda), Doug (Karen), Karen (Richard), Jennifer, Martha, Heather (Steve), Amy and Tim, and by 9 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his brother Gerald and surviving wife Margaret. Special thanks to the staff at Brampton Meadows Long Term Care for their wonderful care and support. The family will receive Friends at the Scott Funeral Home "Brampton Chapel", 289 Main St. N., Brampton (905-451-1100) on Thursday, February 24th, 2005 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Friday (friends are requested to meet at the church) Maple Avenue Baptist Church, Georgetown for Service at 11 a.m. Interment Brampton Memorial Gardens. In memory of Nelson, donations to the Gideon Bible Society or to Muskoka Baptist Conference would be appreciated. Sign a book of condolence at www.obituariestoday.com

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BECKS o@ca.on.grey_county.owen_sound.the_sun_times 2005-12-30 published
DOUGLAS/DOUGLASS- BECKS, Patricia Gail
In loving memory of Gail who passed away December 30th, 2004.
One year ago you left us
In tears we saw you sinking
We watched you fade away
You suffered much in silence
Our hearts were almost broken
You fought so hard to stay.
You faced your task with courage
Your spirit did not bend.
But still you kept on fighting
Until the very end.
God saw you getting tired
When a cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around you
And whispered "come to Me".
Love, Greg, Alison, Scoff, Dad and Mother.
Page B5

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BECKWITH o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2005-12-05 published
BATE, Dr. George Warburton
Death occurred peacefully December 2nd, 2005, at his home in Saint John, New Brunswick. He died with grace and courage, as he lived his life, after a long struggle with Parkinson's, at age 82. Dr. BATE led a full and vigorous life and his love and Friendship will be missed by his family and many Friends. Predeceased by his first wife Vera (CRUMMY,) his daughter Susan BUTLER, and sister Connie (Peter) SINCLAIR. He leaves his wife Beverly (COOKE,) his son James (Nadine) of Durham, Nova Scotia, and his daughters Janet (Bill) BRITTIAN of Vancouver, Christine (John) WEBSTER of Florida, Angela of Vancouver, and Kate (Patrick) MARSHALL of Toronto. Also missed by his siblings Mary (Tom) FOSTER, Margaret Ann (Gerry) LANGMAID of Fredericton, Dorothea (Tom) BECKWITH of Oregon, Olga (Rory) GRANT of Rothesay, and John (Sharon) of Mississauga, plus several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their families. Funeral from Trinity Anglican Church, 2: 30 p.m. Monday, December 5.

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BECKWITH o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-01-23 published
TAIT/TAITE/TATE, Paul Robert
At Sunnybrook Hospital on Friday, January 21, 2005. Paul Robert TAIT/TAITE/TATE, aged 77 years, beloved husband of the late Marion Joan TAIT/TAITE/TATE. Beloved friend of Christina GILBERT. Dear brother of Jim TAIT/TAITE/TATE, Dorothy WALL and Marie CURLEY and brother-in-law of Vera TAIT/TAITE/TATE. Dear uncle of Bobby and Marilyn McAFEE, Carol BOWEN and George McKENZIE, Don and Carol TAIT/TAITE/TATE, Robin TAIT, David TAIT, Mary and Lyn BECKWITH. He will be sadly missed by Helen DENT and many other Friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Wilmot Creek Wheelhouse, Newcastle, Ontario, 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, 2005. Arrangements were entrusted to The Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home, 53 Division St. N., Bowmanville, 905-623-5668. Memorial donations may be made to the Sunnybrook Hospital Foundation. www.northcuttelliott.com

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BECVAR o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.toronto_star 2005-06-11 published
BECVAR, Milan
Age 78, passed away on the morning of June 6, 2005 almost twelve years after his beloved wife, Marie STOKLASEK. He is deeply missed by his son Milan BECVAR, brother Vaclav BECVAR, granddaughter Amber BECVAR and all those who knew him. He is forgotten by none. Born on March 1, 1927 in Pilsen to Vaclav and Alzbeta (THYN) BECVAR, Milan BECVAR moved with his family to Prague and excelled in school. Unfortunately his higher education was cut short by the Fascist occupation. A veteran of the Resistance, Milan BECVAR risked his life with his fellow patriots to fight for freedom and survived forced labour deportation at the age of 17 by the Nazis. Milan escaped and made his way back to Prague with the liberating forces. After the war Milan BECVAR returned to school, married and had successful careers as a Technical and Vocational Teacher in the aeronautics industry and as an engineer in the beverage industry. Milan enjoyed music, nature, the sun, the ocean and all life had to give to the fullest. Milan BECVAR always remembered an experience from the end of the war in Europe in spring of 1945, where in the darkness of the night he found shelter beside an old stone wall in the suburb of a small city whose name he did not know. All night bullet tracers flared overhead but the thick stone wall held. Next day the first rays of the morning light lit up his hiding place and he saw he was near a huge wrought iron door in the stone wall which was the entrance to a cemetery. The shooting had stopped and as the sun rose, surprisingly the birds began to sing. It was then, in the increasing light that he was able to read the letters around the top of that door. "Visitor, Stop And Look At Us. We Were What You Are And You Will Be What We Are." As in nature, so in life, everything has to come to an end that started at the beginning.

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