Obituary of Ferdinand Beyer

Our father Ferdinand (Fred) Beyer passed away peacefully with family at his side on Saturday morning, Feb. 1st at Ridge Meadows Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Albert and Regina; sisters Helen, Ev & Lil and brothers Al and Larry. He is survived by his wife Joan of Maple Ridge, sisters Rose from Kelowna and Minnie of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Also missing him are his children Greg (Karen), Kevin (Heike), Rebecca (Alojzy) and Corinne; Grandchildren Ben (Courtney), Colin (Amy), Simon (Ashley), Graeme, Erica, Ryan, Kyra and Janay; and Great Grandchildren Camryn and Anders. Born in Steinbach, Manitoba, March 31st, 1927 he grew up in Brokenhead until age 17 when he decided to come out West to Maple Ridge. As a young man his journey’s took him through Trail, Yellowknife, Flinflon and Ocean Falls working in mines and the lumber industry which would play an important role in his life. He settled in Maple Ridge at age 23 where he married Joan to raise their family of four children. His energy was always amazing. He found the time to finish grade school, attain his G.E.D. , attend college, move from green chain, to tally man, to sales manager at BCFP, Hammond. True to his character he was a good provider, always involved in community and church, and delighted to be called to help with 1983 summer games in Maple Ridge and the citizen assembly on electoral reform for BC. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, curling, bowling and dancing even after he became legally blind. As a member of the local CNIB and white Cane Society, his active participation in the blind curling group led to several Provincial championships and a Western Canada Title as Skip. Over the last few years, as he struggled with his several medical issues, including his battle with Prostate cancer, it became ever more important to keep family close. Special thanks to Doctors Henstock, Herrington, Yu, and Hyams for taking care of him these past few years and especially his nurses Amanda and Rachel and Fraser Valley Health staff too numerous to mention. The celebration of life will take place on February 15th at 1:30 pm in the Garden Hill Funeral Chapel located at 11765 224th Street, Maple Ridge. In lieu of flowers donations to a charity of your choice will be appreciated. A man of courage, fortitude, endurance and independence, we will miss him.