Wilfred BEAN

Wilf Bean, of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, passed away on June 15th 2022 at age 76.

He was a beloved life-partner, brother, uncle and great uncle, friend of many across Canada and around the world, adult educator, justice-seeker, music-maker and community-builder.

He thought of his life as a story with five chapters, with the call to build community as a constant.

The first chapter was growing up on a farm near New Hamburg, Ontario. He often reflected on the privilege of
growing up on the land and the emotional impact of the sudden death of his younger brother when Wilf was 12.

Next was a decade working with communities in the Canadian North, a life-transforming experience, especially through working with the Indian Brotherhood of the Northwest Territories during the Berger Commission.

The third chapter included a return to Southern Canada, doctoral studies and contract work in the North with the "Indigenous Languages Commission."

The fourth stage was working with the Coady International Institute where he deeply valued learning from and sharing with community development workers around the globe. At that time, he married Kathryn Anderson, his soul-mate and loving companion for the past 30 years.

The fifth chapter was program work with Tatamagouche Centre, retirement, and learning through the cancer journey.

Born in Kitchener, Ontario, he was predeceased by parents, Ellworth Bean and Annie (Bond) Bean, and brother, John.

He is survived by Kathryn his kindred spirit, his sister, Marilyn Sararus (Lynn), niece, Jane Anne, and nephew, David (Juanita Laverty), and their children, Drew, Claire, Owen and Myrna.

We are moved by the support offered by so many in Tatamagouche and beyond during Wilf's journey with cancer. We are thankful for the wonderful care Wilf received from Dr. Rob Bush, Dr. Don Rowe, Martha Underwood and the staff of the Lillian Fraser Hospital and the Truro Hospital chemo unit, as well as the wisdom of Dr. Rob Rutledge and Rev. David Maginley through the Healing and Cancer Foundation.

Donations may be made in Wilf's memory to Tatamagouche Centre, or the Breaking the Silence Network (Tatamagouche Centre) through www.canadahelps.org, or a Charity of Your Choice.

All are most welcome to a celebration of Wilf's life on Sunday, August 14th at 2 p.m. at Tatamagouche Centre, Nova Scotia.

Funeral arrangements have been assisted by the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, New Hamburg - 519-662-1661.

Family and friends can view the service via live stream by going to the Funeral Home's website and by going to Wilf's memorial page and finding the live stream link at the bottom of his obit.