Kenneth Beattie

BEATTIE, Kenneth
With deep sadness we announce the passing of Ken Beattie on June 17, 2025 in Victoria BC, age 66 after a hard fought battle with cancer. Ken was a beloved son of the late Alexander (2021) and Diane (1999) Beattie. Ken is survived by his beloved sister Kathy.
Ken enlisted in the RCAF in 1981 at age 22. After a brief service, he attended school in Vancouver to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, working on the many aircraft he loved. Ken then joined The Flying Firemen, working with their aircraft and occasionally flying as a 'bird dog' spotter. Later, Ken became a member of the Friends of Music Society and served as a Board member. This year he was honoured as Volunteer of the Year for 35 years of service. Ken and his friend Craig founded the Mood Disorders Support Group in 1987 and was instrumental in leading and guiding people with mental health challenges. His empathy and kindness touched the lives of many people.
He enjoyed playing his accordion for nearly 60 years, including gigs at the Kensington where his father stayed, plus private and public venues like Rathskeller and Oak Bay Tea Party to name a few. He was a member of the Victoria Accordion Club and BC Aviation Museum. Ken was a talented artist and aviation enthusiast from a young age and enjoyed attending the Abbotsford and Everett Airshows. As a teen he wanted to be a pilot and joined 676 Air Cadet Squadron. With his love of planes and music he joined their band as a trumpeter. Ken had fond memories of the Martin Mars, stationed at Sproat Lake, where we watched them flying over our cabin. Ken was an expert model airplane builder and RC flyer with his dad, and later became a pilot at age 19.
Ken was a one-of-a-kind soul and had countless friends that he loved and respected. He will be dearly missed by his loving sister Kathy whom he adored, and many people he met along the way.
Ken was a true gentleman; kind of heart and generous without ever asking anything in return. He lived life to the fullest, taking time to talk with others he met along the way and impacting so many lives. Ken lived his life with dignity, kindness and empathy.
Special mention for his Care Team at Royal Jubilee Hospital plus his close friends that were by his side and watched out for him.

Please raise a glass to Ken's life. He received his wings and is forever flying with the angels. A service will be held on July 4th at 1:00 pm, at the Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Friends of Music Society or Canadian Cancer Foundation.