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William BECKINGHAM Obituary
Born August 28, 1924, in Victoria and raised in Metchosin, BC, William left school early in Grade 11 to work for several years on CPR's Princess Victoria. From 1942 to 1945, he served as petty officer in the Royal Canadian Navy (R.C.N.V.R.). In 1947, William continued his formal education studying mechanical engineering at Victoria College and then in 1953, graduated from UBC Law School.
After being called to the Bar, William established his law firm, Beckingham & Company, in Port Alberni where he practiced general law for 50+ years before leaving the practice to his son, Charles. A dedicated and gifted lawyer, William's outstanding contribution to the field of law was recognized by appointment to the Federal Queen's Council and Gold Award from the British Columbia Bar Society.
Exceptionally well read, William's keen mind, natural leadership qualities and unfaltering commitment to social justice resulted in several prominent, elected appointments, including Port Alberni Chamber of Commerce President, Port Alberni Harbour Commissioner and District 70 School Trustee.
An outdoors man at heart, Bill was passionate about being near the ocean and he loved to fish and boat at every opportunity. He deeply appreciated nature and over the latter part of his life dedicated himself to gardening and the study of local wildlife, especially birds.
Above all passions and obsessions, Bill loved his family and there was nothing that pleased him more than to have them all around him.
Bill's seven grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as Grandpa Beach, will always treasure his love of life and family, sense of humour and bold, energetic spirit. His wife and children will carry with them fond memories of Bill's excellent home cooking, baked goods, tireless thirst for knowledge and visions of him puttering in the garden at his beach front home in Qualicum -- his favourite place on earth.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 10th, at 1:00 p.m., Chapel of Memories, 4005 Sixth Avenue, Port Alberni, B.C. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.chapelofmemories.ca. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Bread of Life Centre, www.thebreadoflife.ca (Port Alberni, B.C.).
Chapel of Memories Funeral Services 250-723-3633
This obituary was originally published in the Alberni Valley Times (Port Alberni, BC).
Memories and Condolences
for William BECKINGHAM
34 Entries
Alan Walrond
December 20, 2012
To the Beckingham Family, my condolences as I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Bill Beckingham was the consummate Gentleman. He always took a genuine interest in you when you talked with him. He made you feel like a long lost friend.
Richie Speidel
December 4, 2012
I remember Bill fondly for his robust laughter and his wonderful way of making me and others always welcome at his home whether in Port Alberni or Qualicum. What a friendly and caring life he lived. With deepest condolences sent out to the entire family, but especially to my old buddy Charles. Our prayers are with you dear folk.
Heather Armstrong
November 17, 2012
To all of the Beckingham families--Uncle Bill was an amazing man--growing up as neighbours and friends and having your home as a second home--Bill and Irenes door was always open and as children we spent alot of time with you in Port and Quallicum and for that he was an Uncle to me. This process of life is very sad as we say goodbye to our mentors, to those who made us who we are today. With Love and the greatest respect for all of you. Heather McGifford Armstrong
Jim and Christine Campbell
November 10, 2012
It is with regret we must extend our condolences to the Beckingham family. Bill was a good friend to our family and will most certainly be missed. We'll be sure to tip a glass to honor his memory during this Rememberence Day weekend.
daphne smith
November 10, 2012
Irene, Anne, Louise, Michelle, Charles and David.
Keep all your best memories close to your heart as the rest of us who knew him will do as well.
Bill had a huge impact on my life. He always made me feel so welcome in your home. He was always candid and let you know what he thought whether you liked it or not. I have tremendous memories growing up as friends and neighbors of your terrific family. Summers spent at the beach were the best of times and something I looked forward to year after year. Good Bye Bill. I hope there is great fishing in heaven. Love Daphne
Pete and Alice Chiko
November 9, 2012
To Irene,Michele, Charles, Louise, David and Anne,
Since the day Bill knocked on our door in 1959 welcoming us to the neighborhood we have been neighbours and friends. Our families grew up together and we have many fond memories from those years. Through good times and bad we have had your friendship and support. Bill loved life and most times spent with him became an adventure. Thank you for your years of friendship as our remembrance and love are with you. Pete ,Alice and Brian Chiko
Beth Paulson (Odgers)
November 9, 2012
On behalf of the Odgers Family I wish to extend our deepest condolences to all of you.
Kim Gauthier
November 9, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you at this difficult time, as a little girl growing up I spent many many hours and days with all of you Uncle Bill always made me feel so welcome I felt just like I was part of the family. Hugs to Auntie Irene Michelle Charles Anne Louise and David
Tammy-lynn Werner
November 8, 2012
My warmest condolences to the Beckingham family . Uncle Bill you will be forever remembered but deeply missed.
November 8, 2012
Our friend and neighbour Bill has gone to Heaven.We met in the Kinsmen Club and enjoyed many social occasions. Always a kidder, maybe he will finally be able to play the bagpipes in Heaven, something he threatened to do in the alley behind our house, just to get my goat! He was a great pal,a good raconteur, and he will be missed. Our condolences to Irene and the family. Stay strong.
Les & Vivian McMillan,(Pitt Meadows,B.C.)
Pat Riley
November 8, 2012
Bill was a towering presence in my life since I met him 35 years ago at the age of 13. I will always remember him as ever curious, quick to laugh, someone who loved a challenge and a warm host to myself and my whole family. When you walked in the door of the Beckingham's you were part of the family.
Pat Riley
November 8, 2012
Bill was a towering presence in my life from the day I met him 35 years ago at age 13. I will remember him as ever curious, quick to laugh, a lover of a challenge and a warm host to myself and my whole family. When you walked in the door of the Beckingham home you were one of the family.
Bruce Jenks
November 8, 2012
In my early years Bill encouraged me to become an artist (but I became a scientist instead), and later in life he introduced me to Lotus 123, my first experience with a spreadsheet! Thanks Bill, for the wonderful memories. I extent my condolences to Irene and family.
William, Irene & David
David Beckingham
November 7, 2012
William & Irene
David Beckingham
November 7, 2012
William and Charlie
David Beckingham
November 7, 2012
Law School Graduation
David Beckingham
November 7, 2012
Wedding Photo to Irene
David Beckingham
November 7, 2012
Elaine Boudreault
November 7, 2012
I met him once or twice in front of my Grandad's garage in Metchosin when I was a little girl. My Grandfather was Harry Irving Bickerdike (Bick) and owned the only machanic shop for miles, and my mother was Ruby Bickerdike and they both spoke of him fondly. Many happy stories were told of those days to us kids; if she were alive today she would be sending her condolences so I am doing that for her.
Sending the sincerest of sympathies to your family, Elaine (Clay) Boudreault daugher of Ruby.
Debbie Taulu-Szabari
November 6, 2012
To all of the Beckingham family, my thoughts are with you all. So many good memories with all of you, sending my love and a big hug for you all.
Judy Penno (Wilson)
November 6, 2012
Growing up in Port Alberni I have many memories of the generosity and kindness you were bound to experience if you were a friend of the Beckinghams. I especially remember Uncle Bill's wonderful laugh. The only fish I ever caught was caught in a boat with your Dad off Nanoose Bay. I must have been 8 or 9, and I will be 60 on my next birthday! I still treasure the picture. He really was a gentleman and a scholar. My condolences to all of you, please give Auntie Irene a hug for me.
David Beckingham
November 6, 2012
David Beckingham
November 6, 2012
Pearl wilson
November 6, 2012
Condolence to Beckingham family
Ken Sudhues
November 6, 2012
As the last remaining Metchosin Sudhues, I send condolences to the Beckingham family. Bill featured large in several of my Dad's (Ed) stories of "back when".
Dave Jenks
November 6, 2012
My wounderful thoughts of Bill in my young life in PA remain with me today, that laugh and warm personality. Such a friend of the Jenks family. Our thoughts are with all the Beckinghams at this difficult time. Dave and Marilyn Jenks.
November 6, 2012
Goodbye Billy. We will all miss you. I hope your are sitting in a chair beside your friend Bruce having a nice glass of scotch and solving all the problems of the world. You were a great man.
Shirley
Ron and Shireen Brooks, and family
November 6, 2012
To all of the Beckinghams - we share in your loss and sorrow and are sorry that we cannot be there to remember Bill with you on the 10th.
Kieran Bridge
November 6, 2012
Bill was a very warm and generous man, with a big, loving family and even bigger circle of friends. He left the world a better place.
Kieran
John Commins
November 5, 2012
My Uncle Bill loved his family dearly and also taught his eastern nephew an enduring lesson,that British Columbia was "Gods Country!". He was passionate,informed and principled, he will be missed.Best to all the family.
Rod & Marlene Hay
November 5, 2012
To Mike, Louise and Ross. So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Mike Huot
November 5, 2012
It saddens my greatly that Uncle Bill has passed. I have many fond memories of our amazing visits out west. My deepest sympathy to everyone.
We send you all positive energy.
Mike, Sheryl, Cameron & Tyler
Suzie Commins
November 5, 2012
All my love to the Beckinghams. He will be missed...especially the infectious laughter.....
all my love to my Aunt Irene and my cousins Michelle, Charles, Ann Louise and David...
Suzie Commins
November 5, 2012
As a daughter-in-law, I came to appreciate Bill as the heart of his whole family. His loving presence will be deeply missed. Bev.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Memorial Events
for William BECKINGHAM
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