John BEEDELL

Dear Anne and Mike,
I was shocked to read about John's passing, when I read the Ashbury Newsletter today.... the day of the Celebration of John's life. Please accept our sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you Ann, and to your family.
Sincerely,
Gina Taggart-Budde and Mike Budde

Merci John,

Tu auras été un homme qui inspirait et communiquait le respect pour celles et ceux qui te cotoyaient. Ton sens du devoir était tout aussi exemplaire que communicatif. C'est la marque des êtres d'exception et cette marque est éternelle en chacun de nous.

Mes sincères condoléances aux membres de la famille ainsi qu'aux proches.

Salut John,

Marc-André Pelletier

Adieu à un homme exemplaire et hors du commun. Merci John de nous avoir initiés, moi et ma jeune famille, aux joies du plein air. Ta patience et ton amitié resteront longtemps dans nos cœurs. «So many great memories of our Ashbury ski trips to Cariboo Lodge in Lac Supérieur, in the good old days.» Thank you for having been your privileged partners in those enjoyable scholl & ski outdoor activities.
Guy, Thérèse, Simon et Magali Lemele

My most sincere condolences to the Beedell family. I first met John when he was a fixture at the Ottawa Rowing (yes rowing) Club in the 80's and later in the 90's when i shared a house with Dave. He was always an inspiration and will be missed.

How very saddened we were to hear of the passing of this wonderful and courageous man. He was an outstanding individual, so kind and compassionate as well as a marvelous and inspiring teacher. He was always admired but even more so as he dealt with his difficulties day by day following his accident. Thank you, John, for all the support you gave to our family. You have had a definite and very positive influence on my son during his Ashbury days. Our deepest condolences to all of the Beedell family. I know you will miss him and his inspiration.

John's impact on me during my time at Ashbury is probably the single most important reason why i have sent my son there. He defined the concept of "outdoor education" in ways most of us could not have imagined. Thanks to John I spent 3 unforgettable nights in a lean-to in the middle of winter on the edge of a lake in gatineau park, kept alive by a roaring bonfire and the exhortations of an amazing science teacher. He personsified the idea that the "classroom" is really what u make of it. Ashbury retains that commitment, and that's why Euan is there.

Rest well John, though i have no doubt that your soul is up and about keeping other souls busy making up the fire and getting their snowshoes ready for another hike! Condolences Jeff to you and the family.

Michael P

Dave, it was always a pleasure to see your dad in the halls of Ashbury over the years. He seemed to be always heading for the library or the staff room, his incredible cheer and smile lighting up hearts as he passed through the halls. He must have touched so many lives with all his gifts. My thoughts are with you and your family, Dave.

I send my deepest sympathies to John's family. Although my association with him on the Board of Reach Canada was fairly recent, I was able to appreciate first-hand his devotion to the organization and the publics it serves and the nature of his own courage and determination.
I truly will miss his presence at our discussions and events. May his memory be a blessing.

My condolences to Anne and the family. I was overwhelmed at news of John's passing. Our 61-years friendship originated on Ramsay Lake, home of the Sudbury Canoe Club during the 1950's. I was a privileged member of an exceptional single blade fours crew - Fred Johnston, stroke, John Beedell, second, Joe Derochie, third and Doug McMorran cox - that paddled for Sudbury at five Canadian Canoe Championships -1956 -60 - winning 3 Gold and 2 Silver Championship medals. After our competition years, John and I met periodically at canoeing events, lunching out in Ottawa periodically to sustain our friendship. He kept me in the know with a post card when he was on one of his sea voyages. I will deeply miss my dear friend.

Mr Beedell was a great teacher and inspiration. My sympathy to the Beedell family.

My condolences to the Beedell family. I was a classmate of Jeff's in the class of '76. I greatly admired and respected Mr. Beedell. He was a wonderful man, trusted and loved by everyone at Ashbury. He was a tremendous role model, a man of true integrity, always leading by example. His inspiration lives on in the hearts of the many students who were lucky enough to have known him.

I'm so sorry for your loss. May you cherish all the wonderful memories he leaves behind. God Bless xox

My deepest sympathies, I had Mr. Beedell in grade 8 as my homeroom master and science teacher. I recall what an inspiror and active person he was from organizing ski trips to tremblant, to camping in the Adirondacks, to running the Boston Marathon. I still recall a private moment when I rode in his car on a junior school outing to go camping in Rideau Lake.

Will always remember his drive and determination.

I was deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. We were on the Board of Directors of REACH together for many years and I often drove him home after meetings or events. He was a man who handled adversity with dignity, a leader in how to treat others and a great friend. I will miss him dearly. My sincere condolences to all those he left behind. He will not be forgotten.

I am very sorry to hear of the passing of John Beedell. I had the fortune of having him teach me science in Grade 5 to Grade 8. Always pleasant and always encouraging, his advice to me whilst I competed in track and field I will never forget. Thanks Mr Beedell.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of John Beedell. I remember him often being a finish line judge at the Rideau Canoe Club and sharing his interest and passion in the sport of canoeing.

Sad to know - condolences to the Family - I remembered him as a kind thoughtful teacher. It is too bad that he got run over by a bus!

David, Mike, Jeff;

So sorry to hear about your father. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Beedell as my science teacher in junior school as well as the leader for outdoor education when I was in grade 12. A man of prodigious achievement and positive influence on all he met.

A tragic end to a life well lived. I extend my condolences to John's family, particularly to my friends and swim teammates Jeffrey and his wife Linda.

I attended Ashbury in the 80's as one of under 30 girls in the school at the time and Mr Beedell always had a kind word to say.... I spoke numerous times about his ski marathons ( as my Austrian father was an avid sportman too) and I so I admired Mr Beedell's enthusiasm that he projected for sport;a wonderful ethic for those students whose lives that I know heinfluenced...my sincerest sympathies in the light of such tragic news.

I know John from my time as a volunteer at REACH; we were on the Board of Directors together and we were members of the auction committee. What a wonderful man. Heaven has acquired a gifted man.

Mr. Beedell was my science teacher on Rockcliffe Airforce base. I have endless memories of his encouragement and dedication. Science was my passion and he inspired me in so many ways. I am glad to have had the chance a year ago to write, and thank him for being such a special teacher. Deepest condolences to his family...he was a very special person I will always remember very fondly.

We have wonderful memories going back many decades when John worked with us at Colonial Furniture. We tried to interest him in a future management position but he was destined to do more meaningful things. He was an exceptional human being. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family.

Sid Cohen

Mr. Beedell was my Science teacher at Ashbury in the early 80s, and I have remembered him very fondly to this day. As I was raised in a single-parent family by my mother, during "Father and Son" night (a tradition at Ashbury at the time) he kindly agreed to act as my "father" so that I could participate. My condolences to his family.

I remember John from my many years involved in outdoor sports in Ottawa..a gentleman..my condolences to his family and friends..

Our sincere condolences to the Beedell family; a tragic loss for a Man well loved; our thoughts are with you.

Roy, Buntham, Andrew & Eric

I remember John being a finish line judge at the Rideau Canoe Club at many of their regattas where he shared his passion for the sport of canoeing. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.

So sorry for your lost Mike. Brian and Marie

What a sad time. I enjoyed my visits with John when he'd come to my store and we'd chat. A lovely man, I will miss him.

My condolences to his family. Mr. Beedell taught me science at Ashbury in 1979 and was a great teacher. You will be missed.

I don't remember an Ashbury without Mr. Beedell. He was a constant and always welcomed presence. A good teacher and a very kind man who will be greatly missed.

Steve Penton

A great teacher. A great man.

Very sad to learn of Johns passing. He was a great teacher and a wonderful human being. My thanks to John for all he taught me in and out of the classroom.

I've known Jeff and Linda for many years and got to know John as regular at Chamberfest. My condolences to the entire family. He will be missed.

Very sorry to hear of Mr. Beedell's passing He was not only a great science teacher but a very special individual and it was my pleasure to have been able to cross paths with him.

I will always remember growing up across the street from the Beedell family in the late 1960s. The toboggan runs built by Mr. Beedell and the boys were world class in my eyes. Rest in peace.

Mike and Bonnie:
This is a great loss. Always a familiar face at chamber music concerts, and a sometimes cruise companion.
We fondly recall that he looked up our number and called unexpectedly last summer; he had read a book that Jan wrote and he called to say he enjoyed it. That made our day.
John will be missed, and we truly mourn your loss.

David and family, we are so sorry for your loss, please accept our sincerest condolences. Certainly the holidays will be less bright this year, but we hope you will find comfort in memories of a fine and accomplished father. The Faughts (Emma, grade 11)

Mr. Beedell was my teacher in Junior School at Ashbury. He was a kind man and a dedicated educator. Condolences to his family.

Sorry for your loss Jeff. Your dad taught me science at Ashbury and was a great teacher and a great dad. My condolences.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Beedell Family at this time of loss. On behalf of the Ashbury College community,

Norman Southward
Head of School

Dear John - thank you for you leadership, smile and love of adventure..."on Ilkley Moor bat tat"
Bark Lake Leadership Camp, Frances Flint

Dear Jeff and family,
So sorry to hear about the tragic death of your Dad. Although we didn't know your Dad, we've read about his rich and fulfilling life . As parents are so proud of their children, you must be so proud of your Dad. We remember you from the times you came to have speed skates sharpened at our home and you always spoke fondly of your parents.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.John and Mimi Graham.

Mr. Beedell was always a welcome guest at Ashbury alumni events. He was a pleasure to know. My condolences to his family.

So sorry to hear this. Heart felt sympathies go out to his family.

So sorry to hear of this, Dave and Emily. Sending you and your family my deepest sympathy.

Our most sincere sympathy to David and Mike and all the family. A sad and very difficult time for everyone.
We have lost an old friend but have wonderful memories of the last 40 years.
Penny and David Barr, Morrisburg, Ontatio

Mr Beedell was one of the faces of Ashbury I will always remember. He was an outdoor enthusiast who was always eager to share his passion with the students. Sorry to hear of his passing but never forgotten.

Having worked with John at Ashbury College in the Junior School, I learnt a lot from him. He was an extraordinaire man and a fantastic educator. He always had the patience and knowledge to work with young and old in learning about the environment and how it would effect all of man kind.
I will sorely miss John - may you rest into eternity you will always be remembered and as a great educator.

Very sad to hear about John's passing, always a pleasure greeting him during Chamberfest

Our sincere sympathies to all the family of John. He was truly a most remarkable and courageous man. His contribution to the Canadian Ski Marathon was amazing and in spite of his disabilities he was always cheerful and willing to help. His wonderful stories of his lifetime of adventures will continue to inspire those of us lucky enough to hear them. He will be missed. Rick and Chris Higgins

I last saw John a year ago at CPAWS 50th celebration and as always enjoyed talking with him about his many wonderful experiences over the years. So sorry to hear of his passing. My heartfelt sympathies to you both, Jeff and Mike and all of your families.

So sad to hear of the passing of this beautiful man. We will miss you John!

John was an inspiration to me as I'm sure he was to everyone who met him. I first knew him when he was volunteering for the Canadian Ski Marathon, including long trips on public transport to help us out at the office in Gatineau. At the CSM, at concerts, or on foot or on his tricycle around his neighbourhood, it was always a pleasure to see him. He overcame such obstacles in life and continued to live it to the full until this very sad accident. I am honoured to have known him.

John will be missed by everyone at Chamberfest. As a volunteer, I knew him as a friendly cheerful & kind man. I am so sorry to hear he is gone.

Dear John, you are deeply missed. It was a pleasure getting to know you through my work at Chamberfest and I very much appreciated your kindness, friendliness and appreciation of beautiful music. Thank you for your great spirit that shared with us all.

What an inspiration he was to us all despite his disability.
As a fellow kiwi I will miss the tales of all his adventures around the world.
My heartfelt condolences to family, he will be sorely missed.

Jeff
My sympathy to you and your family.
Janet Morel