Tom Beattie passed away peacefully on February 21, at the age of 74. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Thomas and Elizabeth Beattie, he is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Reta Beattie, sons Tom (Susan; Emily, Devan, Colton) and Gary (Ryan, Scott) and extended family in BC, U.S., and N. Ireland. Dad excelled at judo, jui jitsu, and was captain of the Rugby team where he earned the name "Beastly Beattie" for his vigor on the field. He trained with the police, SAS and Royal Marines. Dad passed his university entrance exams but pursued a trade as a steel fabricator, while continuing with night school for power engineering. He was an officer in the Merchant Marines where he traveled to every country in the world that had a sea port. Dad climbed the pyramids, safaried in Kenya, drank with French paratroopers in Dubai, caught tiger sharks in the Indian Ocean, endured north Atlantic winter storms-he even fought a professional boxing champion, and won.
Dad was tough but fair and always saw people's potential, regardless of age, race, or gender. Always for the underdog, he was generous, humble, quick witted, sharp tongued, and told it like it is-truly a diamond in the rough. Dad spent his later years in Birch Bay, WA, where he loved the beach and enjoyed his many good friends. He will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered always. A service will be held Saturday March 19 at 3:00pm at Milner Chapel, Langley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Children's Hospital.