Obituary of Brian Beattie

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Brian Beattie, a resident of Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the age of 83 years.

Brain was born in Belfast, Ireland to Winnie and Johnny Beattie. He was their third child. His older sister by seven years had died in an accident exactly one year earlier.

At nine years old, Brian began music lessons. He would long to be out on the street with his buddies, but Father Johnny made him practice the trumpet every day. As he got older, he played for dance bands.

Brian married Pat McGonigal in 1959. After a few years of working in the aircraft industry in Belfast, the allure of large cars and beautiful homes drew him to immigrate to Canada. Pat followed a few months later with son Tom, who was soon joined by a sister, Colleen, and later a brother, Dave. The Beatties resided in Vancouver where Brian became the manager of the Blue Bus company in West Vancouver. He was also the vice president of B.C. Transit.

In 2000, the family moved to Maple Ridge. Sadly, Pat passed away in 2001. Brian married Marilyn Janssen of Dawson Creek in 2002. They continued to reside in Maple Ridge but were looking for adventure. They found it in 100 Mile House where they enjoyed 6 very happy years. Brian joined the local band and continued to make C.D.’s with friend Gordon Blair (Gordon’s wife Shirley had gone to school with Marilyn).

Brian was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2015, so he needed to be at a lower altitude. Parksville became the couple’s next home for nearly 5 years. With deteriorating health, it seemed prudent to move to Dawson Creek where Marilyn would have the support of her children. There were many happy Saturday coffee mornings with family that will be remembered fondly.

Brian will always be remembered for his wit and trumpet playing. He could and did fix everything and even taught Marilyn how to use a computer so she could write 4 books. However, he admitted a complete lack of knowledge about plants and gardening. His hero was John Wayne and he loved watching old shows on ME T.V. He also watched soccer by the hour!

He is survived by his wife Marilyn; 3 children: Tom, Colleen and Dave; 6 stepchildren: Karen, John, Steve, Linda, Melody, and Arliss; 5 grandchildren: Laura, Mark, Phillip, Casey and Brennan; 1 great-grandchild Beckam; sister Ann who lives in Belfast, Ireland; and many step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his brother Jackie and sister Peggy.

Brian was a practicing Christian and served as an elder in the Maple Ridge and Parksville Presbyterian churches. He was very passionate about the charity “SMILE.”

We all miss you so much Brian, but we are glad that your suffering finally ended peacefully, and we are happy that we know where you are.

For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Brian to Operation Smile Canada, 375 University Ave., Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5G 2J5.

Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.