Everett George “Tom” Beckner, beloved husband of June, passed away peacefully at Vulcan on August 30, 2004 at the age of 89 years.
Tom also leaves to mourn his daughters Bettie Orchard of Calgary, Bonnie (Tom) Bateman of Lethbridge, a daughter-in-law Sandra Beckner-Pizzingrilli (Lou) of Lethbridge, seven grandchildren Mark (Heide) Orchard of Blackie, Kelly (Kerry) Orchard of Calgary, Steve (Linda) Bateman of Lethbridge, Ron (Jackie) Bateman of Banff, Janet (Shane) Vader of Sherwood Bark, Chris Beckner of Calgary, Carrie (Calley) Erickson of Lethbridge, eleven great grandchildren, a sister Doris (Ken) McLean of Vulcan, a brother Ray (Frieda) Beckner of Bow Island, a sister-in-law Ruby Beckner of Calgary, four brothers-in-law Larry (Arthena) Fleming of Calgary, Jim (Myrna) Fleming of Lethbridge, Peter (Maureen) Fleming of Hillspring, Eldon Fleming of Calgary, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Tom was born in Queenstown, Alberta, on March 7, 1915, the fifth of seven children. He received his education at Lake McGregor Rural School and Milo High School and stayed in the community until 1940 when he married. Tom and his young bride, June Hatch, moved to Calgary where he worked various jobs. He was an army veteran of WWII. After the war they bought and operated the family farm for twenty years. They retired to Calgary, then moved back to Milo. In 2000 they moved to the Peter Dawson Lodge. Tom and June would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary on August 31, 2004. Tom was a life member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He was a fun-loving and enthusiastic participant in many community organizations and activities. In his younger years Tom enjoyed a variety of sporting activities and was a minor sports coach, umpire and referee. He enjoyed curling, camping, fishing and hunting. Tom’s love for people was evidenced by his ability to remember names and faces for years and his pleasure in visiting old friends. He will be ever remembered for his colorful one-liners and feisty but warm personality.
Tom was predeceased by his beloved son Cliff, his parents Ruth and Erastus Beckner, three brothers Bud, Tooke (Marj), Bill (Bettie) and a sister Dorothy (Raymond) Jones.
Funeral Service Monday September 6, 2004 at Milo Community Hall at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Steve Bateman officiating.
Casket Bearers Mark Orchard, Kelly Orchard, Ron Bateman, Shane Vader, Chris Beckner, Calley Erickson.
Honor Guard members of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21 Vulcan with padre Rev. Doug Barrie and bugler Neil Northcott.
Internment O’ Perfect Peace Cemetery, Milo.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Tom’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Health Care Ladies Auxiliary “Fetal Heart Monitor” Box 299 Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.