BECK
Harvey
Mar. 13, 1925 - Mar. 19, 2016
Harvey Beck passed away in Camrose, at St. Mary's Hospital on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the age of 91. Harvey was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Lois; son Brian; parents Robert and Annie; brother Eric and sister Gwen.
He will be loved and remembered always by his daughter Nadine (Rod) Mumby of Okotoks; his son Rob (Carla) of Camrose; granddaughter Kyla; grandsons Josh and Jon; and great-granddaughter Sloane. Harvey is also survived by other family and friends.
Harvey was born in Delia, Alberta on March 13, 1925, the youngest of three children. At two years of age, Harvey traveled aboard ship with his family to live in Pukekohe, New Zealand.
Upon returning to Canada, the Becks moved back to the Hand Hills. Harvey worked with his family on the farm, caring for many animals, and making pets of ground owls, deer and coyotes. Harvey attended school in the Hand Hills until drought caused the family to relocate to Clive. In 1939, Harvey and his father drove their herd of cattle on horseback to the Lacombe area on their way to their new home outside of Clive.
Harvey began working at a young age. He cleared land, worked in a sawmill, ventured into his own trucking business and, while working in the Clive Creamery, received his Boiler Steam Ticket as well as getting to know his future wife Lois Nesbitt, who worked at the General Store.
Harvey and Lois were married September 21, 1947 at Lois' family home in Clive. Their first son Brian was born in Clive in June 1948.
In 1950, the family moved to Stettler where Harvey got a job on the first Gulf Oil rig in the area as a Boiler Man, utilizing the steam ticket that he was able to get while working at the Clive Creamery. Their daughter Nadine was born in Stettler in July 1952.
After five years of working different roles on the rig, Harvey transferred to Gulf Pipeline where he remained for 34 years of service.
In August 1963, Harvey and Lois welcomed their second son, Robyn. They moved their family to a farm south of Stettler where they began to raise Purebred Polled Hereford cattle. Harvey enjoyed raising cattle for 45 years, taking great pride in showing and selling cattle in Canada and the United States.
In 1973, Harvey took a transfer with Gulf Oil to the Camrose area, in time relocating the cattle business to a farm in the East Bittern Lake district.
In 1995, Harvey sold his last quarter section of land to Ducks Unlimited Canada with the understanding that the land would always be allocated as a wildlife conservation area. In later years, Harvey enjoyed visiting the land and looking at the Beck's Legacy Monument.
Harvey enjoyed hunting and fishing as a pastime, taking annual hunting trips with family and friends from 1947 until his health no longer allowed him to go. He was an active man his whole life and continued long daily walks in the Camrose valley even after he moved into Deer Meadows. In his later years, Harvey joined friends for morning coffee and visits on a daily basis.
As years went on, Alzheimer's disease made it difficult for Harvey to remember names, but he remained social and was always happy to see family and friends, greeting them with a welcoming smile.
Family was very important to Harvey - just talking to him about his grandchildren could cause his face to light up with a smile!
Cremation has taken place, and in consideration of Harvey's wishes, a graveside service for family will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express their gratitude for love and support received during this difficult time. If so desired, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Alzheimer Society, or the charity of one's choice. To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.
BURGAR FUNERAL HOME CAMROSE & DAYSLAND
4817 51 Ave, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0V4)
in care of arrangements. 780-672-2121.
"Dedicated service since 1906"