Don Beattie

Donald Wayne Beattie

With his children at his side, on Friday January 2, 2015 Dad’s spirit was released back to the heavens.

Left to cherish his memory are his son Greg (Dana) Beattie, daughter Heather (Stuart) Thompson; granddaughter Kassidy-Lynn; special friend Patti Hillier; brothers James (Carol) Beattie, Brad (Dianne) Beattie; nephews and nieces Neil (Karen) TJ and Gavin Beattie, Nicole (Chris) Emma and Julie Byrom and Trevor Beattie

Predeceased by his wife Judy, mother Hazel and Father Lawrence.

Dad was born in St Boniface on July 6, 1941. He grew up on the family farm in Oakbank and was educated there.  Dad joined the RCAF in 1962 and served as a pilot. Following his training he flew the Argus aircraft at Greenwood Nova Scotia engaged in antisubmarine warfare. In 1963 he met the love of his life and married mom. In 1968 they were posted to Portage la Prairie where dad was a flying instructor on both single and multi-engine aircraft.

Mom and Dad bought rural property in Portage and enjoyed country living. Dad has been active in both trail riding and endurance riding with both Morgan and Arabian Horses. They also raised and showed German Shepherd dogs in both obedience and confirmation classes.

Following an early release from the military dad pursued a career as a carpenter with considerable success. In his fourth year at Red River Community college he won the provincial competition and went on to a first place finish in International Carpentry Competition held in Philadelphia in 1978 competing against 40 States and 5 provinces.

A love of teaching led dad to pursue a professional certificate. This lead to teaching a Building Construction vocational program at PCI. He retired in 2000.

In 1987 Dad joined the Assiniboine Masonic Lodge and from there his new passion emerged.  Dad was a member of various lodges both in Portage and in Winnipeg.  In 2001 he was elected Junior Grand Warden and thus began his succession through the Grand Line becoming Grand Master of Manitoba for the Grand Lodge of Manitoba. Dad worked countless hours over the years restoring the lodge building and grounds at the Agricultural Museum in Austin.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 2:30 pm at Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper Street S., Portage la Prairie, MB  led by Rev. Julie Baker.

“Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.”

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Masonic Assiniboine, Lodge #7, 50 Tupper Street S, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1W6  and the Grand Lodge, 420 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0N8

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com