BRYAN BECKETT 8 December 1944 – 4 May 2024

May the Fourth be with you, Bryan…

Bryan’s humour, generosity and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.  He met his wife partner Linda over six decades ago on a blind date conveniently arranged when Linda’s mom was out playing Bingo.  It turned out to be more of a quick greeting than a date, and Bryan and Linda continued on their separate ways for several years, each marrying and raising children.  When Bryan and Linda reconnected, the timing was right and they spent nearly 40 years by each other’s side.

Bryan was born December 8, 1944 in Calgary, BC.  His smile won the hearts of Fred and Mary Beckett and they brought Bryan home on April 30, 1946 to raise as their own.  Bryan grew up in Vancouver and spent his formative years moving… a lot.  Under these circumstances, he practiced making friends quickly and relied on sports to put down roots.  As a result, Bryan developed an extensive network of friends and a passion for sports that lasted throughout his life.   He played competitive youth lacrosse, football for the Meralomas, and as an adult, men’s fastpitch and golf.  He would later coach, mentor and cheer on his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids whenever possible.

Bryan was also a talented musician.  He loved a blues riff and could produce one on almost any instrument you put in front of him, particularly on the harmonica or piano.  Attending parties often with a harmonica or two in his pocket, he would generally be called on to play.  He grew up following the birth of rock and roll and his love and knowledge of music and music history continued to grow and Bryan was always sharing new songs and stories about music (or old stories, like going to see The Beatles at Empire Stadium in 1964).

He married Judy in 1970 and welcomed two children into the world to pass along many essential dad lessons.

-          the importance of sportsmanship: don’t be a sore loser (but a bad winner is worse)

-          the value of individuals: everyone deserves the time of day

-          respect for others’ perspectives: never ever judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes… maybe two miles. 

These are not old-fashioned ideas but a strong ethic by which Bryan lived his life.

It was in the 1980s that Bryan met Linda (again). 

In 1991, with Linda’s help, Bryan discovered his extended family by birth.  Bryan set out to High River, AB to attend a Twiss family reunion and was overwhelmed by the welcoming arms of half-sisters Beverly and Jacquie, and an abundance of nieces and nephews and cousins.  He learned more about his family history and his biological mother and father (who had already passed away) and their families.  He cherished time spent with these new found siblings and connecting with his family.

Over the years, Bryan tried his hand at several different occupations and in the late 1990s landed in the film industry as a painter with Linda’s son Stephen.  Bryan continued working well past the age most people settle into a comfortable retirement because he loved it.  He loved the people that he worked with and loved being part of his crew. 

Bryan is survived by his wife Linda, his children Lara (Blair) and Hayes (Catherine) and grandchildren Dakota, Ella, Hannah and Mason.  He was a father figure and mentor to Linda’s kids Stephen, Tracy, Tina and Shane (predeceased by Frank), and “Papa” to grandchildren Justine (Roddy), (predeceased by John and Joleen), and great-grandchildren Seth, Kole and Silver.  Bryan, age 79, spent his last moments with his two children at his side after TV coverage of the Whitecaps, Canucks and Blue Jays.

There will not be a formal Celebration of Life, per Bryan’s wishes, however there will be a chance to share stories and laughs for those who knew him on May 31, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Clayton Hills Golf Course, 5640 188 Street, Surrey, B.C. in the Sunrise Room (downstairs)