It’s with profound sadness that the family of Kenneth (Ken) Beck announce that he departed this life on 26 January 2025 at his residence, Hogarth Riverview Manor. Ken had a dual diagnosis of dementia, which overtime had left him frail, but left his sense of humour, love of music and sweets unchanged. He devoted his final few years trying to bring joy and lift the spirits of his fellow residents on 4N. He discovered a new zest for life and love of every holiday and the happiness that having his unit decorated brought to his floormates. He looked forward to handing out valentine’s, easter novelties and Christmas gifts each year to his 4N family.
A lifelong city resident, he was born in Fort William in 1947, the only child of Frank and Ethel (nee Crosby) Beck. He attended Franklin St School and Fort William Collegiate. In 1972, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jenny (Jennifer) Sharpe. Together they had two children, Jason and Heather Beck. Later he married Judy Harmer and enjoyed a loving relationship with his step children, Ryan and Dana Harmer. Ken always thought of Ryan and Dana as his own kids, often saying he had always wanted 4 kids. Following Judy’s death, he reestablished a close friendship with his first wife, Jenny.
He began his work career in the lab of the Shebandowan Mine (Inco). Following the birth of his son, he wanted to be closer to home and was hired by Macmillan Bloedel to work in the plant in Rosslyn Village. There,he trained as an accountant and earned his CPA designation before being hired by Revenue Canada. He began his time with his CRA working in Excise/Audit, and finished his career as audit manager for CRA.
Heather and Jenny were loving supports during his lengthy dementia journey. Both held his hands during his final hours in ER at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. There, he enjoyed a final phone visit with his grandson Peyton Gribble. Shortly before his death, he was transferred back to Hogarth Long Term Care. Heather was with him when he took his last breath.
We would like to thank the amazing staff working the evening of Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the emergency department at the Regional Hospital, who did their absolute best to ensure Ken’s comfort, and preserve his dignity. They showed incredible patience helping him communicate, holding his hand and keeping him company until family could arrive. Thank you to the EMS team who went above and beyond to honour Ken’s final request to return home to Hogarth, and to the Night nurse, Annette, on his floor for facilitating his transfer home and her compassion both to Ken in his final moments and her support immediately following. Thank you to his friends on his floor who waited up for Ken to come home, and for the years of companionship they shared. Thank you to his friend Karol for continuing to involve him in your conversations on the days he struggled to speak, for including him and encouraging him to root for a team while you watched sports together, for endless cups of hot chocolate and coffee, for keeping an eye on him when we couldn’t always be there, and for calling Heather if dad was having a rough day.
Ken is survived by his children Jason (Arin), Heather (Trevor), Dana (David), Ryan (Karen) and former daughter in law, Marlene Ross (Andy), and his 9 grandchildren: Nicholas Harmer (Eden), Kenzie Harmer, Peyton Gribble (Erica), Rhiannon Ross (Jeremy), Ariel Ross-Beck, Aurora Beck (Meher), Zackary Ruthven, Elliott Ruthven, and Theo Ross, as well as his good friend Jenny Sharpe. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Judy Beck, and his treasured cousin Faye.
Final arrangements were entrusted to Simpler Times for cremation. A celebration of life will follow late spring or early summer when Ken’s children Dana and Ryan, as well as grandchildren Aurora-Eve and Nick are able to travel back to Thunder Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Ken’s favourite charities, Heart & Stroke and Canadian Cancer society, or to a charity of your choice. We encourage you to spread kindness, laugh often and make memories to last a lifetime.
