Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of retired businessman Brian Earle Beckingham Sr. on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Born on February 19, 1946, the son of the late Earle P. Beckingham and Mary Madelon McCann. Brian is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Ann (Waddell), two sons Michael (Paula) and Brian Jr. (Korissa) both of Saint John, one daughter Laura Moffatt of Quispamsis, eight beautiful grandchildren Michael, Brandon, Austin, Samantha, Brycen, Adrihanna, Declan and Dominik.
Brian’s love for children saw he and his wife Carol become foster parents to many children over the years. Brian was affectionately known as “Bump” to his many foster children.
He is also survived by his brothers Donnie (Muriel Roberts), Ronnie, Terry Hopey (Lynn) all of Saint John, and Larry (Joan) of Rodney, Ontario; sister Christine of Saint John; sisters-in-law Janet Palmer (Robert) and Darlene Waddell and only cousin on mother’s side Irene Taylor (late Don) of Peticodiac as well as several other cousins, nieces and nephews.
Brian began his retail career at Wiezel Bros. which he went on to purchase and was owner/operator for several years. Brian loved Saint John and was deeply involved in volunteer work. Most recently his volunteer work included serving as a member of the Board of Directors of Fundy Funeral Home as well as it’s Business Director, Past Chairman of the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority, a Director of the Saint John Foster Family Association, and served as member of its Foster Assistance Support Team. Brian has served in several organizations over the years such as Past President of Fundy Funeral Home for many years, Past President of Uptown Saint John, Past President of the Saint John Volunteer Centre, Past Chairman of the Saint John Kidney Foundation March Drive, Past Vice President of Central Business Development Corporation, Past Chairman of the Saint John Planning Advisory Commission, Past member of Saint John Rotary, Past member of the Saint John Board of Trade and served as a member of the Board of Trade Council, Past Team Captain for the United Way, Past Member of the YMYWCA Business Review Board, Past Vice President and Director of Saint John Kidney Foundation, Past Director of Loyalist Days, Past Director of New Brunswick Foster Family Association, Past Vice President of Atlantic Shoe Retailers Association, Past Coordinator and Fund Raising Manager for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Past member of the Saint John Taxi Commission, Past Chairman of Hospice Art Sale, and others.
Brian’s enjoyment of children included coaching teams in the former Saint John Youth Minor Ball Hockey League. Brian could often be found at local hockey rinks, ball fields, and community centres in support of his “children”.
In addition to his parents, Brian was predeceased by brothers Pat, Gerry, Paul and Keith, sisters Paulette and Becky; sisters-in-law Linda, Martha, Lada and Debbie; brothers-in-law Wayne, Leo and Clyde.
Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424) on Wednesday, September 16 from 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, September 17 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Assumption Church on Friday, September 18 at 12 noon. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Please note that Covid 19 restrictions will be observed, and masks are strongly recommended.
Remembrances in memory of Brian may be made to Diabetes Association, Saint John Regional Hospital Cardiac Care Program or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Brian Earle Beckingham February 19 1946 September 14 2020 (age 74)..
Death notice for the town of: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick